Historic Weekend: Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena Hosts Inaugural Arenacross World Tour Finals with Top Riders

This weekend, Abu Dhabi entered the record books by hosting the inaugural finals of the Arenacross World Tour at the Etihad Arena, marking a significant achievement in motorsport history. The event showcased the culmination of a gripping global season, bringing together the world's top riders in a high-octane finale.

During the final race, a pivotal moment occurred when Dean Wilson, who was leading the championship, suffered a crash in the latter part of the race while in contention for the title. This incident, following a race restart due to an earlier mishap, paved the way for Adrien Escoffier of D.A.D APW Racing / Al Yousuf Yamaha to clinch second place and, with it, the overall championship. The race victory went to Michael Hicks, contributing to Stark Future Racing's victory in the team category.

Transforming Etihad Arena into a venue fit for this premiere event was no small feat. In a span of just two days, over 3000 tonnes of dirt were meticulously crafted into a professional indoor circuit adhering to international standards. This transformation was achieved by a dedicated team of 40 specialists, ensuring the track was equipped with custom rigging, lighting, and safety features, setting a new benchmark for regional motorsport events.

Ali Al Beshr, Yas Marina Circuit General Manager at Ethara, said, "At Ethara, we support motorsports at every level across many disciplines, and we are delighted to bring the Arenacross World Tour Finals to fans here in Abu Dhabi. Witnessing the passion, skill, and intensity of these world-class riders was truly inspiring. Events like this fuel our drive to deliver unforgettable experiences, grow sport across the region and make Abu Dhabi a destination that motorsport fans can't miss."

Further enriching the event was the "My First Race Abu Dhabi" initiative, aimed at introducing children aged 5–7 to professional motocross. This initiative, a collaboration between the Arenacross World Tour and ANB Motorsports, provided six young enthusiasts with comprehensive training, bespoke racing kits, and a memorable podium experience on the professional track. The program also included giving away a Stacyc electric bike to one fortunate participant, inspiring the next generation of racers.

Matt Bates, CEO of Arenacross, added, "Arenacross has always been about building pathways for the next generation of riders. No other indoor series integrates youth racing at this level – and to bring that spirit to Abu Dhabi, in partnership with such forward-thinking collaborators, has been incredibly rewarding."

The successful staging of the Arenacross World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi not only celebrated the achievements of today's top riders but also laid a foundation for the future of the sport. Through initiatives like "My First Race Abu Dhabi," the event went beyond competition, offering young enthusiasts a platform to embark on their motorsport journey.