The Polaris RZR Pro R is associated with desert racing, but can it navigate a twisty paved stadium course?

The UTV is one of six vehicles that will be used at next weekend’s Race of Champions, to be held at Accor Stadium in Sydney. It is not the only off-road racer on the roster as the FC2 and Supercar Lite rallycross cars are present too.

RZRs are enjoying a bit of a renaissance in the off-road world. The Pro R Factory model has won the last two SCORE International Pro UTV Open titles, the two latest Dakar Rallies in the SSV class, the most recent Baja 1000 for UTVs, and last month’s Toyo Tires Desert Challenge and Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship.

Polaris is no stranger to ROC, having been the race’s official off-road vehicle during its two-year stint in Sweden in 2022 and 2023. As part of that role, cars and snowmobiles were provided for crews as well as drivers to get to and from the course.

The Polaris RZR Pro XP was also used by competitors in the two editions. Even before that, RZRs were used for the 2022 eROC Invitational to determine a sim racing lineup that would appear at the Nations Cup.

Ex-F1 driver Mick Schumacher of Team Germany called the RZR his favorite car at the 2022 ROC. Sébastien Loeb, who will be representing France at this year’s ROC, fields the RZR at Dakar in partnership with RZR Factory Racing.

Pavement-based cars set to take part include the KTM X-Bow Comp R, the Subaru BRZ tS, and the Toyota GR86 Cup.

“All six cars require a unique skill level to get the most out of them,” said ROC president Fredrik Johnsson. “Some drivers will be strong in one car and not so sharp in others, but it is the driver who is the most consistent across all the cars who will put themselves in contention for victory.

“We have a minimum of three cars in each category, so we have a little room in case of major damage, but obviously the plan is to get through the two nights of racing with all cars intact.

“We have an experienced crew of mechanics and engineers on stand-by in case we need them, but the plan is for them to have a relaxing couple of nights. It doesn’t always work out that way.”

Loeb and Schumacher will get more opportunities in the RZR as they will once again represent France and Germany, respectively. Team Australian Off-Road will have a pair of rally raiders too in Molly Taylor and Toby Price; ironically, both are Can-Am ambassadors.

The 2025 Race of Champions will take place on March 7–8.

Featured image credit: Jakke Rontynen / Race of Champions