DIRT NEWS
FORMER DAKAR CHAMP SAM SUNDERLAND ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
It ’ s fair to say that since winning the Dakar rally for GasGas back in 2022 , things haven ’ t exactly gone as hoped for British rally ace Sam Sunderland with DNF ’ s and injuries preventing a repeat of that historic win . Officially joining Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing for the 2022 season , Sunderland kicked off his stint on the RX 450F with a bang by claiming victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally – the first-ever win for GasGas at the world ’ s toughest rally raid . Sam kept the momentum going with stellar performances at each FIM World Rally- Raid Championship round in 2022 , ultimately clinching his second world championship title . Sunderland first joined the wider KTM back in 2014 , and during his time racing for the KTM team , he secured no less than two world championships and two Dakar victories , not to mention multiple stage and event wins along the way . Despite his retirement announcement , Sunderland is expected to continue working with the team , using his vast experience in a support and development role . “ It is with gratitude , humility , a bit of sadness , but without regret , that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time ,” Sunderland said . “ From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories , it ’ s been an incredible run . I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I ’ m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future .”
“ We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing ”, said Red Bull GasGas Rally Team Manager , Andreas Hölzl . “ I speak for the whole team when I say we ’ re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing , but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years . Beyond being a phenomenal racer , Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive , motivating , and a true team player . He is a huge part of the GASGAS family , and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future .” Pit Beirer , the KTM Group ’ s Motorsports Director , was equally high in his praise . “ Sam joined the company back in 2014 , and since then his passion , dedication , and results have been exceptional . He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories , but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team . Over the years , our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger , and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022 , he continued to make history . While it ’ s tough to see Sam go , we respect his decision . I ’ d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future .” Sunderland ’ s departure leaves Australian Daniel Sanders as the only rider in the GasGas Factory Racing team . With KTM slimming down its rally raid teams , it is as yet unclear whether Sunderland will be replaced on the tracks and trails of the Rally Raid World Championship .
KIWI RIDER 17