[{"id":14859,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/17\/champions-decided-as-2026-dakar-rally-concludes-in-saudi-arabia\/","title":"Champions Decided as 2026 Dakar Rally Concludes in Saudi Arabia","content":"The 48th Dakar Rally is in the books. The rally covered almost 8,000 km of punishing desert terrain in Saudi Arabia, delivered heartbreak and triumph until the final kilometers of the rally. After 13 grueling stages, the champions were crowned in a whirlwind finish that fans won\u2019t soon forget.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14861\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Brock Heger secured his second consecutive Dakar title. Photo: A.S.O.\/J.Delfosse\/DPPI[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe biggest story in the United States was Brock Heger claiming his second rally title. Heger dominated the class taking the early overall lead during the rally. The SSV category saw multiple Polaris RZR vehicles finish highly, with Polaris securing the top and third positions in the final standings.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14863\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Luciano Benavides beat Ricky Brabec by 2 minutes to win the overall Dakar motorcycle title. Photo: A.S.O.\/Jennifer Lindini[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn what became one of the closest overall finishes in Dakar history, Argentina\u2019s Luciano Benavides clinched his first Dakar Rally motorcycle title by an astonishing two seconds, the narrowest margin ever in the bike category. Ricky Brabec started the day with a lead, but a late mistake allowed Benavides the victory. Tosha Schareina finished third.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14865\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Nasser Al-Attiyah adds a sixth Dakar Rally title to his resume. Photo: A.S.O.\/J.Delfosse\/DPPI[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car category, veteran Qatari rally-raid legend Nasser Al-Attiyah secured his sixth Dakar Rally victory, adding another monumental chapter to his storied career. Driving for the Dacia Sandriders team which claimed its first overall Dakar win. Al-Attiyah maintained blazing consistency across two weeks of punishing speed sections, dunes, and rocky terrain. He finished the rally with a margin of nearly 10 minutes over his closest rival Nani Roma. Finishing third overall was Mattias Ekstr\u00f6m.","excerpt":"

The 48th Dakar Rally is in the books. The rally covered almost 8,000 km of punishing desert terrain in Saudi …<\/p>","date":"January 17, 2026 20:41","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25049813,"title":"Dakar 2026","slug":"dakar-2026"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25049086,"title":"luciano benavides","slug":"luciano-benavides"},{"id":25049611,"title":"Nani Roma","slug":"nani-roma"},{"id":25048662,"title":"nassar al-attiyah","slug":"nassar-al-attiyah"},{"id":25047968,"title":"nasser al-attiyah","slug":"nasser-al-attiyah"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"}]},{"id":14841,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/14\/dakar-rally-leaderboard-update\/","title":"Dakar Rally: Leaderboard Update","content":"With four punishing stages still to go, the 2026 Dakar Rally has delivered another round of chaos, heroics and strategy through Stage 9\u2019s grueling marathon segment. Navigation errors, mechanical misfortune and opportunistic rides have reshaped the battle for glory across bike, car and truck categories and the leaderboard now paints an unpredictable picture of who could ultimately stand atop the sands of Saudi Arabia.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14844\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Ricky Brabec sits six minutes behind leader Daniel Sanders. Photo: A.S.O.\/Jennifer Lindini[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe bikes category once again proved to be a tactical war as riders confronted a demanding 418-km special toward Bisha. Spaniard Tosha Schareina seized the Stage 9 win. Daniel Sanders who claimed the provisional overall lead after finishing solidly second on the stage, clawing back time and inheriting the top spot thanks to consistent pacing and resilience through the marathon. KTM rider Sanders now leads Honda\u2019s Ricky Brabec by roughly 6 min 24 sec, with KTM\u2019s Luciano Benavides a handful of minutes further back in third.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14846\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Nani Roma has the overall rally lead in the car class. Photo: a.s.o.\/a.vincent\/dppi[\/caption]\r\n\r\nStage 9 was nothing short of a roller coaster in the cars class. Navigation errors and slips from favorites like Nasser Al-Attiyah handed the advantage to Ford\u2019s Nani Roma, who surged to the overall lead with a performance that combined aggression with calculated risk management.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14848\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Brock Heger has a commanding lead in the SSV Class at the Dakar Rally. Photo: A.S.O.\/J.Delfosse\/DPPI[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe battle for supremacy in the SSV category at the 2026 Dakar Rally intensified. Brock Heger continued his commanding run as he continues lead the class. Portugal\u2019s Gon\u00e7alo Guerreiro remained firmly in contention, finishing near the front on Stage 9 to hold onto second overall. The Polaris driver has matched Heger\u2019s pace on multiple occasions during the rally, keeping the pressure on as the final stages loom.","excerpt":"

