ABU DHABI: As part of Abu Dhabi GP Week, which wraps up the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, Yas Island on Wednesday night will also be the final World Supercross event of the 2024 championship.
Arab News spoke to two leading figures, from organizers Ethara and WSX, about the significance of hosting the World Supercross Abu Dhabi GP in the capital of the UAE.
Ali Al-Beshr
Executive director of Motorsport Development at Ethara
After the successful debut of WSX in Abu Dhabi last year, what is the significance of hosting the finale this year?
Hosting the WSX finale is a significant step forward for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Last year’s debut showcased our ability to deliver a high-energy, world-class event, and this year we’re taking it to the next level by hosting the championship’s concluding round. This elevates the UAE’s position as a global hub for motorsport, demonstrating not just our logistical and operational capabilities but also our commitment to bringing diverse motorsport disciplines to the region.
What can fans expect from this year’s WSX finale, and how is it different from last year’s event?
From the moment fans step into Etihad Arena, they’ll feel the excitement of a championship-deciding event. With activities like pit walks, where fans can see the bikes and teams up close, and meet-and-greet sessions with the riders, fans are given unique access to the stars of the sport.
The track design has also been reimagined to make the races even more competitive and thrilling. Being the finale, there’s an added intensity as riders compete for the WSX and SX2 titles. Combined with larger fan zones and entertainment offerings, this year’s event is going to be a step up from last year’s event.
How do you see WSX influencing the growth of motorsport culture in the UAE?
WSX is a game-changer for motorsport culture in the UAE. It introduces a fresh, dynamic element to our calendar and appeals to a younger, more diverse audience. The high-adrenaline nature of supercross, with its sharp turns, steep jumps, and competitive intensity, makes it a sport that draws people in instantly. By hosting WSX, we’re not only entertaining fans but also inspiring them, especially young people who may want to pursue motorsport as a passion or career. This event complements our existing motorsport offerings at Ethara, like Formula 1 and karting, and helps to broaden the UAE’s reputation as a leader in motorsport innovation and development.
How is the WSX finale aligned with your vision for long-term motorsport development in the UAE?
The WSX finale aligns seamlessly with our long-term goals for motorsport in the UAE. Our vision is to create a motorsport ecosystem that is diverse, inclusive, and globally recognized. By bringing a sport like supercross to Abu Dhabi, we’re expanding the range of motorsport disciplines available in the region, inspiring interest from fans and aspiring athletes. Beyond the spectacle, events like WSX foster grassroots engagement by introducing new audiences to the thrill of motorsport and creating pathways for future talent development. The UAE has always been a pioneer in hosting world-class events, and by integrating WSX into our portfolio, we’re reinforcing our position as a hub for innovation, excellence, and community-focused growth in motorsport.
Tom Burwell,
CEO of WSX
How does having the WSX season finale in Abu Dhabi align with your vision for the championship’s global expansion?
Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for the WSX finale because of its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events and its global connectivity. The city offers unmatched infrastructure, a welcoming environment, and a unique ability to bring together fans from across the globe. Partnering with Abu Dhabi helps achieve our vision of making WSX a truly international championship by introducing supercross to new audiences.
How is WSX working to grow supercross as a sport in regions like the Middle East, where it is still relatively new?
By creating exciting, accessible events that introduce the series to new fans. By hosting our finale in Abu Dhabi, we’re showcasing the sport at its highest level, inspiring local interest and encouraging growth in the region. We also work to engage with the community through rider interactions, fan activations, and collaborations with local stakeholders to foster grassroots enthusiasm for the sport.
Do you see WSX becoming a recurring event in Abu Dhabi, and are there plans to expand its presence elsewhere the Middle East?
Abu Dhabi has already proven to be an outstanding partner for WSX, through races in previous seasons thanks to our collaboration with Ethara, a highly esteemed organisation in the region with a proven track record of delivering world-class events like Formula 1. This strong, long-standing relationship gives us great confidence in Abu Dhabi’s ability to host exceptional supercross events year after year. Ethara’s expertise and reputation solidify Abu Dhabi as a cornerstone of our vision for WSX in the Middle East. While we’re eager to expand supercross across the region, Abu Dhabi will remain a central part of our journey as we grow the sport globally.
