The patron of the Italian Baja, Mauro Tavella, came back from Qatar; entries will be open today for the 23th edition of the race which will be disputed from June 23rd to June 26th. After taking part in the Sealine Cross Country Rally as FIA Observer, where the supremacy of Nasser Al-Attiyah was confirmed through his performance with a Toyota Hilux Overdrive, our “cowlick” didn’t miss the chance to strike up important contacts with authorities and participants to promote the Pordenone World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.
AL-ATTIYAH. The reigning World Champion promised to come and face the Baja, despite the fact that he’s going to take part for the sixth time at the Olympic Games in clay pigeon shooting discipline. In the meanwhile the passage from Mini to Toyota didn’t modify the high level of his driving performances.
KLEINSCHMIDT. The Sealine hosted also Jutta Kleinschmidt, the only woman who gained victory both at the Dakar and at the Italian Baja (2001). The German blond lady could be back in June to lead a brave “women team” at the Pordenone race.
CLEAN ENERGY. It is definitively confirmed the presence of electric vehicles at the Baja, which will refuel by the photovoltaic system of the Pordenone Fair. The new challenge took on by four wheels vehicles as for clean energy rise interest among expert in the field as well as among people fond of closed track races. We will see how they will face a Cross Country race, paying particular attention at the passage of those silent vehicles.
SHAKEDOWN. The test faced by the race vehicles will offer us a show on Friday morning, June 24th. Four hours along the Tagliamento river to test engine, suspensions, balance and harmony inside of the cockpit. The official start will be given in the afternoon from Cordenons with the Super Special Stage disputed among the fords of the Meduna river, valid as 3rd “Caco Azzaretti” Trophy.
NOMADI. The historical Italian band will perform at the Fair on Sunday evening, June 26th, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Atap, the local society of public transport. Baja’s participants will receive a special pass to assist at the concert and maybe even sing with the band the famous song “Io vagabondo” (recorded in the Spanish version as “Yo vagabundo”).
Carlo Ragogna Italian Baja Press Office