With four punishing stages still to go, the 2026 Dakar Rally has delivered another round of chaos, heroics and strategy …<\/p>","date":"January 14, 2026 18:26","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049825,"title":"2026 Dakar Rally","slug":"2026-dakar-rally"},{"id":25049739,"title":"Bisha","slug":"bisha"},{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25049086,"title":"luciano benavides","slug":"luciano-benavides"},{"id":25049611,"title":"Nani Roma","slug":"nani-roma"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047955,"title":"ssv","slug":"ssv"},{"id":25049836,"title":"Tosha Shareina","slug":"tosha-shareina"}]},{"id":14808,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/08\/dakar-rally-guthrie-jr-excels-in-marathon-stage\/","title":"Dakar Rally: Guthrie Jr. Excels in Marathon Stage","content":"Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally was the first of two marathon stages. Wednesday night, the competitors camped in the desert without the comforts of the bivouac and support teams. By the end of Thursday, everyone was ready to get back to their support teams after a grueling Stage 5.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14810\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Mitch Guthrie Jr. secured another stage win at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Photo: a.s.o.\/a.vincent\/dppi[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car class, it was another Ford podium. Mitch Guthrie Jr. claimed his second stage victory of this Dakar after a strong performance over the 371 km timed special. Nani Roma crossed the line fastest but a speeding penalty moved him to second. Rounding out the podium in 3rd was Martin Prokop.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14812\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Luciano Benavides was the fastest bike of Stage 5. Photo: a.s.o.\/ jennifer lindini[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the bike class, Luciano Benavides won the stage with Nacho Cornejo second and Daniel Sanders third. Sanders has regained the overall motorcycle lead with Ricky Brabec a close second.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14813\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Kyle Chaney secured a huge Stage 5 win at the Dakar Rally. Photo: a.s.o.\/a.vincent\/dppi[\/caption]\r\n\r\nKyle Chaney was the stage winner in the SSV class. Brock Heger maintains a significant lead in the class. Chaney\u2019s win moves him up to third in the overall standings.","excerpt":"

Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally was the first of two marathon stages. Wednesday night, the competitors camped in the …<\/p>","date":"January 8, 2026 23:35","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25049813,"title":"Dakar 2026","slug":"dakar-2026"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25047657,"title":"Kyle Chaney","slug":"kyle-chaney"},{"id":25049086,"title":"luciano benavides","slug":"luciano-benavides"},{"id":25049834,"title":"Marathon Stage","slug":"marathon-stage"},{"id":25048637,"title":"mitch guthrie jr","slug":"mitch-guthrie-jr"},{"id":25049109,"title":"nacho cornejo","slug":"nacho-cornejo"},{"id":25049611,"title":"Nani Roma","slug":"nani-roma"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25049833,"title":"SSV Class","slug":"ssv-class"},{"id":25049082,"title":"stage 4","slug":"stage-4"},{"id":25049832,"title":"Stage 5","slug":"stage-5"}]},{"id":14769,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/06\/dakar-rally-stage-2-victories-for-team-usa\/","title":"Dakar Rally Stage 2: Victories for Team USA","content":"The 2026 Dakar Rally continued on Stage 2 with a demanding test through rocky desert terrain, as competitors battled extreme conditions and long distances in the early fight for overall position. With much of the rally still ahead, Stage 2 rewarded controlled speed and accurate navigation while punishing even small mistakes.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14771\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Daniel Sanders rode to a Stage 2 win at the Dakar Rally. Photo: A.S.O[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe motorcycle category delivered another tightly contested stage, with factory riders again dominating the front of the field. Stage winner Daniel Sanders set a strong pace throughout the special, while several overall contenders chose a measured approach to avoid opening future stages. Stage 1 winner Edgar Canet finished second and Ricky Brabec third.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14773\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Seth Quintero claimed his first win for 2026 in the car class during Stage 2. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car category, a fast and clean run proved decisive as leading teams traded fastest sector times across the stage. Toyota\u2019s strength was evident at the front with Seth Quintero taking a big Stage 2 win. His teammate Henk Lategan also joined him on the podium in second. Completing the Toyota sweep was Yazeed Al-Rajhi.\r\n\r\nIn SSV, experience and consistency paid off on the rough Stage 2 route. Several crews lost time to mechanical issues, while the leaders managed the terrain effectively to build an early advantage including Brock Heger who claimed today\u2019s win. Francisco \u201cChaleco\u201d L\u00f3pez finished second and Xavier de Soultrait was third.","excerpt":"

