The third edition of the Red Bull Ace of Dirt will take place on March 26 and 27 at the Big Rock Dirtpark near Bengaluru. The winner of the bike off-roading event will earn the chance to train with rally ace CS Santosh.

• 66 riders to participate
• Winner will get to train with CS Santosh

2022 Red Bull Ace of Dirt: what’s new?

The number of participants has more than doubled compared to the previous two editions. This time, 66 selected riders – comprising a mix of both amateur and professional riders – have been invited to battle it out. The course will consist of Motocross, Enduro and Dirt track sections.

To further up the challenge, the latest course will feature a number of new obstacles like tyre staircase, slush pit, logs, spool jumps and more. Qualifying races will narrow the field down to 36 riders, who will then compete across four different heats. The top 16 from these will progress to the final race in a bid to claim top honours.

Further explaining this year’s event, CS Santosh said, “It is special because it is a race in India, which kind of mimics the requirements that are needed from an athlete to complete a rally like Dakar. We have tried to incorporate various elements of off-road riding and provide amateur and professional riders a stepping stone to think and aspire to compete in a rally like the Dakar.”

International riders to participate for the first time

For the first time, five international riders will also compete in this year’s Red Bull Ace of Dirt. “This year is special as we are going international. Indian riders will get a chance to interact, ride and compete with few international riders on Indian Motorcycles in India, which gives them a way forward to the dreams they have. It is pretty much the hardest motorcycle race we have in India, also in a format which could help a rider improve his/her skills,” added CS Santosh.

The winners of the previous two editions, Mahesh VM and Yuva Kumar will also return to compete this year.