Polaris RZR Factory Racing, in collaboration with LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport (LFM), has once again dominated the Side-by-Side (SSV) class at the Dakar Rally, securing their third consecutive victory. The 48th edition of the Dakar Rally saw the all-American team of Brock Heger and navigator Max Eddy Jr. triumph in the Saudi Arabian desert, claiming their second consecutive win behind the wheel of the Polaris RZR Pro R Rally.
According to utvguide.net, the race spanned nearly 5,000 kilometers (3,045 miles) across 13 stages. Heger and Eddy led for much of the event, ultimately winning by over an hour. This victory marks Heger's second Dakar appearance and included an impressive six stage wins, including the prologue. Heger also secured two additional podium finishes and two more top-five results.
Adding to Polaris' success, SLR teammate and 2024 SSV champion Xavier de Soultrait finished third overall, also piloting a RZR Pro R Rally.
"Coming back to Dakar for my second year and being able to win again is absolutely incredible," said Brock Heger, as reported by utvguide.net. He also expressed gratitude for Polaris, LFM, and the entire crew. Heger emphasized the seamless teamwork with navigator Max Eddy Jr. and praised the RZR Pro R Rally's flawless performance.
Heger secured an early advantage by winning the prologue for the second consecutive year. De Soultrait initially led after Stage 1, with Heger finishing fifth. From Stage 3 onward, Heger and Eddy took control, winning back-to-back stages and seizing the overall lead. Heger continued to dominate, adding stage victories in Stages 8, 10, and 11, along with a third-place finish in Stage 5 and a fourth-place result in Stage 7.
The Polaris RZR Pro R Rally was engineered to meet new FIA regulations for the SSV class. According to Polaris' Director of Off-Road Motorsports, Alex Scheuerell, the team spent considerable time refining the platform to meet the new rules. The vehicle retains key production RZR Pro R components, including the engine, driveline, and suspension. Enhanced suspension control and precise handling contribute to the RZR Pro R Rally's ability to handle the demanding terrain.
Heger and Eddy completed the rally in 55 hours, 11 minutes, and 56 seconds, which is more than four hours faster than the previous year's winning time. Johan Kristoffersson and navigator Ola Fløene finished eighth overall in the RZR Pro R Factory T4.