The 2026 Dakar Rally continued on Stage 2 with a demanding test through rocky desert terrain, as competitors battled extreme …<\/p>","date":"January 6, 2026 00:21","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049825,"title":"2026 Dakar Rally","slug":"2026-dakar-rally"},{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25049829,"title":"Dakar Stage 2","slug":"dakar-stage-2"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047961,"title":"seth quintero","slug":"seth-quintero"}]},{"id":14759,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/04\/dakar-rally-stage-1-de-mevius-claims-early-lead\/","title":"DAKAR RALLY STAGE 1: De M\u00e9vius Claims Early Lead","content":"The 48th Dakar Rally roared into life Sunday with an action-packed first full stage that delivered a mix of surprise victories, early championship pressures and historic performances in Saudi Arabia. Stage One was a 305-kilometer loop around Yanbu featuring rocky trails and sandy dunes that tested both machines and riders in scorching conditions.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14761\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"792\"]\"\" Guillaume de M\u00e9vius secured a Stage 1 win in his X-Raid Mini. Photo: X-Raid[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car class, Belgian driver Guillaume de M\u00e9vius seized the stage win in his X-raid Mini, overtaking early leader Mattias Ekstr\u00f6m and holding off a strong challenge from five-time Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah. Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi suffered a major setback, picking up significant penalties for missing a waypoint and speeding, leaving him nearly 29 minutes behind the stage leader.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14763\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Edgar Canet is the youngest rider to win a Dakar stage on two-wheels. Photo: KTM[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOn two wheels, 20-year-old Edgar Canet continued his sensational start by winning the motorcycle category\u2019s Stage 1. The KTM rider, is already the youngest ever Dakar stage winner after clinching a win in the prologue. Canet extended his advantage ahead of teammate Daniel Sanders and Honda\u2019s Ricky Brabec.\r\nIn the SSV class, Xavier de Soultrait emerged victorious, topping the leaderboard with a strong effort that put him ahead of his rivals by several minutes at the end of the grueling Stage 1. Polaris dominated the top positions, with Portuguese driver Alexandre Pinto finishing second, just 3 minutes 34 seconds behind de Soultrait, and American competitor Brock Heger taking third at +3 minutes 48 seconds.","excerpt":"

The 48th Dakar Rally roared into life Sunday with an action-packed first full stage that delivered a mix of surprise …<\/p>","date":"January 4, 2026 20:26","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25049828,"title":"Edgar Canet","slug":"edgar-canet"},{"id":25049085,"title":"guillaume de mevius","slug":"guillaume-de-mevius"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25049487,"title":"Xavier de Soultrait","slug":"xavier-de-soultrait"},{"id":25049826,"title":"Yanbu","slug":"yanbu"}]},{"id":14742,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2026\/01\/03\/2026-dakar-rally-underway-with-prologue\/","title":"2026 Dakar Rally Underway with Prologue","content":"Opening day for the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia began with the much-anticipated prologue. The Rally began at Yanbu with a 41km liason before reaching the 22km timed prologue stage. Terrain included a loop with high speeds and rock-littered tracks. Stage 1 of the Rally will begin from Yanbu early Sunday morning. Terrain will include sandy dunes and plenty of rocky terrain. It finishes fifteen days later along the Red Sea.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14744\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]\"\" Ricky Brabec has two overall Dakar Rally wins and is looking for a third this year. Photo: Monster Energy Honda HRC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nRicky Brabec has won the Rally twice and is looking for a third overall win. Brabec finished Saturday\u2019s Prologue in third place putting the Honda HRC team on the map. Skyler Howes is also riding for the Honda HRC team. Howes finished eighth in the Prologue. Spain\u2019s Edgar Canet won the day for the KTM Factory Racing team.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14745\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Rising star Seth Quintero, who earned his first W2RC podium finish and a top-10 result at the 2025 Dakar, will drive the #203 Hilux with navigator Andrew Short. Photo: Toyota Gazoo Racing[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSeth Quintero is also at the Dakar Rally competing with the Toyota Gazoo racing team. \u00a0\u201cI feel confident, motivated and ready to race. I have a different feeling just because of the work TGR W2RC has put into the car and into me. I\u2019m very excited to get behind the wheel of the new DKR GR Hilux and explore new possibilities. I\u2019ve already seen the speed from testing, and it is confidence inspiring. We\u2019ve got an amazing team with amazing team-mates. I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll be fighting with each other at the front, but we are good friends, so it\u2019s going to be fun,\u201d said Quintero.\u00a0 Quintero will race across 5,000 miles of Saudi Arabia\u2019s most grueling terrain.","excerpt":"

