The Dakar’s rest day is now behind the riders; they each set their sights on the final stages ahead, working day by day to get through the challenge and accomplish their goals.
Saudi Arabia (15 January 2024) – The weekend marked one of the main rest days for the Dakar participants. Everyone was able to fit in a bit more sleep, some additional repair and maintenance work as well as share updates back home.
Some of the riders have already completed stage 8 so their rankings have been updated. Others are still making their way to the next Bivouac today.
Stage 1 began in AlUla and will end with Stage 12 in Yanbu. Saturday, the 13th of January, was the only rest day where riders, drivers and crews caught up on sleep and any major repairs. The route is around 5,000km.
We hope to share updates about the South African riders and drivers every few days for the duration of the Dakar. If you missed the first few stages, you can read more here.
With stage 8 underway, there are only a few days left until a winner is crowned. Let’s see how everyone is doing so far:
Bradley Cox #18 – Bike
Bradley has worked his way up to 15th place after stage 8. Stages 6 and 7 saw him rise and fall but steady out in stage 8. He keeps setting the fastest times in Rally 2, showing that he is fighting for his place in this event.
Overall, he is now 15th in the general rankings.
Michael Docherty #22 – Bike
Crashed out of Dakar 2024 during Stage 2 – Read more here.
Charan Moore #73 – Bike
Charan had stages 6 and 7 in the bag, rising up to 22nd place by the end of stage 7. He took a slight knock for stage 8, ending the day in 29th. But it is clear he is here to prove he has what it takes to be a team rider!
Charan is currently ranked 18th overall.
Stuart Gregory #100 – Bike
The Original by Motul “Malle Moto” rider has been on the rise despite the hiccup of his tyres heading back to South Africa without him. He has placed higher in each stage, finishing stage 8 in 76th place.
However, he is upping his overall ranking to 65th.
Kerim Fitz-Gerald #124 – Bike
Sadly, it has been reported that Kerim crashed out of his first Dakar during stage 1.
Ronald Venter #127 – Bike
Ronald has ended stage 7 with his highest finish, placing 55th. There is not currently an update on his stage 8 ranking but we will update as soon as we get more info.
He is currently ranked 71st overall.
Giniel De Villiers (pilot) and Dennis Murphy (co-pilot) #209 – Car
Giniel and Denis spent stage 6 driving through to 7th position, earning a spot in the top 10. By Stage 7 though, the had finished 11th. Stage 8 results for the duo are not out yet but we will report back soon.
Overall, they are currently 5th in the Cars category.
Brian Baragwanath (pilot) and Leonard Cremer (co-pilot) #219 – Car
After the agony of stage 4’s fall, Brian and Leonard navigated a way back to the top, finishing 14th in stage 7.
They are currently ranked overall at 105th.
Gareth Woolridge (pilot) and Boyd Dreyer (co-pilot) #225 – Car
Gareth and Boyd had a successful stage 6, finishing in 52nd place, but stage 7 proved challenging, and the pair crossed the finish line in 138th place.
Overall, they are currently ranked 108th.
Saood Variawa (pilot) with French co-pilot Francois Cazalet #226 – Car
Continuing his comeback from the stage 4 debacle, Saood has finished stage 7 in 50th place.
Overall, the rookie is placed in 27th place.
David Guy Botterill (pilot) and Brett Cummings (co-pilot) #243 – Car
David and Brett have cracked the top 10 overall ranking thanks to continued efforts in stages 6 and 7. The duo ended stage 7 in 16th place after an 11th place in stage 6.
Overall, the duo are currently in 9th place.
Hennie De Klerk (pilot) and Juan Möhr (co-pilot) #258 – Car
Sadly Hennie and Juan had to retire from Dakar after a driveshaft failure.
Katherine (pilot) and Stephen Lovemore (co-pilot) #742 – Classic
Katherine and Stephen are still in after the rankings went quiet in stage 5. Thankfully, the duo are 56th in the Classic after stage 7.
They rank 55th overall.
Adriaan (pilot) and Riaan Botma (co-pilot) #753 – Classic
Adriaan and Riaan are holding steady in the Classic rankings, earning 61st place at the end of stage 7.
They are currently ranked 53rd.
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