Can-Am has once again demonstrated the capabilities of its Maverick R side-by-side vehicle at the 2026 Dakar Rally. According to utvguide.net, factory racer Kyle Chaney and co-driver Jacob Argubright secured second place overall in Chaney's first-ever Dakar Rally. The race covered over 8,000 kilometers, presenting a formidable challenge to both drivers and machines.
The Can-Am Factory South Racing Team had a strong showing, with factory-supported drivers claiming six of the top ten overall positions and winning five stages throughout the rally. These results underscore the Can-Am Maverick R's reputation as a high-performing and durable racing SSV.
Jean-François Leclerc, BRP Race Manager, praised the team's efforts, stating, "Our team made huge strides this year. From the racers to the mechanics and our partners at South Racing, everyone gave their maximum effort and rose to the occasion." He added that the team demonstrated the "strength and reliability of the Can-Am Maverick R platform" with multiple stage wins and consistent podium results. Leclerc also noted the team's commitment to improving and aiming for the top spot in future races.
Key highlights from Can-Am's 2026 Dakar Rally performance include:
- Kyle Chaney finished second overall and won stage five.
- Can-Am drivers swept the podium on stages seven and twelve.
- Joao Monteiro secured fourth overall and won stage thirteen.
- Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli finished fifth overall, winning stages seven and twelve.
- Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez finished sixth overall, with a win on stage nine.
- Can-Am South Racing drivers claimed six of the top ten overall finishing positions.
Chaney's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he demonstrated consistency and skill throughout his first Dakar Rally. His stage five victory highlighted his driving and navigation abilities. His total finishing time was 56 hours, 13 minutes, and 35 seconds.
Chaney commented on his experience, saying, "This was my first year at Dakar, and I didn’t really know what to expect. Now that all the stages are done and we’re here at the finish line, I know what to expect for next year." He expressed satisfaction with his podium finish and emphasized the team's commitment to improving for future competitions.
Can-Am emphasizes that the Dakar Rally serves as a valuable testing ground for its Maverick R platform. The demanding conditions of the race provide insights that contribute to the development and improvement of their production vehicles. The Rotax powerplant, which powered the team through the rally, has proven its reliability in extreme off-road conditions. The company states that the racing successes of the Maverick R directly translate into enhanced durability, control, and engineering in the vehicles available to consumers.
Fans can find Dakar Rally highlights and behind-the-scenes content on Can-Am Off-Road's social media channels (@canamoffroad and @canamfactoryteam).