Opening day for the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia began with the much-anticipated prologue. The Rally began at Yanbu …<\/p>","date":"January 3, 2026 11:45","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049825,"title":"2026 Dakar Rally","slug":"2026-dakar-rally"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25049827,"title":"Monster Energy Honda HRC","slug":"monster-energy-honda-hrc"},{"id":25047641,"title":"Ricky Brabec","slug":"ricky-brabec"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047961,"title":"seth quintero","slug":"seth-quintero"},{"id":25047967,"title":"skyler howes","slug":"skyler-howes"},{"id":25049066,"title":"Toyota Hilux","slug":"toyota-hilux"},{"id":25049826,"title":"Yanbu","slug":"yanbu"}]},{"id":11693,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2025\/01\/14\/dakar-rally-updates-heger-continues-to-lead-ssv\/","title":"Dakar Rally Updates: Heger Continues to Lead SSV","content":"After a much-needed rest day, the rally resumed over the weekend with Stage 6 on Saturday. The special was a long one. Ricky Brabec finally got his much-needed win in the bike class. Francisco Lopez Contardo won again in the SSV class for Can-Am. Guillaume De Mevius won in the car class.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11695\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Daniel Sanders got a Stage 7 win in the bike class. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSunday\u2019s Stage 7 took competitors through Al Dudawadimi. Daniel Sanders was victorious in the bike class. Lucas Moraes put his Toyota on the podium. It was another Can Am win but this time the driver was Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11696\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Henk Lategan has the overall lead in the car class. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nMonday\u2019s Stage 8 started in Al Duwadimi and ended in Riyadh. Luciano Benavides won the bike class. Daniel Sanders continues to march on towards the overall lead. Henk Lategan won the stage for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Lategan moves to the overall lead in the car class. Jermias Gonzalez Ferioli brough in another stage win in the SSV class. Brock Heger continues to the lead overall.","excerpt":"

After a much-needed rest day, the rally resumed over the weekend with Stage 6 on Saturday. The special was a …<\/p>","date":"January 14, 2025 10:53","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049732,"title":"2025 Dakar Rally","slug":"2025-dakar-rally"},{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047925,"title":"dakar","slug":"dakar"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25049752,"title":"Henk Letegan","slug":"henk-letegan"},{"id":25047957,"title":"rally","slug":"rally"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"}]},{"id":11635,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2025\/01\/10\/dakar-rally-stage-5-the-marathon-continues\/","title":"Dakar Rally Stage 5: The Marathon Continues","content":"Stage 5 continued as part of the 48-hour marathon stage. Adrien Van Beveren was leading the bike class but may lose his podium position due to a speeding penalty. At press time the official stage rankings made no mention of the penalty. \u00a0Luciano Benavides finished second. Daniel Sanders continues to hold on to the overall rally lead.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11638\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Seth Quintero won stage 5 by a single second after Nasser Al-Attiyah received a penalty. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nInitially, Nasser Al-Attiyah was ready for a stage win but got slapped with a 10-minute penalty for losing a spare wheel, dropping him to second. Al-Attiyah\u2019s penalty opened the door for Seth Quintero to get the stage win by a single second. Quintero now has two stage wins in the Dakar. Henk Lategan leads the car class overall.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11640\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Francisco Lopez Contardo claimed a victory in the SSV Class during Stage 5. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFrancisco Lopez Contardo won in the SSV class with Brock Heger coming in second. Heger continues to lead the class. Friday will bring a much-needed rest day for the competitors.","excerpt":"

