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The Dakar Rally is a famous motorsport event involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, quads, and Side by Sides. It used to finish in Senegal but moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020. Originating from an idea in 1976 after a desert mishap, the rally grew from a simple event to a high-profile, dangerous competition. It’s marked by extreme conditions, sadly resulting in fatalities among participants and locals, even claiming the life of its founder in a helicopter crash in 1986.
Initially known as the “Paris-Dakar” due to starting from Paris, it evolved from its glamorous French beginnings to embrace tough African terrains. Shifting to South America in 2009, it introduced new categories like quads and eventually moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020. Safety measures improved, and a classic category, featuring vintage vehicles, debuted in 2021.
The race demands immense preparation, and many participants don’t finish. Those who do endure grueling conditions, with journeys to the starting line sometimes longer than an F1 race. It’s a tough challenge; failure to finish a stage results in disqualification. Even recovery after the rally takes over a month for some racers.
KTM holds a remarkable record with 18 consecutive wins, while the race’s rules are stringent: if you can’t fix your vehicle, you’re out. There are marathon stages without external support and speed limits for safety. The Dakar, despite its difficulties, continues to test participants’ endurance and determination.
Photo sources: DakarRally, TopGear, DakarHistory
