2
020 has been a year of change for the
Dakar Rally as a whole. Over 30 years have
passed since Honda last triumphed in the
Dakar Rally. In 1989 the Japanese manufacturer
took first place with Gilles Lalay aboard an
NXR800V – the bike on which Honda’s original
Africa Twin was based. Bringing the Japanese
marque back to Dakar glory for 2020 was first-
time winner Ricky Brabec, who also has the
honour of being the first American to win the
gruelling rally.
“It’s a dream come true”, Brabec said,
“Hopefully we can come back next year and
repeat it. I know that it’s not going to be easy
as the Husky and KTM boys will be breathing
down our necks. I’m really excited to be here
for Honda and for America as well. To be the
only American to accomplish this goal is
amazing. I think it’s really a dream come true.
Now we’ve got to set our goals higher and
accomplish more. We are going to come back
next year and try and repeat this, but, as I said,
it’s not easy. We are happy. It was a big, tough
race.”
Run for the first time in Saudi Arabia as part
of a five-year deal, Honda star Ricky Brabec
rode his CRF450 Rally to victory amid the
torturously hot conditions of the Saudi desert.
“The scenery was insane! Brabec exclaims.
“I love it. Hopefully I’ll be back next year.
KIWI RIDER 35