Stage 5 continued as part of the 48-hour marathon stage. Adrien Van Beveren was leading the bike class but may …<\/p>","date":"January 10, 2025 06:27","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25049746,"title":"Francisco Lopez Contardo","slug":"francisco-lopez-contardo"},{"id":25047968,"title":"nasser al-attiyah","slug":"nasser-al-attiyah"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047961,"title":"seth quintero","slug":"seth-quintero"}]},{"id":11610,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2025\/01\/09\/dakar-rally-stage-3-4\/","title":"Dakar Rally Stage 3 & 4","content":"Storm warnings reduced the mileage on Stage 3. Those storms however never developed during the rally. In the car class, Saood Variawa claimed a Stage 3 win, Lorenze Santolino beat Ricky Brabec in the bike class and Can-Am factory driver Francisco Lopez Contardo was victorious in the SSV class.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11618\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Daniel Sanders has claimed another win in and extended his overall points lead in the bike class. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nStage 4 took the competitors Wednesday from Al Henkiyah to Alula. The stage is a marathon class, and competitors were allowed just a small amount of time to work on their vehicles before they were locked in impound. \u00a0In the bike class several riders including Ricky Brabec made navigational mistakes towards the end of the stage setting them back. Daniel Sanders, error free finished the stage in first, expanding his overall lead.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11620\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Brock Heger now has the SSV class lead. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car class, the stage belonged to Yazeed Al Rajhi. Henk Lategan finished second. Lategan leads the overall car rankings. Meantime, Sara Price claimed a stage win in SSV class. Price however is too many points down to win the overall. Brock Heger is in contention for the overall and currently leads the standings.","excerpt":"

Storm warnings reduced the mileage on Stage 3. Those storms however never developed during the rally. In the car class, …<\/p>","date":"January 9, 2025 06:04","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049732,"title":"2025 Dakar Rally","slug":"2025-dakar-rally"},{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047955,"title":"ssv","slug":"ssv"}]},{"id":11567,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2025\/01\/06\/dakar-rally-stage-2-the-48-hour-chrono\/","title":"Dakar Rally Stage 2: The 48-hour Chrono","content":"Stage 2 took competitors through a 48-hour chrono without the nighttime comforts of the usual Bivouac. The competitors were forced to pitch their own tents in the cold Saudi Arabia desert overnight. They ate ready-to-eat \u201cMRE\u201d meals under the stars. When they woke, they left their temporary digs in the same order they arrived.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11569\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Daniel Sanders won the 48-hour Chrono Stage at the Dakar Rally. Photo: KTM[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe bike class saw Daniel Sanders again dominate. Even with the difficult terrain, Skyler Howes is keeping up in second place. Tosha Schareina finished third. Sanders currently leads the overall standings after two stages and a prologue.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Rokas Baciuska came away with a Stage 2 win at the Dakar Rally. Photo: A.S.O[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the car class, Rokas Baciuska along with teammates Yazeed Al Rajhi and Juan Cruz Yacopini finished in the top three spots on the podium. \u201cEl Matador\u201d Carlos Sainz suffered a roll-over in the dunes during the 48-hour chrono putting him down on significantly on time. \u00a0Henk Lategan currently leads the field.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11572\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Brock Heger won the 48-hour Chrono Stage 2 in the SSV class. Photo: A.S.O.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the SSV class, Brock Heger claimed a stage win with Xavier De Soultrait coming in second. \u00a0There is a threat of rain coming for Tuesday\u2019s Stage 3 and organizers are shortening the miles.","excerpt":"

