Victorian Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders has claimed his maiden Dakar victory, marking KTM’s 20th Dakar win and becoming the second Australian to triumph in the gruelling race. ‘Chucky’ is no stranger to the top step on the world stage; he has represented Australia at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and has won titles. He is also familiar with the Hattah Desert Race, where he secured victory. From the Mallee Sand to the dunes of Saudi Arabia, ‘Chucky’ dominated the world’s toughest off-road race from start to finish, eight minutes and 50 seconds ahead of the next competitor. The 47th Dakar commenced on January 3rd and concluded on the 17th after a staggering 7,891 km covered. Sanders is also the next Aussie to win five stages, following in the footsteps of Toby Price. His victory and leadership throughout the race highlight his dedication to the sport. After setting the fastest time in Prologue, in the first week, he won four out of six specials; in week two, Chucky added another stage win.

From the Mallee Sands to Saudi Arabia comes Toby Hederics, the son of Australian Safari legend John ‘Hedge’ Hederics, who triumphed on two and four wheels, highlighted by winning the Australian Safari Sydney to Darwin three times consecutively. Hailing from Mallee Sands, Toby made his debut at the Dakar rally, completing the event and finishing in the top 20. He earned the title of best Rookie runner-up and had the 33rd fastest prologue time, ultimately placing 19th overall, just four hours, 46 minutes, and 58 seconds behind Daniel Sanders, achieving a ninth overall finish in the Rally 2 class.

When KTM disappointedly did not renew his contract, Toby Price was forced to move to four wheels. Teaming up with Sam Sutherland (navigator), the two started the Rally in the T1+ class but had to withdraw after stage five, when Sam Sutherland suffered a severe concussion. Price and Sutherland were the 12th fastest in the prologue.

Victorian Andrew Joseph Houlihan also had to withdraw on medical grounds after stage six with fractured collarbone and scapula with three broken ribs after mechanical issues in the dunes. Andrew was trying to roll start his bike down a steep dune when it all went wrong for the 55-year-old. He rode 40 km to the next checkpoint and was helicoptered out. He was the 88th fastest in the prologue.

This article appeared in  The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 23 January 2025.