Moto Race Brings True Rally Navigation to
Norra’s Baja 6-Day Rally
Ensenada, Baja, Mexico
May 7, 2026
While the four-wheel competitors have been battling their way south through Baja, the moto race has been writing its own story on a separate course built around true rally navigation, technical terrain, and old-school Baja grit.
Led by course architect Jimmy Lewis, the moto route has taken riders through a completely different Baja experience than the cars, with navigation playing a major role each day. For current race leader Colton Udall, the format has been a highlight of the week.
“This NORRA race has been epic,” said Udall. “What Jimmy Lewis has been doing with the motorcycle course has been awesome. He’s taken us through different areas, and the tracks have been super smooth in a lot of places. It’s been an up-and-down rally for me, but most of all, I’m having a whole bunch of fun.”
Udall’s week has been anything but simple. After gaining time early in the rally, he was hit with a penalty for missing a waypoint, forcing him to regroup and fight his way back into contention. On Day 5, he moved back into the lead with a strong ride and now heads into the final day at the front of the moto field.
Behind him, Russian racer Ilya Shcheglov has made a huge impression in his first race in Baja. Shcheglov, riding moto #320, held the lead earlier in the week and has been locked in a strong battle with Udall.
“The race is going very well for me,” said Shcheglov. “I am very happy and proud to compete with Colton in one race on one track, and to be able to challenge him. The race itself is incredibly interesting and beautiful. I am super happy to be here and represent Russian motorsports for the first time. Tomorrow is the decisive day, and let the strongest win.”
Day 5 proved especially difficult for Shcheglov, who dealt with slippery rocks, winding roads, front tire and rim damage, and a complete roadbook GPS failure. With navigation compromised, he backed down the pace and focused on reaching the finish safely.
Udall praised Shcheglov’s effort and the level of competition in the moto field.
“Ilya is an awesome navigator,” said Udall. “He’s down here in my territory, so finding that Baja-moving speed is probably the challenge, but it’s been great battling back and forth with him. I’m really digging all the moto competitors.”
Udall is racing a 2022 Honda CRF450RL built with an MST rally kit, transforming the street-legal dual-sport machine into a full rally-style bike. The machine has drawn plenty of attention throughout the rally, especially with its large fuel capacity and Dakar-style look.
With one day remaining, the moto race is set for a final showdown into Cabo San Lucas. After nearly a week of navigation, penalties, mechanical challenges, close calls, and serious Baja terrain, the final stage will decide who comes out on top.
For the moto competitors, NORRA’s Baja 6-Day has delivered exactly what rally racing is supposed to be: navigation, adventure, and a little bit of Baja chaos.
