Hedda Hosås: Norway’s Rising Star in Off-Road Racing
A roar in the Jordanian desert marked a historic moment for Norwegian motorsport. Hedda Hosås, 24, clinched victory at the Jordan Baja, becoming the first Norwegian woman to win a round of the FIA Baja World Cup.
“We just kept pushing and found a solid pace. We didn’t understand anything about the times. When I crossed the finish line, I saw a lot of cameras and people cheering. I just thought, ‘How great is this?’,” Hosås told TV 2.
From Extreme E to Baja Dominance
Hosås’s journey to the top hasn’t been straightforward. Having previously competed in the Extreme E series, she transitioned to cross-country rallies in 2024. Her recent win in the production SSV category at the Jordan Rally too secured her an eighth-place overall finish. She currently ranks second overall in the FIA Baja World Cup standings after a sixth-place finish in the SSV class at the Saudi Baja.
The Baja World Cup is renowned as one of the toughest disciplines in global motorsport, demanding both physical endurance and strategic decision-making.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
Hosås’s success is particularly noteworthy given the traditionally male-dominated nature of motorsport. She acknowledges the financial challenges inherent in the sport, stating, “It’s no secret that motorsport is expensive. I try to compete and still set food on the table, but it’s not effortless. It’s about priorities.”
Despite these hurdles, Hosås has clear ambitions: “I’m going to become world champion.”
What is the FIA Baja World Cup?
- The FIA Baja World Cup consists of eight rounds, with the best six results counting towards the overall standings.
- Points are awarded for both overall results and stage times, with separate classes for Junior, Master, SSV, and Stock.
- Hedda Hosås competes in the SSV class.
- Races are held in both the Middle East and Europe, featuring challenging terrain like deserts, and mountains.
- Each race lasts a maximum of four days, with at least 350 km of special stages.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Hallgeir Raknerud, General Secretary of the Norwegian Motorsport Federation, praised Hosås’s achievement. “It’s huge to win at that level and incredibly impressive. She is proof that anything is possible,” he told TV 2. He also highlighted her importance as a role model, stating, “It’s good to have women like her in the sport, someone who can lead the way as an example for others.”
Hosås herself hopes to inspire others, noting that she lacked female role models when she started her career. “That’s why it’s great that I can be one myself,” she said.
Autocirc Partnership and Circularity Advocacy
Hedda Hosås is an ambassador for Autocirc, a company promoting circularity and the reuse of auto parts. Through her social media channels and public appearances, she raises awareness of how reusing original parts can reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower the climate impact of the automotive industry.
As an Autocirc ambassador, Hosås will participate in events and initiatives throughout 2026.
Did you know?
Winning the Jordan Baja makes Hedda Hosås the first Norwegian woman to ever win a round in the FIA Baja World Cup.
Hosås is now looking ahead to the next round of the Baja World Cup in June.
