Dakar Classic: a great new idea!

Are you up for an exciting trip down memory lane? A real one, not just a flick through the pages of a book or a look at a YouTube video (or even VHS video, given the period we are talking about)! David Castera, director of Dakar, has just made an exciting announcement: the next edition of this legendary rally, due to take place in 2021, will include a new “Classic” category. What this means is that, in addition to the modern entrants, any car or truck that took part in the event before 2000 will be entitled to compete, albeit following a dedicated, less demanding route. Although it would have been fascinating to see the protagonists of the past pitted directly against today’s vehicles (to see how they might fare), we can nevertheless look forward to some splendid sights at each day’s stage starts, and at each night’s encampments: the amazing spectacle of historical and 2021 vehicles standing cheek by jowl. The next Dakar Rally is scheduled to take place next January in Saudi Arabia, although the organizers are hoping to be able to hold some of the stages in at least two other countries. In introducing this new category, the organizers have given a clear sign of their determination, in looking to the future, not to forget the stories and endeavors of the late 20th century that made this race legendary.