KEVIN BENAVIDES AND KTM WIN THE 2023 DAKAR RALLY
Dakar Rally 2023 – Stage 14
Crimson Bull KTM Manufacturing facility Racing’s Kevin Benavides has gained the 2023 Dakar Rally! On the finish of what has been a massively profitable race for the group, Benavides led residence a KTM one-two with Toby Worth securing second place, simply 44 seconds behind his teammate. The outcome marks KTM’s nineteenth victory on the iconic rally-raid occasion.
Taking the win on the thirteenth and penultimate stage yesterday, Kevin Benavides closed down the hole to provisional rally chief Toby Worth to only 12 seconds. And with the beginning order reversed for the ultimate day of racing from Al Hofuf to Dammam, the 2 KTM 450 RALLY racers would set off proper from the again – Benavides leaving three minutes forward of his teammate.
Though the ultimate timed particular had been thought to be a comparatively easy dash to the end, the 136 kilometers of gravel tracks, sand, and dry lake beds threw up a substantial problem to all riders. Nevertheless, it was Benavides who piled on the pace and mastered the terrain to take his second consecutive stage win of the occasion, and extra importantly, the general rally victory.
Kevin’s journey by means of the 14-stage race has been certainly one of excellent consistency. Regardless that the Argentinian didn’t decide up one single second in bonus time for opening any phases, he completed inside the highest 10 day-after-day for the entire two weeks of racing. It was this skillful and calculated method to the occasion that earned him his second profession Dakar Rally victory.
The outcome makes it two Dakar titles for Benavides – 2021 and 2023 – and marks KTM’s nineteenth win on the Dakar.
Kevin Benavides: “It’s been a tremendous day! I simply centered on each kilometer from the primary to the final. I didn’t take into consideration the place or the outcome I simply gave my 100% over the entire stage and tried to benefit from the day. The particular was actually quick and difficult, and so muddy – fortunately I didn’t make any large errors, however it might have been simple to have a difficulty on the market at present. I’ve labored so laborious for this. This yr’s rally has been one of many closest ever and there wasn’t a single day the place you can afford to ease off. I couldn’t have performed it with out the help of my group, and all my household and buddies. It’s going to take a short while to sink in, I can’t describe this sense proper now.”
Main the standings going into the 14th and closing stage of the race by simply 12 seconds, Toby Worth was the final rider to enter the particular. Aiming to chase down Benavides who had set off three minutes forward of him, Toby received his head down and gave his all proper from the beginning. A few points early within the stage value the Aussie the precious seconds he wanted to remain in entrance, and regardless of clawing again shut to 1 minute on the latter half of the particular, it wasn’t fairly sufficient to overtake the flying Benavides.
Toby has produced an unbelievable efficiency over the course of the two-week race. Securing no fewer than 10 top-five stage outcomes, and a win on the occasion’s opening prologue, the two-time Dakar champion was undoubtedly the person to beat all through the rally. Lacking out by lower than one minute after greater than 44 hours of racing is after all irritating, however realizing he gave his absolute all each single day, Toby is proud of how he rode and with the hard-fought runner-up outcome he’s secured on the world’s hardest rally-raid.
Toby Worth: “So, so shut. Yeah, an incredible job from Kevin, he did rather well at present. I knew it was going to be tight, and naturally I pushed proper from the beginning all by means of the stage. I simply missed three waypoints by just about meters, and it dropped me again. Clearly, the objective is to win, and it’s irritating to overlook out by such a slim margin. However I’m match, wholesome, and I’m going residence with a trophy, in order that’s an important factor. I’m prepared for an additional one subsequent yr.”
After a heavy crash on stage two the place he injured his wrist, Matthias Walkner demonstrated his grit and drive by persevering with with the rally. As his situation improved, the Austrian was capable of ship stronger and stronger stage outcomes because the race went on. On the shut of stage 12, Matthias had moved again as much as a extremely commendable ninth general. Sadly, catastrophe struck on the penultimate stage 13 of the occasion the place a heavy crash off the highest of a dune left Walkner with appreciable again ache. Fortunately, after being airlifted to hospital for additional checks, the 2018 Dakar winner was discovered to not have damaged any bones or suffered any critical harm. We want Matthias all the perfect for a speedy restoration.
