BECOMING PART OF THE DAKAR LEGEND AUSTIN JONES

There are only a few racing disciplines where just finishing feels like a victory in itself. The unique challenge of the Dakar is one of them. It sits head and shoulders above the rest in world motorsport, as a unique cocktail of adrenaline, challenge, sacrifice, and endurance. An event where man and machine become one, to face down thousands of kilometers of open terrain for almost two straight weeks.

- Maria Guidotti

Not just that, but it takes more than just courage to attempt the Dakar. Physical and mental preparation at elite levels matched with a solid machine (two-wheels or four), along with an equally experienced crew, are a prerequisite. Then maybe a sprinkling of luck.

INSIDE THE 2022 DAKAR

This year marks the 44th ‘edition’ of the legendary event - a term frequently used in Dakar circles. One which headnods to the simply epic scale of the task in hand. In all 409 racing machines will take part; including 144 bikes, 20 quads, 89 cars, 56 trucks, and 95 Side-By-Side buggies (SSV class).

The SSV class has quickly become the vehicle of choice for the new generation of adventure seekers. The class has exploded; growing from just seven entries in 2017, to almost 100 SSV competitors five years later.

Leading the way is the Can-Am Maverick X3 in the T4 category of the SSV class. The rules are that every T4 machine must be based on a standard off-the-shelf vehicle, with the only additions being the necessary FIA-mandated safety equipment. Despite the vast distances involved, throughout each stage of the Dakar, there are only a handful of minutes separating the top drivers in the 2022 Dakar. What’s more, there is one driver blazing a trail, and setting the benchmark times. US racer Austin Jones. Fresh off a FIA World Cup for CrossCountry Rallies victory in the T4 category in November, and the first American to become world champion in a sport dominated historically by Europeans, the Monster Energy Can-Am factory driver is the driver with a target on his back for the chasing pack. “Living in Phoenix, Arizona, I grew up in the desert and I can train just 10km from home. I inherited the passion from my dad Jesse [a 20year desert racing veteran who runs the Jones Motorsport team]”, explains Austin.