Stage 2 took competitors through a 48-hour chrono without the nighttime comforts of the usual Bivouac. The competitors were forced …<\/p>","date":"January 6, 2025 11:11","categories":[{"id":25047612,"title":"News","slug":"news"},{"id":25047953,"title":"Rally","slug":"rally"}],"tags":[{"id":25049738,"title":"48-hour Chrono","slug":"48-hour-chrono"},{"id":25049739,"title":"Bisha","slug":"bisha"},{"id":25047900,"title":"brock heger","slug":"brock-heger"},{"id":25047642,"title":"Dakar Rally","slug":"dakar-rally"},{"id":25048585,"title":"daniel sanders","slug":"daniel-sanders"},{"id":25049041,"title":"Rokas Baciuska","slug":"rokas-baciuska"},{"id":25047646,"title":"saudi arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"id":25047967,"title":"skyler howes","slug":"skyler-howes"}]}]{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://dirtsportsworld.com/tag/saudi-arabia/feed/json -- and add it your reader.", "next_url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/tag/saudi-arabia/feed/json?paged=2", "home_page_url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/tag/saudi-arabia", "feed_url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/tag/saudi-arabia/feed/json", "language": "en-US", "title": "saudi arabia Archives - DirtSportsWorld", "description": "The Voice of Off-Road Motorsports", "icon": "https://i0.wp.com/dirtsportsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-DSW-Web-Icon.png?fit=59%2C59&ssl=1", "items": [ { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14859", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/17/champions-decided-as-2026-dakar-rally-concludes-in-saudi-arabia/", "title": "Champions Decided as 2026 Dakar Rally Concludes in Saudi Arabia", "content_html": "

The 48th Dakar Rally is in the books. The rally covered almost 8,000 km of punishing desert terrain in Saudi …

The post Champions Decided as 2026 Dakar Rally Concludes in Saudi Arabia appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "The 48th Dakar Rally is in the books. The rally covered almost 8,000 km of punishing desert terrain in Saudi …The post Champions Decided as 2026 Dakar Rally Concludes in Saudi Arabia appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-17T20:41:15-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-17T20:41:15-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "brock heger", "Dakar 2026", "Dakar Rally", "luciano benavides", "Nani Roma", "nassar al-attiyah", "nasser al-attiyah", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14841", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/14/dakar-rally-leaderboard-update/", "title": "Dakar Rally: Leaderboard Update", "content_html": "

With four punishing stages still to go, the 2026 Dakar Rally has delivered another round of chaos, heroics and strategy …

The post Dakar Rally: Leaderboard Update appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "With four punishing stages still to go, the 2026 Dakar Rally has delivered another round of chaos, heroics and strategy …The post Dakar Rally: Leaderboard Update appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-14T18:26:44-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-14T18:26:44-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "2026 Dakar Rally", "Bisha", "brock heger", "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "luciano benavides", "Nani Roma", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "ssv", "Tosha Shareina", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14808", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/08/dakar-rally-guthrie-jr-excels-in-marathon-stage/", "title": "Dakar Rally: Guthrie Jr. Excels in Marathon Stage", "content_html": "

Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally was the first of two marathon stages. Wednesday night, the competitors camped in the …

The post Dakar Rally: Guthrie Jr. Excels in Marathon Stage appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally was the first of two marathon stages. Wednesday night, the competitors camped in the …The post Dakar Rally: Guthrie Jr. Excels in Marathon Stage appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-08T23:35:24-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-08T23:35:24-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "brock heger", "Dakar 2026", "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "Kyle Chaney", "luciano benavides", "Marathon Stage", "mitch guthrie jr", "nacho cornejo", "Nani Roma", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "SSV Class", "stage 4", "Stage 5", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14769", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/06/dakar-rally-stage-2-victories-for-team-usa/", "title": "Dakar Rally Stage 2: Victories for Team USA", "content_html": "

The 2026 Dakar Rally continued on Stage 2 with a demanding test through rocky desert terrain, as competitors battled extreme …

The post Dakar Rally Stage 2: Victories for Team USA appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "The 2026 Dakar Rally continued on Stage 2 with a demanding test through rocky desert terrain, as competitors battled extreme …The post Dakar Rally Stage 2: Victories for Team USA appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-06T00:21:56-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-06T00:21:56-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "2026 Dakar Rally", "brock heger", "Dakar Rally", "Dakar Stage 2", "daniel sanders", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "seth quintero", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14759", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/04/dakar-rally-stage-1-de-mevius-claims-early-lead/", "title": "DAKAR RALLY STAGE 1: De M\u00e9vius Claims Early Lead", "content_html": "

