#RZRRacers: Portuguese National Baja and Cross Country competitor, Rui Serpa
#RZRRacers: Rui Serpa, portugiesischer Baja National und Cross Country Rennfahrer

As the iconic RZR celebrates its 10th birthday this year, we take a look at the racers who have taken it to victory throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. Next up in our series is Rui Serpa from Portugal, competing in the National Baja and Cross Country Championship.

Rui has been racing a Polaris RZR for two years and briefly raced in a different machine but swapped back at the earliest opportunity to his Polaris Racing machine. Describing the RZR as the ‘perfect package’, it was an easy decision.

“Soon after I raced in another machine, I realised that the RZR was by far the superior machine for me. The characteristics that make the Polaris RZR the most valuable racing proposition in the market is the chassis design and performance, the plentiful engine power and the reliability. All of these points combined with the credibility and heritage of the Polaris name and the local dealer network and engagement made it an easy choice for me.

“As a racer, you are pushing yourself and the machine to the limit and you need to have complete trust in both. With the Polaris, I do. The chassis performance is unrivalled and the suspension performs brilliantly. It allows me to overcome obstacles in the shortest time possible, ensuring I have good results in the Championship.”

In racing, team working and maintaining focus on the end result are key – both of which were put to the test for Rui last year.

“My biggest racing achievement with Polaris was my third place finish in Baja do Pinhal 2016. I experienced some difficulties during the two-day race but the fast reaction of my team and the fact that I kept my focus on the race were critical. That was one of the moments where I looked at my surroundings and was extremely happy to be doing what I was doing and proud of the team. After the race, I went for a beer – or a couple of beers – and some ‘Tapas’ with the team as well as my family and friends who came to see the race.”

Competitive in nature – both personally and professionally – Rui’s love for racing is evident, which is lucky because it takes up a lot of his time.

“I love the competition element of racing. It’s something I have done all my life as I have played sports. I find I need to be competitive in my professional life too – always striving for the top and wanting to stay ahead. I like to introduce the planning, continuous improvement and competition into my hobbies. I think this is what has allowed me to improve and finish

“Training and testing take up my weekends – usually two a month – and then on a weekly basis I have obligations to the team. Obviously I am often thinking about racing too and looking forward to the upcoming rounds. The atmosphere at races is brilliant – we are a community and there are friendships between the drivers so I enjoy spending time at races and speaking with other racers. I am thankful – as are many other people – to Polaris for promoting the discipline by running the Polaris RZR Trophy here in Portugal.”

Ten years ago, Polaris changed the off-road world forever with the launch of the RZR 800. At 50-inches wide, the vehicle was the first trail-capable side-by-side offering a low center of gravity, unparalleled handling, ground-hugging performance and unmatched acceleration for a true sport experience. Now, the iconic Polaris RZR is the considered the ultimate combination of power, suspension, agility and comfort. Fueled by relentless innovation, the Polaris RZR range has been designed to dominate every type of off-road terrain. From trail and desert riding to duning, rock crawling and mudding – the RZR allows users to do it all.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at: press@polaris-orv.media or follow us on Twitter @polarisEMEA_PR

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com