Mohammed Balooshi to lead KTM-UAE Racing Team's challenge

Abu Dhabi - KTM, which enjoyed a dream run by winning the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from 2001 to 2013, announced its full return by unveiling the KTM-UAE Racing Team, consisting of 19 riders from the UAE and from around the world.

By James Jose (senior Reporter) (james@khaleejtimes.com)

Published: Wed 24 Sep 2014, 11:09 AM

Last updated: Mon 11 Oct 2021, 8:12 AM

Double Arab motocross champion Emirati rider Mohammed Balooshi, who became the first Emirati to compete in the famed Dakar Rally on a motorbike in 2012, will spearhead KTM’s challenge as one of the leading sport motorcycle manufacturers, makes a return to the Middle East racing scene.

KTM, which enjoyed a dream run by winning the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from 2001 to 2013, announced its full return by unveiling the KTM-UAE Racing Team, consisting of 19 riders from the UAE and from around the world.

Balooshi, began his career in 2002 and was adjudged as the UAE’s best motocross rider a year later at the Red Bull Super X event held in Abu Dhabi.

Balooshi went on to twice claim the title of UAE Motocross Champion, and was victorious in the Arab Motocross Championships in both 2009 and 2010.

The team also includes Mohammed Jaffar, Abdullah Al Shatti, KTM Factory Team rider Sam Sunderland, Jake Shipton, Nicolas Kefford, Clinton Wyngard and Jordan Cabaud.

“It’s a great honour to be part of the new KTM-UAE Racing Team in what promises to be an exciting comeback season for everyone involved. We undoubtedly have a very strong rider line-up across a number of disciplines, and I’m hoping to achieve some great results this season, that will build the foundation for future successes,” Balooshi said.

The Emirati was also pleased to see more local riders in the team. “Having other local riders as part of the team is fantastic, as it highlights the strength of Emirati racing and the talent pool that this country possesses, both now and for the years to come,” he added.

The Austrian manufacturers will be competing in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the Emirates Desert Championship, Dubai Motocross Championship and the GCC Motocross Championship. They will also be making their debut in the UAE Superbike Championship as well as an entry level street racing programme which will be introduced later this season.

Sunderland, who began riding at the age of 10, is a Red Bull KTM Factory Rally Team rider and the 24-year-old, has taken part in the Dakar Rally as well as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, a race that he missed out on winning in 2013, on a minor technicality.

“KTM has always had a long term affiliation in motorbike racing across the region, and the whole company is highly motivated and proud to be back competing in the shape of the KTM-UAE Racing Team,” KTM Middle East General Manager Michael Winter, said.