Historic victory for Ricky Brabec and Honda at the Dakar 2020

Over 30 years have passed since Honda last triumphed in the Dakar Rally. In 2020, Monster Energy Honda Team has once again laid claim to the coveted bronze Tuareg prize. Ricky Brabec makes history to become the first ever American to win the world’s toughest and cruellest rally.

After eight years in pursuit of glory, the dream has finally come true. Ricky Brabec rewarded Honda with a much desired victory. Honda had returned to the Dakar in 2013 after a 23-year absence, yet after numerous stage wins and two overall runner-up spots, the principle objective remained elusive. However, on an eighth attempt in the 2020 edition, success finally materialized. The result is, without doubt, the fruit of much long-term work by engineers, mechanics and riders, who have spared no effort to accomplish the mission of outright victory in the Dakar Rally.

Today, on the final 12th stage, Ricky Brabec made history by becoming the first American to have his name inscribed amongst the winners of the planet’s most gruelling odyssey. Brabec dominated the rally from start to finish, and today, after finishing the final special stage in second place, was able to seal the victory that he sought over the past five campaigns: overall winner of the Dakar Rally 2020. The Monster Energy Honda Team ace snatched the leadership on day three and refused to relinquish the top spot until the race wrapped up, two stage victories and 5000 kilometres later.

Brabec’s success is likewise the success of Honda, whose riders held top positions throughout the rally. José Ignacio Cornejo, the winner of the final stage, posted fourth overall and Joan Barreda seventh after the previous day’s engine swap. Kevin Benavides recounted good sensations and finished 19th overall.
 

Kevin Benavides  7

STAGE: 6TH  FINAL: 19TH

It has been a very difficult Dakar with all the situations we have experienced. Paulo’s loss has undoubtedly been the toughest. Then with my engine breaking down which put me out of the fight to win the Dakar. But even so, I kept my head up and gave my all every single day. I won a stage and made the podium several times. This leaves me with a good taste in my mouth. With the engine issue aside, I kept up a very fast pace which gives me a lot of comfort. That’s the way rallies are. Next year I will come back even stronger.

Ricky Brabec  9

STAGE: 2ND   FINAL: 1ST

It’s a dream come true. Hopefully we can come back next year and repeat it. I know that it’s not going to be easy as the Husky and KTM boys will be breathing down our necks. I’m really excited to be here for Honda and for America as well. To be the only American to accomplish this goal is amazing. I think it’s really a dream come true. Now we’ve got to set our goals higher and accomplish more. We are going to come back next year and try and repeat this but, as I said, it’s not easy. We are happy. It was a big, tough race. A lot of kilometres. The team worked great together. The riders were good and the whole team worked well together so I’m really happy. The bikes were really good. We are all here. We are all happy and safe. That was the first goal. I can’t thank everyone enough – Honda, Monster and every one of the sponsors behind us. Thank you all so much. It’s the first time in Saudi Arabia. The scenery was insane! I love it. Hopefully I’ll be back next year. I’ve got a five-year contract so I think we’ll be back.

Joan Barreda  12

STAGE: 16TH  FINAL: 7TH

This was a Dakar that from the beginning was really tough for me. I spent a few days with some great difficulties, but little by little I began pulling back and picking up pace. I had a bit of bad luck with the cancellation of the two stages and the change of engine also penalized me. But in the end the good feelings came back. We have to stay positive but despite all the difficulties, I have finished another Dakar.

José Ignacio Cornejo  17

STAGE: 1ST   FINAL: 4TH

Today’s stage was short but intense. I battled it out with Walkner and Luciano Benavides. They started out in front of me, so I started the special very focused, trying to reduce the time. In the end I didn’t make any mistakes and was able to win the final stage of the Dakar, and thus finish fourth in the general standings. I’m very happy with the way the entire rally went. The team has finally achieved the victory we were looking for after so many years. I’m very happy with the whole team, they have worked so hard.

Ruben Faria

General Manager

I want to thank all the 33 people who make up this team. We have worked really hard; we have prepared this Dakar very well. We have suffered; we have battled until the final moment. When I was racing the Dakar there were three riders, Paulo Gonçalves, Hélder Rodrigues and I. Hélder is also now on the team working alongside the riders. I want to congratulate him because without him in the team it would have been really difficult; he has done a great job. I also want to congratulate Johnny Campbell who did an excellent job with Ricky. Thanks to all people from all areas of the team.

I want to dedicate this Dakar to two people: Paulo, who lost his life doing what he loved best, and my father who also passed away and would very much have liked to see this Honda victory. This Dakar has not been easy after the loss of our friend Paulo Gonçalves. Personally he was a great friend of mine with whom I shared many things in common; it hasn’t been at all easy.