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Group Supervisor: “It’s been an unbelievable Dakar – one of many hardest in historical past and positively the closest! It’s been such an in depth battle contained in the Crimson Bull KTM group with Toby and Kevin separated by simply 12 seconds going into the ultimate day at present. Fortunately, the performances of each riders gave KTM a one-two within the race, with Kevin incomes his second win and the nineteenth for KTM. In fact, you’ll be able to’t have two winners, however Toby claiming second place continues to be an unbelievable achievement and right down to the laborious work he has put in over the 2 weeks. The group have additionally performed a tremendous job, not simply on the occasion, but in addition over the entire of the previous yr constructing as much as this race. Now it’s time to rejoice earlier than we look forward to the subsequent race within the season.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Beside the riders, I’m possibly the happiest man on the planet proper now. It’s superb after this lengthy journey and this powerful race, to have solely 12 seconds separating the 2 guys coming into this closing day. After which for them to push so laborious over the stage and attain the end line safely and in first and second is unbelievable. After round 5,000 kilometers and over 40 hours of racing, to have them so shut is remarkable, and the entire group did a tremendous job to get them right here on this place. What it got here right down to was mainly a motocross race for 130 kilometers. Each riders did a tremendous job, and despite the fact that you’ll be able to solely have one winner, I’m massively happy with them each, because the stress was actually on at present. KTM now have 19 wins on the hardest offroad race on the earth, however we gained’t cease there. We’re already wanting ahead to this season after which the 2024 Dakar subsequent yr.”
Provisional Outcomes – 2023 Dakar Rally, Stage 14
1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 1:15:17
2. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 1:15:52 +0:35
3. Toby Worth (AUS), KTM, 1:16:12 +0:55
4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Honda, 1:18:32 +3:15
5. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 1:19:02 +3:45
Provisional Standings – 2023 Dakar Rally (after 14 of 14 phases)
1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 44:27:20
2. Toby Worth (AUS), KTM, 44:28:03 +0:43
3. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 44:32:24 +5:04
4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 44:46:22 +19:02
5. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 44:47:50 +20:30
Extra, from a press launch issued by Husqvarna Manufacturing facility Racing:
SKYLER HOWES CLAIMS 2023 DAKAR RALLY PODIUM
HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING FR 450 RALLY RIDER PLACES THIRD AT WORLD’S TOUGHEST RALLY-RAID
Husqvarna Manufacturing facility Racing’s Skyler Howes has battled by means of 14 phases of intense racing to complete the 2023 Dakar Rally in a wonderful third place. In what has been a career-best experience for the American, Skyler led the race for a complete of six phases and stayed within the hunt for victory proper by means of to the very closing timed particular.
Coming into at present’s 14th and closing stage, Howes trailed the chief by only one minute and 31 seconds – an extremely slim margin after properly over 43 hours of racing. Because the third-to-last competitor to set off into the particular, Skyler had a snug benefit over the fourth-placed rider and knew, with the 2 entrance runners combating it out behind him, a easy, calculated experience to the end was all that was wanted to safe his podium outcome.
Finishing the ultimate stage as fifth quickest, Howes was overjoyed together with his general results of third place on what’s his fifth Dakar Rally look. In just some years, the 30-year-old has gone from promising privateer to top-three Dakar racer. His podium at this yr’s occasion added to his wonderful 2022 season outcomes bode properly for Howes as he now seems forward to the remainder of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship season.
With three stage wins at this yr’s occasion – probably the most of any rider at this yr’s race – Luciano Benavides loved a extremely constructive, and extremely rewarding time on the Dakar. By combining his ability in opening specials with exact navigation and the flexibility to experience largely error-free all through the 14-day occasion, the Argentine was rewarded with sixth general to equal his career-best outcome from 2020.
Skyler Howes: “I’m so pleased! It’s been an unbelievable race with highs and lows, and it’s come proper right down to the wire on this closing day. I knew the blokes behind me could be pushing so laborious at present, and to enter this closing day lower than two minutes behind after properly over 40 hours of racing is unbelievable. I arrived on the end safely, and it seems like a dream come true and such an honour to share it with two legends like Toby (Worth) and Kevin (Benavides). Everybody is aware of what it’s a must to undergo to get thus far, and in any case that arduous work, it makes this second really feel so candy. In fact I wish to come again and see what the opposite two steps of the rostrum really feel like. However to now be certainly one of 5 Individuals to succeed in the rostrum at Dakar, it feels superb.”
Luciano Benavides: “I’m actually, actually pleased to succeed in the end line. It’s been a loopy, powerful, and extremely rewarding Dakar and I’m simply over the moon to be right here safely after what must be probably the greatest races of my life. Due to my group for all their laborious work, and it’s due to them we completed the race actually strongly. I got here into this yr’s rally with no Dakar stage win, and now I’ve three. It’s actually given me motivation for the longer term and I’m wanting ahead to the season forward much more now.”
