Arenacross Abu Dhabi: Adrien Escoffier Becomes First-Ever Arenacross World Tour Champion

Motorsport fans were treated to a night of high-flying drama, bar-banging action, and roaring engines as the Arenacross World Tour Finals lit up Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 5th. For the first time ever, the UAE hosted the final round of the world’s most electrifying indoor motocross championship, and it didn’t disappoint.

The AX Pro Main Race: A Championship Decided by Inches (and Crashes)

Heading into the Finals, Scottish star Dean Wilson led the AX Pro standings. With two heat wins on the night, Wilson looked poised to clinch the inaugural championship title. Cedric Soubeyras, another title contender, also notched up two heat wins, building excitement for the AX Pro Main Race.

But when the gate dropped for the final, it was chaos. Just two laps in, a dramatic collision between Soubeyras and Tommy Searle brought out the red flags. Both riders were fortunately not seriously injured but were ruled out for the rest of the event, landing a blow to their title hopes.

On the restart, Michael Hicks astride his Stark Future motorcycle, snatched the holeshot and never looked back. Dean Wilson charged through the pack from seventh to second, seemingly on track to clinch the championship title. But in a cruel twist of fate, he crashed late in the race, opening the door for Frenchman Adrien Escoffier riding for D.A.D & Al Yousuf Yamaha to secure a heroic second-place finish — and with it, the 2025 Arenacross World Tour Championship.

The final’s podium featured Hicks in first, Escoffier in second, and Jorge Zaragoza in third. But all eyes were on Escoffier, who was crowned the first-ever AX World Tour Champion in front of a thunderous Abu Dhabi crowd.

Future Champions On Track: My First Race, AX Minis, Superminis & Futures

Before the pros battled it out in the finals, the spotlight shone on the next generation of motocross talent. The evening opened with ‘My First Race’ — a heartwarming event where kids aged 5-7 took to the track for the first time, cheered on by family and fans.

Following that were the AX Minis (65cc) and Superminis (85cc) racing together, and Futures (125cc), where young riders aged between 8 and 17 pushed the limits and showcased serious talent. The level of competition and composure shown by these future pros wowed the audience, highlighting just how vital events like Arenacross are for nurturing local and regional off-road racing talent.

FMX Show: Freestyle Mayhem & High-Flying Madness

Between the races, the Arenacross FMX crew delivered an unforgettable spectacle. Riders launched 40 feet into the air, flipping their bikes over massive gaps, pulling off one-handed landers, seat grabs, and crowd-favorite backflips — all choreographed to an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. Every time the 10,000+ member crowd roared, the riders went even bigger.

Displays From Top OEMs

The action wasn’t just on the track. The Etihad Arena lounge area transformed into a motorsports showcase.

• ANB Motorsports, the UAE distributor for KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, displayed an impressive lineup of off-road machinery, including the latest 2-strokes and 4-strokes.
  
• Yamaha and Al Yousuf Motors showed off the Tenere 700, YZF-R1, YZ-250, and even a few ATVs.
  
• Kawasaki and Galadari Powersports brought fan favorites like the KX450, Z1000, ZX-10R, and the outrageous H2R. If those weren’t enough, the Ultra 310 Jet Ski was also showcased.

Fans got up close and personal with the machines, snapped selfies, and even met some of the riders.

The DubiCars Booth: Where Bikers Met The UAE’s No.1 Car Marketplace

As the official media partner of the Arenacross World Tour Finals, DubiCars brought the heat off the track with a booth that quickly became one of the most engaging at the event. From passionate petrolheads to curious families, fans of all ages flocked to the DubiCars booth to:

• Learn about the DubiCars app and marketplace
• Enroll in the DubiDrive video series
• Grab exclusive DubiMerch, including the ultra-cool DubiShades

DubiCars’ QR code activation saw hundreds of fans scan to win goodies, and just like on the track, those who acted fast were rewarded. 

A Sell-Out Success That Showed UAE’s Motorsport Potential

The 2025 Arenacross World Tour Finals not only delivered world-class entertainment but also showcased what the UAE is capable of when it comes to hosting premier motorsport events. From grassroots racing to elite competition, the event highlighted the importance of investing in motorsport infrastructure, rider development, and fan engagement.

With the support of key partners like PKE and Ethara, and the presence of iconic brands and passionate sponsors, the Arenacross World Tour Finals cemented the UAE’s place among global motorsport hubs, and more specifically the off-road and motocross scene in the region.

Adrien Escoffier may have taken the crown, but it was the UAE that won the night. With roaring fans, rising stars, and a showcase of brands that support motorsport from the ground up, the Arenacross World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi proved that dirt, adrenaline, and high-revving engines run deep in the region.

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