Congratulations to the team riders, who all performed greatly. It was a pity about Kevin who had the issue with the bike and was not in the running for the victory. Joan Barreda, who started with an injury, gave it everything day after day and fought until the end. And Jose Ignacio Cornejo also did a spectacular job, winning two stages, which shows the determination and commitment that Nacho has to this work.

Sandro Cortese joins Barni Racing Team for a two-days testing at Jerez 

Calvenzano (ITA) 16th January 2019. Following surgery on his left shoulder on last 24th December, Leon Camier will not take part in the Jerez de la Frontera tests next 22-23 January.

Barni Racing Team announces that Sandro Cortese, 2018 World Supersport champion and former Yamaha World Superbike rider, will join the team for two days testing at the Spanish track.

Cortese will work with the Bergamo-based team also at Portiamo on 26-27 January, ready to leave the saddle of the Ducati Panigale V4 R to Camier if the British rider’s physical condition allows him to ride without taking risk.

Camier’s shoulder recovery is progressing quickly, but only in the days immediately preceding the test in Portugal the team and the rider will decide whether to be on track already at Portimao or to wait the tests in Australia.

Szoke’s ice-cool Island Classic preparation

Multi-time Canadian superbike champion Jordan Szoke is embracing the big chill ahead of his maiden appearance at the International Island Classic, with the 2020 event to be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26).

Far from being confined to the indoors during a typically stinging Canadian winter, the man from Ontario has instead been practicing on his ‘ice’ bike to keep himself in the groove ahead of joining the American team for the showpiece International Challenge teams event at the Island Classic, which will also feature squads from Australia and the United Kingdom.

His more orthodox preparation has also included cycling and “multi-discipline motorcycling”.

Long-time goal

The 18-time Canadian road racing champion – 13 in superbike and five in 600 supersport – will also be competing at the 4.445km Phillip Island circuit for the first time, so his enthusiasm ahead of the Island Classic is palpable.

“I’ve always wanted to race on Phillip Island,” said Szoke. “It’s a great event at a wicked race track. And I’ve always wanted to race the big classic bikes because it looks like fun. So when (American team captain) Dave (Crussell) approached me I was excited to go.”

Like Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, Szoke still competes full-time at 40-plus years of age and continues to give the younger generation plenty to think about. Aboard a Kawasaki, he finished second in the 2019 Canadian superbike title, winning two of the five rounds outright.

“I am looking forward to having a race in the middle of our Canadian winter when we aren’t actively racing in our schedule,” continued Szoke. “I am looking forward to riding at this particular event while still at the top of my game.”

Baptism of fire

Szoke won’t get a chance to ride the Yamaha-based CMR FJ 1250 until he lobs at Phillip Island, but despite the truncated lead-up, and the vexing issue of learning a new and blindingly fast circuit, he’s still expected to be one of the lynchpins for Team America alongside the likes of Josh Hayes, Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and Taylor Knapp. Hayes is a superstar, and was victorious in the final International Challenge race last year.

The American team also features Josh Hayes’ wife, Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the International Challenge – as well as Brian Filo, Michael Gilbert, Jorge Gurerro, Bruce Lind, Joe Pethoud, Robert Ruwoldt and riding captain, Crussell.

Team America is expected to push defending champion Australia all the way in the 2020 International Challenge, with the Aussie outfit featuring David Johnson, Shawn Giles, Jed Metcher, Craig Ditchburn, Aaron Morris, Scott Webster, Cameron Donald, Steve Martin, Beau Beaton, John Allen and Alex Phillis.

Meanwhile, the UK is returning to the Island Classic in 2020 after a one-year hiatus, with Alex Sinclair and Michael Neeves expected to be their major point scorers.

Historic racing across all eras and capacities

The Island Classic, is now in its 27th year, is the largest historic motorcycle racing event in the Southern Hemisphere. The weekend honours a century of motorcycling in three action-packed days, with the International Challenge just one element of an event that celebrates the splendour of historic racing across all levels.

As well the International Challenge, the Island Classic includes 50 other races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).

Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday.     Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.

Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.

Pre-purchase tickets now on sale

Discounted pre-purchase tickets and on-site camping will be available until Thursday, January 23 at www.islandclassic.com.au    Alternatively buy tickets at the gate from 8am each race-day morning.

Save by purchasing in advance with a three-day adult pass at $84.00* and packaged with four nights camping at the circuit just $167* for a perfect Australia Day long weekend away.   Children 15 and under are free.

For more information, visit www.islandclassic.com.au

*Ticket prices quoted are in advance.  Buy early online and save on gate prices.