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Dakar Rally
Dakar Rally Competitor in the Dakar Rally, 2006.

Dakar Rally

automobile race
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News •

Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed to December over regional security • Nov. 3, 2026, 5:43 AM ET (Euronews)
Motorsport: Motor racing-FIA boss happy for F1 to race in Middle East, less sure about Dakar Rally • Oct. 20, 2026, 4:19 PM ET (Toronto Star)

Dakar Rally, automobile rally race over a route traditionally run through southern Europe and Africa before finishing in Dakar, Seneg. The Dakar Rally, first held in 1978–79, covers up to 15,000 km (9,300 miles) and is considered among the most grueling rally events. In 2009 the Dakar Rally was relocated to South America after its organizers, citing terrorist threats in Africa, cancelled the 2008 race.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
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