Baja XL facts for kids
| Category | Rally raid |
|---|---|
| Region | United States Mexico  |
| Inaugural season | 2017 |
| Teams | 120 |
| Official website | www.BajaXL.org |
 Current season |
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The Baja XL is an exciting off-road adventure and charity event. It's like a big road trip and rally combined! This event happens every two years. It was created by the same people who organize the Budapest-Bamako, which is the world's biggest amateur rally.
The Baja XL is a simpler, more affordable version of famous races like the Baja 1000 and the Dakar Rally. It used to be called the Baja 4000. The very first Baja XL event took place in January 2017. It started in Los Angeles, USA, and covered 4,000 kilometers across the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. In 2019, 120 teams joined the second Baja XL adventure.
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What is the Baja XL Rally?
The Baja XL is a special kind of rally. It's not just about speed. It's an adventure where teams drive across challenging terrain. The main goal is to have fun and help others.
How the Baja XL Works
The main idea behind the Baja XL is "Anyone, By Anything, In Any Way." This means almost anyone can join, using almost any vehicle. There are no strict rules about the route you must take.
Teams need to complete daily travel sections. These sections go between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas and then back again. It's not a race against the clock. Instead, teams earn points for finishing each daily section.
There are also fun challenges along the way. These are like treasure hunts called geocaching. Teams can earn extra points by finding hidden spots. Even if a team doesn't finish a section, they can still continue the adventure. Only the people need to reach the finish line, not necessarily their car.
The Baja XL Adventure Route
The rally journey begins in Los Angeles, California. Teams then travel south down the Baja peninsula to Cabo San Lucas. After reaching Cabo San Lucas, they turn around and drive back north to Los Angeles.
Teams can choose to drive along two different paths:
- One path follows the Sea Of Cortez side of the peninsula.
- The other path goes along the Pacific Ocean side.
The entire trip covers more than 4,000 kilometers. This amazing journey takes about 10 days to complete. The route passes through two countries:
Rally Categories for Teams
Teams can choose how they want to participate in the Baja XL. There are two main categories:
- Competitive Category: In this category, teams aim to reach specific navigation points. They also need to complete the daily travel sections. It's a point-based competition, not a timed race.
- Touring Category: Teams in this category travel at their own speed. There is no competition involved. It's all about enjoying the journey and the scenery.
Helping Others: The Charity Mission
The Baja XL is mostly a charity event. It helps raise money for important causes. The rally supports abandoned children and orphans in Mexico. This is done through an organization called Corazon de Vida.
It also helps children who need heart surgeries. This support comes through another group called Cardio Start. By joining the Baja XL, participants help make a real difference in these children's lives.
Why the Name Changed
In the summer of 2018, the Baja 4000 changed its name to Baja XL. This change was made to make the event stand out. Many other rallies use a "Baja + number" name format. The new name, Baja XL, helps people know it's a unique event.
