Pictures by Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool
Text by Mike Charopka

The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally came to an electrifying conclusion, marking another chapter in the legendary race’s history. The grueling 7,828 km (4,864 miles) marathon across Saudi Arabia saw 175 vehicles cross the final finish line, with 52 more finishing using joker rules and 108 forced into premature exits. Among the finishers were 77 bikes (67 in Rally 2), 40 Ultimate cars, 1 Stock car, 21 Challengers, 23 SSVs, and 13 trucks.

This year’s Dakar saw intense rivalries, unexpected turns, and history being made—none more so than in the Ultimate class, where a privateer team bested factory giants. Meanwhile, American racers delivered an unforgettable performance, securing victories and proving their strength in every category.

Ultimate: A Privateer Triumphs, Ford vs. Dacia Rivalry Unfolds

Toyota dominated the top class, but the biggest story was the stunning victory of Yazeed Al-Rajhi. The Saudi driver, competing with Overdrive Racing, outpaced Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Henk Lategan, securing his first-ever Dakar title with a margin of 3m57s. Al-Rajhi’s triumph was historic—becoming the first Saudi to win the race in his home country and the first privateer to defeat factory teams in 25 years.

The battle for third was fierce, with Mattias Ekström clinching the final podium spot for Ford after teammate Carlos Sainz exited early due to roll cage damage. This marked a significant debut for the Ford Raptor program, as Ekström managed to fend off Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, who had to settle for fourth. Mitch Guthrie Jr., another American star, impressed with a solid fifth-place finish in his first Ultimate category run, while Seth Quintero, at just 22, grabbed two stage wins and finished ninth—a strong statement for the young talent.

SSV: Heger Brings the Crown Back to America

American rookie Brock Heger made his Dakar debut unforgettable, dominating the SSV category in his Polaris RZR. After taking the lead from Stage 4, Heger never looked back, sealing the title with a commanding 2h6m advantage over Can-Am’s Francisco “Chalaco” Lopez.

“Today’s my birthday, so I figured I needed to treat myself to a good birthday present,” said Heger. “We’re Dakar champions, and it hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will on my plane ride back to the USA. It’s a pretty cool accomplishment.”

Meanwhile, Sara Price, another rising American star, made headlines despite facing setbacks. A mechanical issue during the grueling 48-hour chrono stage forced her to retire early. But the crew used their Joker and were able to continue the race in the “experience” mode. It allowed them to secure three stage victories, proving Price’s Dakar potential.

Bikes: Sanders Reigns, Brabec in Top Five

The bike category witnessed a dominant performance from Daniel Sanders, who delivered KTM’s 20th Dakar victory. The Australian rider led the rally from start to finish, fending off Honda’s Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren.

American Dakar legend Ricky Brabec, last year’s champion, put up a strong defense, ultimately finishing fifth. His performance, alongside Skyler Howes, solidified the USA’s presence in the elite ranks of rally-raid motorcycling.

Challenger: Cavigliasso and an American Breakthrough

In the Challenger category, Argentina’s Nicolas Cavigliasso, alongside co-driver Valentina Pertegarini, dominated from the Bisha stage onward. However, the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team made a strong American statement.

Despite mechanical setbacks, Corbin Leaverton showed immense potential, securing three stage podiums. His teammate Gonçalo Guerreiro finished second overall, proving the team’s growing strength in the category.

A Dakar to Remember for American Racers

Dakar 2025 saw one of the largest American contingents in recent history, and their performances lived up to expectations. Brock Heger’s SSV victory, Mitch Guthrie Jr.’s impressive Ultimate debut, and Ricky Brabec’s top-five finish in Bikes showcased the growing influence of the USA in rally-raid racing. Sara Price’s stage wins, Corbin Leaverton’s podium finishes, and Seth Quintero’s aggressive charge in Ultimate further emphasized the depth of American talent.

Even those who didn’t achieve podium finishes displayed remarkable resilience—learning, adapting, and proving that American off-road racers are here to stay. Their presence in Dakar is stronger than ever, and with each passing year, they continue closing the gap to rally-raid’s elite.

The 47th Dakar Ends, But the Journey Continues

With Toyota securing the top two spots, Ford proving its potential, and Dacia making a strong debut, the battle lines for the future of rally-raid have been drawn. The next generation of American off-road racers is stepping up, and with growing support from manufacturers and teams, their Dakar ambitions are only just beginning.

This edition of Dakar delivered drama, triumph, heartbreak, and historic firsts—everything that makes it the world’s toughest motorsport challenge. And as we look ahead to 2026, one thing is certain: American rally-raid racing is on the rise.

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CHECK THE RESULTS ON THE OFFICIAL DAKAR DAKAR RALLY WEBSITE: https://www.dakar.live.worldrallyraidchampionship.com/en/car/12/standings

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