French rider Adrien Escoffier has become the first-ever Arenacross World Tour champion after a dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi, where Etihad Arena was transformed into a full-scale dirt track for the Middle East debut of the global motorsport event.
Racing for D.A.D APW Racing / Al Yousuf Yamaha, Escoffier secured the title in a high-stakes final that saw championship frontrunner Dean Wilson crash out in the closing stages. After a red flag triggered an early restart, Wilson appeared poised to seal the championship, but a late fall ended his hopes and opened the door for Escoffier, who finished second and overtook him in the points tally. Michael Hicks won the race, helping Stark Future Racing clinch the team championship.
The season finale marked a significant milestone for motorsport in the region. Within 48 hours, the multipurpose Etihad Arena was transformed into a professional-grade indoor circuit. Over 3,000 tonnes of dirt were used to construct a course that met international standards, complete with custom-built rigging, lighting, and safety systems, executed by a 40-person specialist crew.
“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,” said Ali Al Beshr, Yas Marina Circuit General Manager at Ethara. “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.”
In a nod to grassroots development, the event also featured My First Race Abu Dhabi, a new programme aimed at introducing young talent to competitive motocross. Children aged five to seven were given the chance to train, gear up in custom kits, and race on the same track as the professionals. One standout rider even took home a Stacyc electric bike as a prize.
“Arenacross has always been about building pathways for the next generation of riders,” said Matt Bates, CEO of Arenacross. “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 Abu Dhabi leg concluded a thrilling international season for the Arenacross World Tour, laying the foundation for further motorsport expansion in the Middle East.
