The Morocco Rally, which took place from September 28 to October 3, saw American rider Skyler Hauz and Austrian rider Tobias Ebster complete the motorcycle competition on their ZXMOTO 450 Rally bikes. This participation is part of their preparation for the 2027 Dakar Rally. Hauz competed in the RallyGP category, while Ebster participated in the Rally2 category, representing the ZXMOTO Joyride Factory Rally Team. This marked the team's first participation in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
The rally route spanned from the Atlantic coast of Agadir to the dunes of Zagora, presenting diverse terrain for the riders. Hauz and Ebster successfully navigated the challenging course, completing the rally on their bikes. Hauz has prior experience in the Moroccan Rally, having won the title in 2022. Ebster's participation in the Rally2 category allowed the team to compete with two bikes in different categories of the W2RC.
The ZXMOTO 450 Rally bike features a single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 449.9 cc, producing approximately 58 horsepower and 43 Nm of torque. The bike has a dry weight of around 142 kg and is equipped with a 32-liter fuel tank, a suspension system with 305 mm of travel at the front and 300 mm at the rear, and a ground clearance of 310 mm.
This participation in the Morocco Rally served as a test for the ZXMOTO 450 Rally bike in racing conditions. The data collected during the rally will be used to prepare for the 2027 Dakar Rally, which is the team's next goal. The ZXMOTO Joyride Factory Rally Team is also competing in circuit racing, having achieved six victories in the WorldSSP championship this season.
The Morocco Rally was a significant event for the ZXMOTO team, marking their debut in the W2RC. The team's participation in the rally demonstrates their commitment to competing at the highest level in off-road motorcycle racing. The experience gained from this event will be valuable in preparing for future challenges, including the Dakar Rally.
Skyler Hauz and Tobias Ebster's completion of the Morocco Rally is a testament to their skills and endurance as motorcycle racers. Their participation in the event was part of a larger strategy to prepare for the 2027 Dakar Rally. The ZXMOTO team's performance in the rally provides a positive indication of their potential in the W2RC.
The ZXMOTO team's involvement in both rally racing and circuit racing highlights their versatility and dedication to competing in various forms of motorcycle racing. With their continued preparation and development, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the world of off-road motorcycle racing.
Key points
- The ZXMOTO Joyride Factory Rally Team completed their first participation in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) with two bikes in different categories.
- The Morocco Rally served as a test for the ZXMOTO 450 Rally bike in racing conditions, with the data collected to be used in preparation for the 2027 Dakar Rally.
- American rider Skyler Hauz and Austrian rider Tobias Ebster successfully completed the Morocco Rally on their ZXMOTO 450 Rally bikes, preparing for the 2027 Dakar Rally.
