Kayesport - Dakar History

Adventure is part of mankind’s drive for life, those whom seek it are often questioned by others. The founder of the Dakar, Thierry Sabine, was one such person. The first Dakar ran in 1979, after Sabine had experienced an off road rallye across west and north Africa the previous year. Sabine decided to give other adventurers the opportunity to experience the extremes that the African continent provides all those who traverse its diverse landscapes.

So the Dakar rally was born, it has since been at the forefront of motor sport. Its unique blend of skill, determination and luck has brought many famous sporting legends to taste the flavour and passion. World class sportsman from many motor sport disciplines try there hand at the event some reaching success in all classes. Since that first rallye, over 13,000 competitors have started, with less than half finishing. Breakdowns, injuries or worse wait for all who try. For most being able say they have completed the Dakar is enough, its said its the toughest off road race in the world.

Routes for the rallye change year on year, starting in Paris for numerous years to Lisbon more recently, passing through to date, some 21 of the 53 African countries. Each year now TV coverage brings the event to over 150 million viewers who want to see the Dakar spectacle.

Motorcycles have always been the main stay of entrants with car and truck entry’s always strongly fielded. Each class provides its own special thrills; it’s only a part of what the Dakar brings people. Competitors feel the expanse and solitude of a huge continent, whether crossing a desert at 100mph or bivouacked in a tent at night. Even with the 2,500 support personnel employed by the organizers, ASO, you can still be very lonely, mindful of the next days events. It is a life changing event for many, those whom strive to just be there or those skilled enough to win.

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