Etihad Arena will be the backdrop for a supercross spectacle as 40 of the world’s best WSX riders head to the UAE for the first time
– Fans can expect an action-packed event full of speed, height, and adrenaline
Abu Dhabi, UAE: As the world’s best supercross riders descend on Yas Island for the FIM World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Saturday, 4th November, Etihad Arena is set to undergo its transformation into a supercross track for the first time ever.
7,000 tonnes of dirt, which has been locally sourced in the UAE, will be trucked into the Middle East’s largest indoor entertainment venue via 400 truckloads for a night of adrenaline and thrills. WSX tracks are designed to deliver high quality racing, and allow opportunities for the riders to go faster, push harder, and deliver a high level of excitement and competitiveness for fans. WSX is not for the faint hearted, with heavy bikes, high speeds, big jumps, and tight turns all setting the scene as the riders battle it out for the win.
Salem Al Sulaimani, Event Operations Director at Ethara, said “The transformation of Etihad Arena into a supercross track for the first time ever will not only showcase the versatility of the world-class venue, but also provide an unforgettable experience for fans and riders alike.
“The success of an event like this, where we are completely transforming a venue, relies on flawless event operations, with every detail from track construction to logistics being carefully orchestrated in collaboration between our local team at Ethara and the track design team at World Supercross from start to finish. Etihad Arena is about to witness the convergence of speed, skill, and some extremely exhilarating stunts, and we can’t wait to see it all come to life on race day.”
Unique two row start gate:
The start of a supercross race is a pivotal moment. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see a dual row start, with ten riders on the front and ten on the rear, a departure from the standard 20-wide configuration. A rider’s start will be of paramount importance, making qualifying and gate picks more critical than ever. The top ten riders at the front will enjoy a distinct advantage over those behind them. In a sport where every inch matters, the Abu Dhabi race and its unique two row start gate promises extreme action.
Rhythms:
The Etihad Arena track will boast several rhythm sections, composed of multiple jumps strung together, allowing riders various line choices based on personal preference, experience, split-second decision making, and strategic moves inspired by their competitors on the day.
Triple jump:
The most significant jump on the track at Etihad Arena, known as the “Triple”, comprises three jumps that riders must clear in a single leap, covering an approximate distance of 70 feet. A miscalculation here could make or break a rider’s performance.
Whoops:
The whoops section presents a long stretch of small, evenly spaced bumps, creating a rolling sensation. Fans will watch on nervously as the WSX riders navigate this section at breakneck speeds, testing their balance, control, and timing. Success here can lead to valuable seconds gained, but even a slight error can result in a significant loss of speed and control.
Outside section:
A distinctive part of the track, looping outside of the Etihad Arena in a first for the venue, the outside section offers two tight rhythm sections with corners that promise exciting passing opportunities, but also pose high risks for errors. Upon re-entering the arena, riders face a challenging wall jump, followed by a split s-bend that presents two distinct line choices. The riders then tackle the rhythm section once more before crossing the finish line.
Finish line double:
Serving as the finish line at Etihad Arena, the “finish line double” is a critical part of the track. While it may seem straightforward, it offers passing opportunities in the corners before and after, rewarding riders with exceptional skill and precision.
The sheer scale of Etihad Arena’s transformation will be a sight to behold. The entire process, from turning a clean venue into a finished racing track, will take approximately four days, involving 16 different forms of earth moving machinery such as excavators, dozers, and street sweepers. The dirt used is clay-based, carefully selected to adhere to safety regulation while providing the ideal composition for the supercross track.
Don’t miss out on this edge-of-your-seat thrilling event that has something for the whole family! Witness the world’s top riders battle it out on a track that promises nothing short of jaw-dropping action and excitement. Limited WSX Abu Dhabi GP tickets are still available, starting at just 110 AED for the day.
Fans looking for even more thrilling experiences can avail the Yas Island Race Season Package – your ticket to an exhilarating experience, providing exclusive access not just to the World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but also to the grand finale of the F1 2023 season in Abu Dhabi on 23-26 November. It features an exclusive track-walk experience on the opening day and provides access to the final F1 race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit. You’ll enjoy prime seating at the new West Straight Grandstand, situated at the end of the circuit’s longest section. That’s not all. The ultimate racing fan experience also includes access to the Pirelli F1 Testing on Tuesday, 28th November, allowing fans to witness some of the sport’s upcoming stars take their first laps in an F1 car around the Yas Marina Circuit track.
About WSX:
The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is an international supercross racing Championship led by SX Global in Australia. The World Supercross Championship was primarily based in the USA before the world governing body for motorcycle sport, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), awarded SX Global the exclusive organisational and commercial rights to stage and promote the World Supercross Championship from 2022 onwards.
Last year, the WSX pilot season was launched at Principality Stadium, Cardiff to over 35,000 fans before it headed down under, where 50,000 fans witnessed the finale across two nights at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. The 2022 Championship saw Ken Roczen from Germany win the WSX class, and Shane McElrath from the USA win the SX2 class.
WSX offers the biggest prize money in World Supercross Championship history, with US$250,000 to be won at each round across the two racing classes – WSX (450cc) and SX2 (250cc). Under its independent team franchise model, the Championship also features unprecedented financial support for teams and riders. WSX provides an elevated experience for fans through unique race formats, broadcast innovations, and in-stadium entertainment suitable for people and families of all ages. Visit WSXChampionship.com to find out more!
2023 World Supercross Championship Calendar:
British GP Villa Park, Birmingham 1 July
Abu Dhabi GP Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi 4 November
Australian GP Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 24-25 November
Etihad Arena will be the backdrop for a supercross spectacle as 40 of the world’s best WSX riders head to the UAE for the first time
– Fans can expect an action-packed event full of speed, height, and adrenaline
Abu Dhabi, UAE: As the world’s best supercross riders descend on Yas Island for the FIM World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Saturday, 4th November, Etihad Arena is set to undergo its transformation into a supercross track for the first time ever.
