Motorsport Enthusiast Sylvio de Barros Tragically Passes Away in Dakar Rally News
(Jardinópolis, Brazil)
The motorsport community is mourning the loss of Sylvio de Barros, a renowned Brazilian entrepreneur and accomplished off-road racer, who passed away on Monday at the age of 57. Barros, the founder of the online car marketplaces WebMotors and iCarros, died after a tragic accident while visiting a waterfall in Jardinópolis.
Barros had an impressive racing career, competing and winning in both pavement and off-road disciplines. In 1995, he captured the Rally dos Sertões title in the Production bike category before transitioning to four-wheeled competition, where he finished second in the 2018 edition of the event. Barros and a group of investors later acquired the rally’s organizer, Dunas Race, the following year.
Barros’ passion for cross-country rallying led him to the prestigious Dakar Rally, where he made his debut in 2007 on a KTM bike. Although he had to retire that year, he was determined to return and did so in 2017, piloting a Mini All4 Racing for the X-raid Team, finishing a respectable 18th overall.
In February 2023, Barros and co-driver Ramon Sacilotti secured the overall victory in the South American Rally Race, driving his signature Toyota Hilux. Barros’ racing success extended beyond the off-road scene, as he also claimed the Porsche Cup Brasil’s GT3 Cup Challenge titles in 2011 and 2012, followed by the GT3 4.0 class championship in 2018.
“This is a great loss for the Sertões family; for all friends, family and motorsport,” said Sertões CEO Leonora Guedes. “Wherever he was, Sylvio was synonymous with joy. He never went unnoticed anywhere, always filled with good energy. He taught us to live lightly and intensely, with a smile on our faces, and this is his main legacy. He left us too soon and will be greatly missed in all the circles he was a part of.”
Barros is survived by his wife Vanessa and their children, André and Stella. The motorsport world has lost a true champion and visionary, whose passion for racing and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on the industry.
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