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Group Supervisor: “It’s been an unbelievable Dakar Rally for Husqvarna Manufacturing facility Racing, particularly because the occasion will go down in historical past as one of many hardest and definitely one of many closest in historical past. Skyler has performed a tremendous job, mastering the tough terrain of the primary week to guide the race for a number of days. He has labored so laborious to get thus far and his podium end is properly deserved. Luciano, too, has ridden an distinctive race, not solely topping three phases, but in addition exhibiting unbelievable ability when opening the specials. Total, it’s been a tremendous group effort by everybody concerned right here on the 2023 Dakar Rally.”
2023 Dakar Rally – Stage 14 Provisional Classification
1. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 1:15:17
2. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 1:15:52
3. Toby Worth (KTM) 1:16:12
4. Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) 1:18:32
5. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 1:19:02
6. Sebastian Buhler (Hero) 1:19:31
7. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 1:21:04
2023 Dakar – Provisional Total Classification [After Stage 14]
1. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 44:27:20
2. Toby Worth (KTM) 44:28:03
3. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 44:32:24
4. Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) 44:46:22
5. Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) 44:47:50
6. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 44:50:02
Extra, from a press launch issued by GASGAS Manufacturing facility Racing:
DANIEL SANDERS AND RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING COMPLETE 2023 DAKAR RALLY IN SEVENTH OVERALL
AUSSIE RACER FINISHES AS RUNNER-UP ON FINAL STAGE OF THE EVENT TO SECURE HARD-FOUGHT RESULT
And that’s a wrap from the 2023 Dakar Rally! Signing off on what has been a really wild two weeks of racing with an in depth runner-up end on the 14th and closing stage, Crimson Bull GASGAS Manufacturing facility Racing’s Daniel Sanders has introduced his RX 450F residence safely to safe a gritty seventh place general outcome. Not a nasty efficiency in any respect, particularly when you think about that Sanders underwent at least six operations within the final yr following his crash on the 2022 Dakar, in addition to getting fairly rattling sick midway by means of this yr’s occasion. Good work, Daniel, that was a super-solid effort!
Seventh general for Daniel Sanders on the 2023 Dakar Rally
Crimson Bull GASGAS racer completes his second Dakar
Daniel’s RX 450F doesn’t miss a beat by means of nearly 45 hours of racing
Daniel Sanders: “It was going to be tough at present to make up any time however I did what I may and simply missed out on the stage win, however general, I’m tremendous pleased. It’s been a protracted street to get right here. After crashing right here final yr I’ve had six operations, which actually restricted my preparation, so it’s been nice to bounce again and be aggressive. It’s been an unreal expertise and hopefully subsequent yr I can are available stronger and fitter and be extra able to go. The group has been superb as at all times and I’m tremendous pleased to be right here on the end line in a single piece.”
So, GASGAS didn’t win this time round, but it surely’s been superior to be again out within the desert and to kick off 2023 with some epic racing. Regardless of his illness in the course of the first week and using with an honest dimension thorn in his arm for many of the rally, Sanders actually did dig deep to finish the Dakar for the second time. Good work, Chucky!
And that’s all from Dakar 2023 and what a approach to begin the yr! From the highs of Sanders profitable a stage and main the race for a pair days throughout week one, to Sam Sunderland’s super-frustrating early departure, it’s been an actual rollercoaster.
Because the mud, and dirt, settles within the Saudi desert, it gained’t really be too lengthy till Crimson Bull GASGAS Manufacturing facility Racing return to motion. Up subsequent, in late February, is the Abu Dhabi Desert Problem, spherical two of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.
Norbert Stadlbauer – GASGAS Rally Group Supervisor: “The 2023 Dakar Rally is now over, and it’s been a very loopy race for the group. It was so irritating and disappointing to lose Sam, who was the reigning Dakar champion, on day one. Daniel carried out very properly regardless of lacking most of final season by means of harm, and in week one he led for a few days and gained a stage. Sadly, a short sickness whereas main actually effected his race however he saved on pushing to the top and completed seventh which is a good outcome contemplating the entire circumstances. I’m actually happy with the entire group and we now sit up for the 2023 season.”
Outcomes (provisional): Dakar Rally 2023, stage 14
1. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 1:15:17
2. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 1:15:52
3. Toby Worth (KTM) 1:16:12
Total Provisional Classification (after stage 14)
1. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 44:27:20
2. Toby Worth (KTM) 44:28:03
3. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 44:32:24
7. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 44:50:17
