The stars of U.S. motorsport embrace the Arabian sands to refine their skills and make history in the world’s toughest rally.

The Formula One season concluded under the glitzy lights of Abu Dhabi. Around the same time, the World Rally Raid Championship unofficially kicked off in Dubai. The deserts around it attracted top athletes from across the globe, and American off-road racers are among them. Every December, Dubai becomes these competitors’ principal testing and training ground.

Training Grounds for Champions

Dubai has a unique motorsport ecosystem. Advanced mechanic shops and experienced instructors provide racers with the perfect environment for preparation. The surrounding deserts, extensions of the Empty Quarter, offer challenging dunes, salt flats, and rocky outcrops—ideal for simulating the extreme conditions of Saudi Arabia’s desert in January.

Local and international experts guide racers through the massive dune fields. These grueling sessions help test the drivers’ and navigators’ skills in environments similar to Dakar’s terrain and allow the racers to adapt faster to the two-week marathon.

Spotlight on American Athletes

The South Racing Can-Am team chose Dubai as its testing base this year.

Sara Price, partnered with co-pilot Sean Berriman, made waves during the Dubai International Baja. The duo encountered technical challenges during the race. Still, they worked tirelessly to fine-tune their Maverick in subsequent sessions.

Price, the first American woman to win a Dakar stage, is determined to replicate her success. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:

“Winning Stage 10 at Dakar was a dream come true and making history as the first American woman to achieve that is unforgettable. This year, we’re pushing even harder with South Racing.”

Sean Berriman, a seasoned Dakar champion, added his excitement for their collaboration:

“Teaming up with Sara is incredible. We’re ready to give the world a performance they won’t forget. It’s time to make America number one again!”

Another American crew, Hunter Miller and Andrew Short took to Dubai’s golden sands with South Racing. Short, a rally raid veteran, has consistently delivered impressive Dakar results, including a 6th overall finish in 2019. Meanwhile, Miller, a North American off-road star, is gearing up for his Dakar debut. Together, they aim to bring their combined expertise to the global stage.

A Broader Picture

Beyond individual athletes, the off-road racing community buzzes with activity. Ford Performance recently announced its readiness for Dakar, highlighting its Raptor T1+ and introducing Nani Roma to its lineup alongside American Mitchel Guthrie Jr., Matthias Ekström, and Carlos Sainz.

Rising star Seth Quintero completed testing in Dubai with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, stepping into the Ultimate category seat. His previous role with the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team has been handed over to another Californian talent, Corbin Leaverton.

Teams like the X-Raid team also contribute to the excitement, fine-tuning their strategies and vehicles in preparation for the grueling marathon ahead.

Conclusion

As December wraps up, racers will briefly pause to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones before embarking on the arduous journey to Saudi Arabia for Dakar 2025. Their efforts in Dubai represent the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating World Rally Raid Championship season. For these athletes, the sands of the Arabian Desert aren’t just a training ground—they’re the launchpad for dreams of glory.