The 48th Dakar Rally roared into life Sunday with an action-packed first full stage that delivered a mix of surprise …

The post DAKAR RALLY STAGE 1: De M\u00e9vius Claims Early Lead appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "The 48th Dakar Rally roared into life Sunday with an action-packed first full stage that delivered a mix of surprise …The post DAKAR RALLY STAGE 1: De M\u00e9vius Claims Early Lead appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-04T20:26:41-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-04T20:26:41-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "Edgar Canet", "guillaume de mevius", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "Xavier de Soultrait", "Yanbu", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=14742", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2026/01/03/2026-dakar-rally-underway-with-prologue/", "title": "2026 Dakar Rally Underway with Prologue", "content_html": "

Opening day for the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia began with the much-anticipated prologue. The Rally began at Yanbu …

The post 2026 Dakar Rally Underway with Prologue appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Opening day for the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia began with the much-anticipated prologue. The Rally began at Yanbu …The post 2026 Dakar Rally Underway with Prologue appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2026-01-03T11:45:02-08:00", "date_modified": "2026-01-03T11:45:02-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "2026 Dakar Rally", "Dakar Rally", "Monster Energy Honda HRC", "Ricky Brabec", "saudi arabia", "seth quintero", "skyler howes", "Toyota Hilux", "Yanbu", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=11693", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2025/01/14/dakar-rally-updates-heger-continues-to-lead-ssv/", "title": "Dakar Rally Updates: Heger Continues to Lead SSV", "content_html": "

After a much-needed rest day, the rally resumed over the weekend with Stage 6 on Saturday. The special was a …

The post Dakar Rally Updates: Heger Continues to Lead SSV appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "After a much-needed rest day, the rally resumed over the weekend with Stage 6 on Saturday. The special was a …The post Dakar Rally Updates: Heger Continues to Lead SSV appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2025-01-14T10:53:07-08:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-14T10:53:07-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "2025 Dakar Rally", "brock heger", "dakar", "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "Henk Letegan", "Rally", "saudi arabia", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=11635", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2025/01/10/dakar-rally-stage-5-the-marathon-continues/", "title": "Dakar Rally Stage 5: The Marathon Continues", "content_html": "

Stage 5 continued as part of the 48-hour marathon stage. Adrien Van Beveren was leading the bike class but may …

The post Dakar Rally Stage 5: The Marathon Continues appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Stage 5 continued as part of the 48-hour marathon stage. Adrien Van Beveren was leading the bike class but may …The post Dakar Rally Stage 5: The Marathon Continues appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2025-01-10T06:27:32-08:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-10T06:27:32-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "brock heger", "Dakar Rally", "Francisco Lopez Contardo", "nasser al-attiyah", "saudi arabia", "seth quintero", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=11610", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2025/01/09/dakar-rally-stage-3-4/", "title": "Dakar Rally Stage 3 & 4", "content_html": "

Storm warnings reduced the mileage on Stage 3. Those storms however never developed during the rally. In the car class, …

The post Dakar Rally Stage 3 & 4 appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Storm warnings reduced the mileage on Stage 3. Those storms however never developed during the rally. In the car class, …The post Dakar Rally Stage 3 & 4 appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2025-01-09T06:04:12-08:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-09T06:04:12-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "2025 Dakar Rally", "brock heger", "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "saudi arabia", "ssv", "News", "Rally" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=11567", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2025/01/06/dakar-rally-stage-2-the-48-hour-chrono/", "title": "Dakar Rally Stage 2: The 48-hour Chrono", "content_html": "

Stage 2 took competitors through a 48-hour chrono without the nighttime comforts of the usual Bivouac. The competitors were forced …

The post Dakar Rally Stage 2: The 48-hour Chrono appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Stage 2 took competitors through a 48-hour chrono without the nighttime comforts of the usual Bivouac. The competitors were forced …The post Dakar Rally Stage 2: The 48-hour Chrono appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2025-01-06T11:11:19-08:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-06T11:11:19-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "48-hour Chrono", "Bisha", "brock heger", "Dakar Rally", "daniel sanders", "Rokas Baciuska", "saudi arabia", "skyler howes", "News", "Rally" ] } ] }