Dakar Rally introduces Classic category for pre-2000 vehicles

26th June 2020

Laura Thomson

From 2021, the Dakar Rally’s organising body, the Amaury Sport Organisation, will be introducing a ‘Classic’ category to the gruelling two-week race, paying tribute to the pioneers of rally raid.

Announced this month, the Dakar Classic will welcome vintage cars and trucks that would have competed in the Paris-Dakar, as it was then known, or similar events during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as period-accurate replicas.

While the classics won’t face exactly the same course and challenges as the modern competitors, they will share the same start and finish points and run on a ‘specific and dedicated parallel course’ to the 43^rd edition, which next year will take place from the 3^rd to 15^th January 2021.

‘Chapter 3’ of the world-renowned rally raid began last January, when it was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Despite some criticism from competitors, and a high number of crashes, it will be back this year, with each of the timed sections brand new.

The Dakar Classic will give vintage racing fans the change to see the legendary pioneers of the arduous Paris-Dakar back in action, with appearances from the likes of Land Rover Defenders, Porsche 959s and Renault 20s prevued. There’s no word on whether classic motorcycle will be invited to attend.

In a promo video for the new category, Dakar director David Castera said: “While the rally is headed towards its future, towards environmentally friendly energies, it is important for us to pay a tribute to the pioneers of the Dakar, to allow them to relive the sense of adventure, the sense of discovery. It will be possible with the creation of this Dakar Classic category, so get your cars ready for the month of January...”