Gypsy Jan - 5-26-2012 at 08:29 PM
By Tom Wera 05/23/2012
Three-time Dakar winner Marc Coma has confirmed his entrance in the 2012 Baja 500, which begins June 2 in Baja California, Mexico.
"This will be a different style of Rally compared to the conditions that Coma encounters in the Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, but he has
some experience in these types of "American Baja" events. The MRW Repsol KTM rider has competed in the Baja Nevada 1000 back in 2006, the Spaniard
taking on over 2500 kilometers with teammate Kellon Walch.
During the Baja 500, almost 500 miles will be covered, the event taking place over one day. Riders will pair off in two-man teams using the same bike.
The course is marked by arrows laid out around Baja California, Mexico, negating the use of a roadbook.
Coma will be riding under the KTM USA banner in the Baja 500, using a KTM 450 enduro machine similar to that which he will ride for the next round of
the Raids World Championship in Sardinia. In order to familiarize themselves with the terrain, the riders will practice on the very same course on the
days prior to the race. Coma will travel to Mexico motivated by the opportunity to make his debut in such a prestigious competition, MRW reports.
Marc Coma (MRW Repsol KTM 450 Enduro) says: "The idea of one day participating in this rally has always excited me. This is an event that isn't so
well known in Europe, but it is one of the most important off-road challenges around. I don't want to let an opportunity like this go to waste. After
so many seasons riding I am spurred on by the desire to do new things, and an event like this is hugely motivating. I am on a good run of form as
well.
"This rally has a different format to what we are used to, but we will make the most of the days beforehand to practice and get familiar with what we
might find on race day."
bufeo - 5-27-2012 at 09:23 AM
Some previous comments about Marc's participation in the SCORE Baja 500 on Nomad HERE.
Allen R