DIRT NEWS
DAKAR BECKONS FOR KTM
Red Bull KTM Factory would have to be the odds-on favourites heading into the 2026 edition of the famous Dakar Rally. Even within the team the competition is top shelf. Reigning Dakar and FIM World Rally Raid champ and inform bookies choice Daniel‘ Chucky’ Sanders leads the charge, but only just. Teammate Luciano Benavides has been pushing the Australian ace hard in several big events and then there is the new kid on the block, Edgar Canet. Stepping up to RallyGP for the first time, the youngster brings unbridled enthusiasm as well as undeniable talent to the table. Respectful of his superstar teammates, the youngster has been learning fast. The experience that Sanders and
Benavides have been sharing with their‘ junior’ member has seen him come to grips with the challenges in leaps and bounds. Sure, it is an individual event but having such a strong team heading into the most iconic Rally Raid event of them all must have the Red Bull lads in a quietly confident space, hopefully deflecting any issues from the recent turmoil and changes at the head office. With the history the team has, hopefully the new folk at the helm of KTM see just what the team have accomplished in the harsh arena of World Rally Raid events and continues the legacy. Meanwhile, who would bet against Chucky bringing home the silverware in’ 26?
96 KIWI RIDER