The 1999 edition of the Baja Portalegre 500 was the stage for one of the most unusual and memorable moments in the event’s history — the unexpected appearance of rally driver Adruzilo Lopes… riding a scooter!
The challenge came from journalist and driver Paulo Ribeiro, who also entered the race. The idea was simple, yet daring: to test the limits of completely stock Peugeot scooters across the rough and unpredictable tracks of the Alentejo region.
At the time, Adruzilo Lopes was a big name in both national and international rallying, officially racing for Peugeot. His decision to tackle the Baja on a scooter sparked plenty of curiosity — and smiles.
Backing the team was a first-class support crew: almost the entire Suzuki Shell World Endurance team, proving that even the craziest ideas can be taken seriously.
However, the adventure didn’t last long for the rally champion. Just a few kilometres in, Adruzilo suffered a fall that made him rethink the challenge. Putting his rally career and commitments first, he chose to withdraw — unwilling to risk his future over a fun bet.
His teammate, Paulo Ribeiro, managed to push the limits of his scooter further, completing an impressive 300 km before eventually retiring.
Moments like these — when the unexpected meets competition — are what make the Baja Portalegre 500 so special. A true reminder that the spirit of adventure isn’t measured by the machine you ride, but by the courage it takes to line up at the start.