Rally Racing: A Journey from Historic France to Modern Saudi Deserts

Rally racing originated in late 19th-century France, with the first car race on unpaved roads in 1890. The Automobile Club de France, established after several informal races, became the first governing body for car races, overseeing the inaugural official race in 1895 from Paris to Bordeaux, covering 1,178 kilometers.
 Rallying expanded to Europe and North America, with the US hosting its first rally in Chicago in 1895.
 This growth led to the establishment of the European Rally Championship in 1935, which included prestigious events such as the Monte Carlo Rally, the Swedish Rally, and the renowned Dakar Rally.
 In Saudi Arabia, rally racing began in Hail Region with its first rally in 2006, marking a new era for motorsport. By 2026, the event will have hosted 21 editions, attracting local and international competitors.
 The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation has since organized other rallies, including in Jeddah, Eastern, and Aseer regions, alongside established Middle Eastern events.
 Today, the Hail Toyota International Baja Rally is prominent in Asia and the Middle East, known for its organization and diverse desert terrain. The next edition is set to launch on January 29, 2026, as a key event on the regional and international motorsport calendars.