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 for cars and people who love exploring! 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.
The first Baja XL took place in January 2017. It started in Los Angeles, USA, and covered 4,000 kilometers down the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. In 2018, the event's name changed from Baja 4000 to Baja XL. The second event happened from January 29 to February 7, 2019, with 120 teams joining the fun.
Contents
What's the Idea Behind It?
The main idea of the Baja XL is just like the Budapest-Bamako's: "Anyone, By Anything, In Any Way." This means there are no strict rules about who can join or what kind of vehicle they can use. Also, there isn't a set route everyone has to follow.
Participants need to complete daily sections of the journey. These sections go between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas and then back again. It's not a race against the clock, so speed isn't the most important thing. Teams earn points for finishing each daily section. There are also special geocaching challenges along the way to earn extra points. Even if a team doesn't finish a section, they can still stay in the rally. Only the people need to reach the finish line, not necessarily their car. Teams can choose to join in a competitive racing category or a more relaxed touring category.
Where Does the Rally Go?
The rally begins in Los Angeles, USA. From there, it travels south along the Baja peninsula all the way to Cabo San Lucas. Then, it heads north back to Los Angeles.
Teams can choose to drive on either side of the peninsula:
- Along the Sea Of Cortez side.
- Or along the Pacific Ocean side.
The journey covers more than 4,000 kilometers (about 2,500 miles) in just 10 days. The rally takes place in two countries:
How Can You Join?
Teams can pick one of two ways to participate:
- Competitive Category: In this category, teams need to reach specific navigation points. They also must complete the daily sections. It's a points-based competition, not a timed race.
- Touring Category: Teams in this category travel at their own speed. There is no competition, so it's more about the adventure and experience.
Helping Others: The Charity Side
The Baja XL is mostly a charity event. It helps raise money for important causes. The rally collects donations for abandoned children and orphans in Mexico through an organization called Corazon de Vida. It also helps children who need heart surgeries through a group called Cardio Start.
Why Did the Name Change?
In the summer of 2018, the Baja 4000 changed its name to Baja XL. This change was made to make the event stand out more. Many other rallies use a "Baja + number" format. The new name helps people know that Baja XL is unique.
