In a significant move, the Dakar Classic has expanded its eligibility criteria for the 2025 edition, allowing vehicles from 2000-2005 to compete. This includes popular models like the Nissan Navara and Bowler Wildcat, adding new excitement to the classic off-road racing event.
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In a major blow to the Dakar Rally, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) has decided to eliminate the Quad category from the 2025 edition of the iconic off-road event. This decision has hit hard for reigning Quad champion Manuel Andújar, who now faces an uncertain future in the race he has competed in for the past seven years.
In a surprising turn of events, German manufacturer Audi has been slapped with a hefty €750,000 fine for abruptly shutting down its cross-country rally program after just one season. The decision, which was deemed to be ‘harming the image’ of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, serves as a cautionary tale for manufacturers in the high-stakes world of Dakar Rally and cross-country racing.
Dacia’s new Sandrider off-road racer has entered its intensive testing phase, with the factory lineup of Nasser Al-Attiyah, Cristina Gutiérrez, and Sébastien Loeb driving and developing the car at various locations in the UK, Wales, and France. The team is focused on meticulously fine-tuning the Sandrider’s performance ahead of its competition debut at the Rallye du Maroc in October and the highly anticipated 2024 Dakar Rally.
The organizers of the Dakar Rally have reduced the top speed for the Truck category in the 2025 event, from 140 km/h to 135 km/h, citing safety reasons. This decision has sparked controversy, with the defending Truck class champion expressing his displeasure. The change aims to address the speed difference between trucks and smaller vehicles, but the drivers argue it will put them at a disadvantage. Despite the setback, the 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be an exciting event with the continued participation of the top contenders.
In a surprising turn of events, Australian off-road racing superstar Toby Price has announced the end of his long-standing partnership with KTM following the 2024 Dakar Rally. The two-time Dakar champion expressed disappointment, but remains grateful for the support KTM provided throughout his illustrious career.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Dakar Rally, Scherer Sport PHX’s Audi took a provisional victory on Sunday after attempts to restart the race, which was halted by fog on Saturday evening and paused for 14 hours, proved unsuccessful. The Rowe Racing BMW team has since appealed the stewards’ decision, protesting the outcome.
Kove Moto, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, has undergone a significant restructuring of its rally raid team following the departure of CEO Zhang Xue in March. While the dedicated Kove rally team has been dissolved, the brand continues to provide factory support for select riders and teams, with a renewed focus on their factory riders Neels Theric and Deng Liansong.