From the Wild West of American Racing to the Rigors of Dakar, Sara Price Shares Her Path to Off-Road Glory

Sara Price is no stranger to challenges. As one of America’s top off-road racers, she’s conquered deserts, navigated rocky trails, and competed against some of the toughest drivers in the sport. But taking on the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most grueling endurance races, was an entirely new level. “It wasn’t hard to decide to go,” she says. “The real challenge was making it happen.” With an iron determination and the support of an incredible team, Price made her dream of competing in Dakar a reality. Now, she’s back for more, ready to face the punishing terrains and unforgiving roadbooks that make Dakar infamous.

I spoke with Sara about the upcoming Dakar 2025.

– How difficult was the decision to participate in the Dakar Rally marathon?

– Honestly, deciding to go for it wasn’t the hard part. The real challenge was making it happen and securing the funding. Competing in Dakar has been a dream of mine, and this past year, I finally thought, “No matter what it takes, I’m going.” We pulled it off, and now I’m thrilled to be returning.

– What unique challenges did you face during training before the Dakar?

– There are definite differences between American and European racing. I’m used to American off-road, which doesn’t involve a road book like the Dakar. Learning to navigate with a roadbook was new and took a lot of effort. Thankfully, I had incredible people guiding me through it, helping me prepare. The biggest challenge was ensuring my navigator and I were entirely in sync.

– What key differences have you noticed between races organized by European and American promoters?

– Racing in America feels like the Wild West—less about rules and more about just showing up, going all in, and adapting on the fly. European racing is much more regulated, so strategy becomes crucial. You must think ahead, know the rules, and work within them. It’s a different game because every move counts, and vehicles are closely monitored for compliance.

– How did you manage your emotions and focus during the most challenging moments of the race?

– When I’m focused on a goal, I go all in. That intensity keeps me locked in and doing everything possible to reach it. Of course, there are ups and downs, but staying committed to the process and trusting my instincts helps me handle each moment. That mindset keeps me grounded and making the best decisions, even under pressure.

– How was it to win a stage during the Dakar 2024?

– Winning that stage was incredible—honestly, the best day. I hadn’t planned to win; I focused on driving my best. Winning as the first American female and only the third woman ever felt amazing. Sharing that moment on the podium with my boyfriend, Ricky Brabec, made it even more special.

– How do you see the level of European competitors? Does their racing style differ from that of American racers?

– European racing is highly regulated, so you have to be strategic. You need a complete understanding of the rules, from passing to vehicle weight distribution, because every detail impacts the race. European racers are experts at navigating within those rules and maximizing every advantage, so there’s a lot of experience and finesse involved.

– Could the Dakar race become a winter-leading event for the American public?

– Dakar is already growing in popularity here, and it was amazing to see so many people excited and following our journey. F1 has seen massive success in the U.S., so I don’t see why Dakar couldn’t do the same. It would be incredible if we could bring it closer to America one day, though who knows what the future holds!

– Thank you!

As she reflects on her journey, Sara Price’s vision is clear: to inspire other American racers and fans to see the thrill of Dakar. “The sport’s growing here, and seeing everyone so excited about it has been incredible,” she says. “F1 has made it big in the U.S., and I don’t see why Dakar can’t do the same.” For Price, Dakar is more than just a race—it’s a testament to pushing limits, believing in yourself, and proving that with grit and passion, anything is possible.