Pictures by Red Bull Content Pool, Dakar.com, hondaracingcorporation.com, social media, AI
Text by Mike Charopka

A closer look at the drivers, teams, and machines representing the U.S. in the Dakar Rally across all categories.

With many talents surging at Dakar, America is ready to reclaim its top position. This is the second post where I explain who to root for if you are an American race lover and want to support your fellow compatriots.

American Participation in the Dakar Rally: A Growing Presence

The Dakar Rally, first held in 1979, is widely regarded as the toughest off-road race in the world. Tracking the number of American participants has historically been difficult due to inconsistent data. But in recent years, as has the number of victories, their presence has grown. For several racers and teams, Dakar 2025 will mark their debut, while others return with more experience and bigger ambitions.

America’s breakthrough moment came in 2009 when Robby Gordon finished third overall in the car category, driving his Hummer H3. Gordon’s podium finish made history as the first-ever for an American, proving that U.S. racers could stand among the world’s best. Since then, the number of American competitors has steadily increased. In 2016, five American bikers entered the Dakar. In 2020, Ricky Brabec became the first American to win the Dakar—this time in the bike category. Brabec’s victory signaled a new era where American racers weren’t just participants—they were contenders.

Each year, U.S. racers claim more podiums and stage wins, demonstrating that consistency and preparation lead to even greater achievements.

Ford’s Powerful Lineup

The 2025 Dakar Rally will mark Ford’s second attempt to win this legendary race. Their first entry in 2014 featured two specially prepared Ford Ranger vehicles built in South Africa. Competing in the T1 class for modified production vehicles, the team faced technical issues that prevented them from achieving success.

For Dakar 2025, Ford Performance has teamed up with M-Sport, a British powerhouse known for its World Rally Championship success, to build the Ford Raptor T1+. The lineup of drivers is equally impressive. Four-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz and two-time champion Nani Roma bring experience and titles. They are joined by Mattias Ekström, a Rallycross champion with exceptional adaptability, and talented American racer Mitchell Guthrie Jr., who is looking to make his mark.

Before Dakar, the Ford crews tested the Raptor T1+ in Morocco, where the car revealed electronics and air conditioning issues during rally raids. Despite these early hurdles, the team remains optimistic about its performance and its chances of fighting for the top positions.

Many believe the main competition for victory will come from Ford, Dacia, and Toyota, as each team fields strong lineups.

French rally legend Sebastien Loeb is determined to win his first Dakar. His Qatari teammate, Nasser Al-Attiyah, is equally focused on victory—both drive for Dacia, which enters the competition with new cars that could face unpredictable technical challenges.

Meanwhile, Toyota Gazoo Racing fields its tried-and-tested Hilux chassis, which is famous for reliability. Rising stars like Brazil’s Lucas Morales and American driver Seth Quintero are poised to fight for stage wins and overall victories. After dominating the SSV category, Quintero’s move to the Ultimate category with Toyota signals a bold step in his Dakar career.

The competition in the cars category promises to be fierce, with experienced veterans and young talents all chasing glory.

Rookies of The Most Welcome Category

While the car category attracts major manufacturers, many American racers prefer the SSV category for its affordability and accessibility to smaller teams.

Several promising U.S. debutants in this category will compete in Dakar 2025. Hunter Miller, representing the Can-Am factory team, will compete alongside his experienced co-pilot, Andrew Short. With a strong record in U.S. races, Miller has the skills and support to make a memorable debut.

Another American making his first appearance at Dakar is Corbin Leaverton, who will drive for the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team. Leaverton’s predecessor in the team, Seth Quintero, has already moved up to the Ultimate category. Still, Leaverton looks set to continue the team’s success in a Taurus T3 Max.

The Sebastien Loeb Racing – RZR Factory Racing Team will also feature Brock Heger and his co-pilot Max Eddy in a Polaris RZR Pro R. While Heger makes his debut, Eddy brings extensive experience, having competed in previous Dakars and other international events.

These rookies reflect the growing strength of American talent in rally raids, with each team determined to make an impact.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Dakar Rally starts on January 3rd, and American racers are ready to push boundaries and chase victory.

Ricky Brabec and Skyler Howes from Monster Energy Honda HRC aim for top podium finishes, with Brabec targeting his third win. Rising stars like Mason Klein, who already have stage victories, want to build on their successes.

In the SSV category, the Colorado Motorsport team features experienced racers like Craig Lumsden, Jamie Lambert, Zachary Lumsden, and Shannon Moham, further strengthening the American presence.

Veterans like Kellon Walch, once Robby Gordon’s navigator, bring experience to the field. At the same time, the versatile Sara Price and co-pilot Sean Berriman continue to break barriers, inspiring a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.

With a mix of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers, Dakar 2025 promises to be another milestone in America’s growing dominance in rally raids. U.S. racers are ready to make history again, whether it’s the cars, bikes, or SSV categories.

Closing Note

America’s presence in the Dakar Rally is no longer about just showing up but competing and winning. U.S. racers are proving that they belong at the top, from the experienced pilots in the Ultimate category to the promising rookies in SSV.

As the countdown to Dakar 2025 continues, who are you cheering for? Follow updates, share your favorites, and witness American motorsport push the limits on the world’s most challenging stage.