A local father-and-son duo are currently in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for an ATV show at the Liwa Festival. Last year, the month-long festival drew more than 300,000 people, making it one of the most attended events in the UAE. 

Among those taking part this year are Mike and Hunter Facha of Heavy Metal Customz, a Bonners Ferry-based company. 

From Dec. 19-20, Extreme Mudfest, a Canadian company, will hold four off-road races featuring quads and mega trucks. The company was hired by the UAE’s royal family to assemble a team for the event. Despite never racing with Extreme Mudfest, the Fachas were chosen. Mike Facha sits in the driver's seat, while son Hunter serves as navigator in their vehicle, called the Cockroach Buggy. 

“It didn't seem real,” Mike Facha said. “In fact, the promoters at first were, like, ‘This isn’t real, this is a scam.’ It took a while to get over that, but I’ve just been beside myself.” 

“It’s definitely out of the blue,” Hunter Facha said. “It did not seem real at all. It’s awesome; not many people get to do it.” 

Mike Facha described how the races will be organized. 

“It’s in an arena, so I think they’re just going to line up two of us, and you run laps,” he said.  “You do the fastest you can. There’s going to be a mud pit, which they’ve never had. That’s new to them. They’re really excited about that over there.” 

The Fachas learned about the event only six weeks ago, leaving little time to prepare. 

“We found out about six weeks ago and then had to scramble to prepare the buggy because we were done with our race season,” Facha said. “However, it would not have made it in time by sea freight — that takes 45 days. The royal family promoter air freighted our machines over.” 

Mike Facha said that it had been a dream for someone else in their family to travel to the UAE. 

“The funny part is, my wife's always wanted to go to Dubai and she's not going,” Facha said. “She's happy that our son's going. It's definitely a memory.” 

“I wasn’t nervous at all, but it really hit me seeing the posters,” he added. “The last few days here, I’m definitely feeling the nerves a little bit.” 

Facha credited their sponsors, the local community and family support that makes the racing possible. 

“It’s been an almost seven-days-a-week thing since we started off-road racing, not just for me but for the whole family,” he said. “They all chip in, and we have some pit crew guys that help here and there too, especially at the races.” 

While Facha said he is already very happy with his racing career, this opportunity added an extra layer. 

“I was probably 90% happy with the goals we have achieved,” he said. “We just grabbed another gear.” 

Facha struggled to define the type of racing. 

“There’s not an official name, honestly,” he said. “They call it unlimited. Tire size doesn’t matter. Rear steering doesn’t restrict you.” 

Eight teams will compete, and fans will have the opportunity to meet them after the events. 

“There’s a tent set up for each of us with our own buggies, name, and logo on it,” Facha said. “We’ll sign autographs, take pictures with whoever, hand out stickers, or whatever we might have.” 

Anyone wishing to follow their journey can go to social media and search for Extreme Mudfest or the Cockroach Buggy.  

    Hunter and Mike Facha touch down in the United Arab Emirates.
  

    A vehicle similar to those used by the team lifts off the ground during a jump.