Baja TT do Pinhal and Baja TT Wine Capital of Portugal: Two races in a row for the Portuguese championship

Portugal's unusual cross-country rally season got much more busy and difficult to manage for teams and organizers after last week's decision of the ministry that forced the postponement of Baja do Pinhal for one week later, due to the high risk of forest fires.

The Covid-19 Pandemic, like in the rest of the world, was the cause for the revision of the Portuguese calendar, that should have resumed competition in last week with Baja do Pinhal, and continue 15 days later with Baja TT Wine Capital of Portugal in Alentejo region.

The Ministry decision came as a malevolous surprise, that in a first moment made Escuderia de Castelo Branco cancel Baja do Pinhal, but in a second moment after many urgent contacts, they decided to postpone the event for one week later, taking in consideration many details, including the fact that the race was also the first event valid for FIM Baja World Cup.     

At this moment, while Escuderia de Castelo Branco is (finishing) again all the details to put their race on the road next weekend, SAR-Motorismo, the organizer of Baja TT Wine Capital of Portugal is also giving the final touches to their race that will take place one week later.

The race based in Reguengos de Monsaraz, near the Alqueva artificial lake (the largest man-made lake in Europe) will start on Friday 25 of September with the normal formalities, but that will take place under the Covid-19 Contingency Plan.  
The competition of all categories will only start on Saturday with two passages over an 82,3km stage and finish on Sunday again with a double run of a 65km stage.

Baja TT Wine Capital of Portugal will be valid for the local championships of all categories, including cars, motos, quads and SSV's

After this "double run" the drivers and riders will not have much time to rest as the following race - Baja TT Idanha-a-Nova, will take place just three weeks later, at 17 and 18 of October.

Rally-Raid Network