Over 400 competitors hailing from 20 countries embarked on the first official day of the Baja Portalegre 500, this Thursday.
The day was dedicated to technical and administrative checks and the official starting ceremony, drawing in thousands of spectators to the heart of Portalegre. The ACP-organized event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with action set to unfold on the renowned Alentejo tracks, continuing until next Saturday.
Despite the heavy rain that has drenched the Alentejo region and various parts of Portugal in recent weeks, the enduring support from fans for the Baja Portalegre 500 remains unwavering. On Thursday evening, thousands of enthusiasts thronged the streets around Jardim do Tarro, located in the center of Portalegre, to warmly welcome the more than 400 competitors. These athletes will soon take on the challenging course in various categories, including Cars (112 entries), Motorcycles (94), Quads (34), SSVs (79), Promotion / Hobby (59), and Mini Baja (25).
The atmosphere is filled with festivities in anticipation of the race's competitive start on the following morning, featuring the traditional 3.7-kilometer Prologue at Herdade das Coutadas. The Prologue will commence at 7:50 AM for motorbikes, SSVs, and quads, while cars will start at 11:00 AM. Subsequently, competitors will tackle a 61.81-kilometer selective sector, beginning at 10:15 AM for motorbikes, SSVs, and quads, and at 2:30 PM for the cars.
Having been a part of motorsport history since 1987, the 37th edition of the Baja Portalegre 500 is a very significant event. It holds eligibility for the FIA Bajas World Cup and stands as a prominent fixture in the FPAK and FMP national cross-country championships.