An international rally through dunes and mountains
The terrain of Saudi Arabia is ideal for racing modified 4x4 vehicles through. The sand dunes, the shale fields, the rocky outcrops all make for good racing and exciting viewing.
Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally
Having achieved success on the Middle Eastern Rally Championship, Saudi driver Abdullah Bakhashab has been involved with assembling a team to organize the Jeddah Rally, to add to the annual motorsports circuit in Saudi Arabia.
The Competitors
First run in 2014, the Jeddah Rally attracts many of the entrants the Ha’il Rally does, with competitors being both Saudis and other nationalities. Again, like Ha’il, there are professional racing vehicles as well as keen amateurs who have embraced the challenge of preparing a vehicle to race several hundred kilometers through the desert.
Motorbikes and Quads are encouraged to enter the Jeddah Rally
The Stages
The opening leg of the Jeddah Rally is run at night
The first stage, run at a location to maximize the viewing opportunities for spectators, and at night so the heat and humidity of the Jeddah coast has dissipated somewhat, involves competitors racing round a track in order to record the best time and battle for starting position.
Racing through the shale fields during the Jeddah Rally
The next two days are dedicated to stages run in the desert.
Racing through the sand at the Jeddah Rallly
To keep up to date with the latest news about the Jeddah Rally, click here
The organizers have worked in close consultation with the Civil Defence and Police to make sure there are easily accessible viewing points for spectators, at vantage points that will provide some spectacle, as well as the start and finish lines.
A father and his children watching the action at the Jeddah Rally
Safety First
Helicopters are available in case of emergencies at the Jeddah Rally
Whenever venturing onto the desert, whether as a recreational group or a sporting event, safety needs to be a primary concern. Not only is the safety equipment checked thoroughly, but spare parts are also a necessity, and keeping an eye on the proceedings from the sky there are military helicopters that can react quickly in case of emergencies.
Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally
Whilst not yet having achieved the following of the Ha’il Rally, the Jeddah edition is a well organized event with spectacular racing that will grow every year it is run.
For a short movie showing a Land Rover tackle some of the course, click here
The Jeddah Rally Twitter feed has some great photos from the events
Feel free to add any comments about the Jeddah Rally in the comments section below.
An international rally through dunes and mountains (author: Andy Conder)