Pordenone, March 4, 2026. Some are still keeping quiet, but many others have immediately declared their participation in the new CI2C, the 2026 Italian Cross Country Championship by ACI Sport, which brings together in a tricolor blender the T1 / T1 Plus (prototypes), T2 (production-derived), T3 / T4 (lightweight tubular), and TH (expired homologation) vehicles.
In ten days, the Italian Baja di Primavera (Spring Baja) begins (March 13-14), renamed the Artugna Race from 2021. This challenge takes place on the "stream that doesn't exist" because its bed is almost always dry, barring heavy rains or a sudden thaw. Organized by the Fuoristrada Club 4x4 Pordenone, the race takes place on the dirt roads of the Pordenone foothills, between the municipalities of Aviano, Budoia, and Polcenigo. Before Covid, the Italian Baja Primavera had a similar scope to the World Cup race, with a (obviously shorter) route along the banks of the Cosa stream and the Tagliamento river, alternating between San Giorgio della Richinvelda, San Martino al Tagliamento, and Valvasone Arzene. Then, a different perspective was sought to shift the tone, offer different scenery, and showcase another portion of the territory in the fascinating setting of the Friulian Dolomites. A long preamble to convey the feeling of a trip that's not only sporting, but also filled with curiosity and good omens.
So here we are, the anticipation tam tam that intrigues enthusiasts and insiders before the cards are revealed. After UFO Samsa and the Sicilian clan with Bordonaro & Co., the one to make a move is Gianluca Morra from Novara, ready to show up at the start with his Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9TD Group T2, a 2006 model, with approximately 160 horsepower, permanent all-wheel drive, driven by the Rally & Co team from Biella, and assisted by Stop & Go from Pavullo nel Frignano. Morra will have Stefano Tironi from Bergamo at his side, and the goal is, needless to say, to "get off to a good start" after last season's various mechanical problems.
Italian Baja Press Office
foto M. Zuin