7,000 tonnes of dirt, which has been locally sourced in the UAE, will be trucked into the Middle East’s largest indoor entertainment venue via 400 truckloads for a night of adrenaline and thrills. WSX tracks are designed to deliver high quality racing, and allow opportunities for the riders to go faster, push harder, and deliver a high level of excitement and competitiveness for fans. WSX is not for the faint hearted, with heavy bikes, high speeds, big jumps, and tight turns all setting the scene as the riders battle it out for the win.
Salem Al Sulaimani, Event Operations Director at Ethara, said “The transformation of Etihad Arena into a supercross track for the first time ever will not only showcase the versatility of the world-class venue, but also provide an unforgettable experience for fans and riders alike.
“The success of an event like this, where we are completely transforming a venue, relies on flawless event operations, with every detail from track construction to logistics being carefully orchestrated in collaboration between our local team at Ethara and the track design team at World Supercross from start to finish. Etihad Arena is about to witness the convergence of speed, skill, and some extremely exhilarating stunts, and we can’t wait to see it all come to life on race day.”
Key highlights of the Etihad Arena Supercross track include:
Unique two row start gate:
The start of a supercross race is a pivotal moment. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see a dual row start, with ten riders on the front and ten on the rear, a departure from the standard 20-wide configuration. A rider’s start will be of paramount importance, making qualifying and gate picks more critical than ever. The top ten riders at the front will enjoy a distinct advantage over those behind them. In a sport where every inch matters, the Abu Dhabi race and its unique two row start gate promises extreme action.
Rhythms:
The Etihad Arena track will boast several rhythm sections, composed of multiple jumps strung together, allowing riders various line choices based on personal preference, experience, split-second decision making, and strategic moves inspired by their competitors on the day.
Triple jump:
The most significant jump on the track at Etihad Arena, known as the “Triple”, comprises three jumps that riders must clear in a single leap, covering an approximate distance of 70 feet. A miscalculation here could make or break a rider’s performance.
Whoops:
The whoops section presents a long stretch of small, evenly spaced bumps, creating a rolling sensation. Fans will watch on nervously as the WSX riders navigate this section at breakneck speeds, testing their balance, control, and timing. Success here can lead to valuable seconds gained, but even a slight error can result in a significant loss of speed and control.
Outside section:
A distinctive part of the track, looping outside of the Etihad Arena in a first for the venue, the outside section offers two tight rhythm sections with corners that promise exciting passing opportunities, but also pose high risks for errors. Upon re-entering the arena, riders face a challenging wall jump, followed by a split s-bend that presents two distinct line choices. The riders then tackle the rhythm section once more before crossing the finish line.
Finish line double:
Serving as the finish line at Etihad Arena, the “finish line double” is a critical part of the track. While it may seem straightforward, it offers passing opportunities in the corners before and after, rewarding riders with exceptional skill and precision.
The sheer scale of Etihad Arena’s transformation will be a sight to behold. The entire process, from turning a clean venue into a finished racing track, will take approximately four days, involving 16 different forms of earth moving machinery such as excavators, dozers, and street sweepers. The dirt used is clay-based, carefully selected to adhere to safety regulation while providing the ideal composition for the supercross track.
Don’t miss out on this edge-of-your-seat thrilling event that has something for the whole family! Witness the world’s top riders battle it out on a track that promises nothing short of jaw-dropping action and excitement. Limited WSX Abu Dhabi GP tickets are still available, starting at just 110 AED for the day.
Fans looking for even more thrilling experiences can avail the Yas Island Race Season Package – your ticket to an exhilarating experience, providing exclusive access not just to the World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but also to the grand finale of the F1 2023 season in Abu Dhabi on 23-26 November. It features an exclusive track-walk experience on the opening day and provides access to the final F1 race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit. You’ll enjoy prime seating at the new West Straight Grandstand, situated at the end of the circuit’s longest section. That’s not all. The ultimate racing fan experience also includes access to the Pirelli F1 Testing on Tuesday, 28th November, allowing fans to witness some of the sport’s upcoming stars take their first laps in an F1 car around the Yas Marina Circuit track.
About WSX:
The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is an international supercross racing Championship led by SX Global in Australia. The World Supercross Championship was primarily based in the USA before the world governing body for motorcycle sport, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), awarded SX Global the exclusive organisational and commercial rights to stage and promote the World Supercross Championship from 2022 onwards.
Last year, the WSX pilot season was launched at Principality Stadium, Cardiff to over 35,000 fans before it headed down under, where 50,000 fans witnessed the finale across two nights at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. The 2022 Championship saw Ken Roczen from Germany win the WSX class, and Shane McElrath from the USA win the SX2 class.
WSX offers the biggest prize money in World Supercross Championship history, with US$250,000 to be won at each round across the two racing classes – WSX (450cc) and SX2 (250cc). Under its independent team franchise model, the Championship also features unprecedented financial support for teams and riders. WSX provides an elevated experience for fans through unique race formats, broadcast innovations, and in-stadium entertainment suitable for people and families of all ages.
2023 World Supercross Championship Calendar:
British GP Villa Park, Birmingham 1 July
Abu Dhabi GP Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi 4 November
Australian GP Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 24-25 November
About Ethara:
Ethara was created following the integration of activities and operations of Flash Entertainment and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. Ethara is setting the standard of excellence in entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices throughout the region, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge, and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, manages an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
Ethara was created following the integration of activities and operations of Flash Entertainment and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. Ethara is setting the standard of excellence in entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices throughout the region, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge, and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, manages an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
