It’s official—Casey Currie and Sean Berriman won SSV category of the Dakar Rally, the toughest off-road race in the world. No American has ever won the Dakar Rally in its 42-year history and Casey and Sean have ended the drought becoming the first Americans to win in this category!
The racers endured a total of twelve stages of racing over a two-week time period in the unforgiving deserts of Saudi Arabia. They conquered the 4500+ mile course in a custom Dakar spec 2020 Can-Am Maverick SxS with 30x15 Nitto Trail Grappler SxS tires and KMC machete wheels.
Here’s a peek into how the Dakar officials describe the stages to prep fans and racers for the upcoming Middle Eastern terrain, “January 16: Stage 11, Shubaytah to Haradh (“Empty Quarter” Stage) ‘Keep your eyes peeled as the day begins with a spectacle that lasts for 80 kilometers: the finest dunes of the country. Over such a distance the risk of lingering too long on a mound of sand to take in the sights is real. The competitors will then follow in the footsteps of the first black gold prospectors who explored the region. The marathon stage comes to a close.’”
Casey and Sean faced the many challenges of the terrain including sand, dunes, soil, tarmac, stones, powerful winds and lots of dust to bring home the win in 51 hours, 39 minutes and 32 seconds leading the second-place finisher by about 45 minutes and the third-place finisher by almost an hour.
Congratulations to Casey, Sean and their team for their historic win!
Photos courtesy of Casey Currie Racing and MCH Photography
Click here to see Casey's results from the 2019 Dakar Rally.