Pictures by Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool
Text by Mike Charopka
The rally raid’s first stage tested both organizers and competitors, with safety malfunctions forcing racers into risky maneuvers and strategic gambles.
A malfunction in the safety systems prompted racers to be more cautious during the stage, often risking their vehicles during overtakes. Second place in cars, Guerlain Chicherit (X-raid Mini JCW) shared: “We went straight into a tree, avoiding a biker who was right next to me in the dust. We didn’t have any GPS anymore. I’m slightly annoyed, but it was the same for everyone else. Only cosmetic damage.”
Race director David Castera acknowledged the likelihood of complaints from racers but assured that resolving the issue would be treated as a top priority: “The drivers will complain about it, for sure, that I am used to. But it appears that it’s the same for everyone. Above all, it’s a safety issue because it’s to alert them about bikers nearby and to be able to pass safely. But we have to find the solution and make sure that it works properly for tomorrow.”
Racers also voiced concerns about the stage format and overall race design. The upcoming 48-Hour Chrono stage will force strategy to prevail over outright speed. Several competitors opted for strategic pauses, allowing others to overtake and secure more favorable starting positions for the next day. Typically, cars follow bikers’ tracks for easier navigation, but this time, the leading car will face an uncharted route in the second stage. This approach leaves the leading car more prone to navigation errors, adding an extra layer of difficulty. The triumphant of the first stage, American Seth Quintero, will have a harsh time from this point of view.
Nasser Al-Attiyah from the Dacia team called the stage “boring.” He said, “I think people would understand because today is not really fun. We just drive easily, and it is boring. There is no competition. I hope the rule can change.” He stopped for ten minutes during the stage to obtain a better starting position the next day.
As the dust settled, American racers reflected on the day’s challenges and shared their experiences.
Brock Heger and Maxx Eddy finished the stage in third place in the SSV category. They also experienced a glitch with the roadbook and had to find their way to the finish. Heger concluded: “A fun day, and the Polaris RZR from SEBASTIEN LOEB RACING – RZR FACTORY RACING ran great. Looking forward to the 48-hour stage, long race ahead of us.”
Californian Corbin Leaverton from RED BULL OFF-ROAD JR TEAM USA BY BFG found the stage insightful on his Instagram: “Today we did a bit of learning. Tough day having to manage a couple little issues but glad to bring it to the finish without losing too much time and still be in the fight. Looking forward to the start of the 48-hour chrono stage tomorrow!”
Skyler Howes from MONSTER ENERGY HONDA HRC finished fourth. He found the stage “demanding.” Howes ran upon German biker Sebastian Bühler, who broke his collar bone, and waited for the medical helicopter with him. Then he continued the stage, focusing on a clean run behind another American, Ricky Brabec: “The dust was super heavy and a lot of thorn trees to make it even more fun. The navigation got tricky in a few areas and we lost a few minutes but still in a good position for the 1000km chrono stage starting tomorrow.”
The American racers and crews finished the first stage in competitive form, setting the stage for the challenges of the 48-Hour Chrono ahead. Fans eagerly await how their strategies will unfold in the coming days.
Results after Stage 1 on the Dakar Rally website:
Racing Mindset 
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