Ricky Brabec emerged victorious at the 2024 Dakar Rally after executing a strategically flawless performance over the course of 14 days and 12 stages. Maintaining an 11-minute lead over Ross Branch, Brabec showcased remarkable consistency throughout the race.
Despite securing only one stage win two days prior, he demonstrated exceptional skill during stage 11, leading from start to finish. In this crucial stage, Ross Branch posted the best adjusted time, requiring Brabec to closely follow him in the subsequent leg. Kevin Benavides claimed the fastest time on the final day, marking his third stage win of the year. The final podium featured Brabec, Branch, Adrien Van Beveren, and Benavides.
On January 19, 2024, in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, the Monster Energy Honda Team, led by Ricky Brabec, celebrated their triumph during the Dakar 2024 Final Podium.
Reflecting on his victory, Brabec noted, “This time was a little bit different. I feel like this one was more earned. This time was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third, there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race, and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally.”
Ross Branch, representing Hero Motorsport, expressed his joy at completing the challenging Dakar 2024. He shared, “Finally finished the Dakar!! It was a really tough Dakar 2024, and I’m so thrilled to be here! Finishing on the podium was always the goal, and today it’s a dream come true. I’m really over the moon to achieve this goal for Hero.”
Kyle McCoy, the 3rd American to finish in the Malle moto class, described his incredible journey, emphasizing the difficulty of the race and the camaraderie among participants. McCoy expressed gratitude for the support he received and reflected on the memorable moments of the Dakar Rally.
Jacob Argubright faced challenges in the final stage, encountering a fuel pump issue that required improvisation to complete the race. Despite the difficulties, Argubright remained grateful for the experience and expressed a determination to learn and move forward.
The 2024 Dakar Rally proved to be a demanding yet rewarding endeavor for participants, with Ricky Brabec emerging as the well-deserved champion.
Stage 12 Results:
1. Kevin Benavides, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Toby Price, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing + 00H 01′ 00”
3. Luciano Benavides, Husqvarna Factory Racing + 00H 01′ 14” 00H 01′ 00”
4. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda Team + 00H 01′ 25”
5. Diego Gamaliel Llanos, XRaid Experience + 00H 03′ 14”
6. Romain Dumontier, Team Dumontier Racing + 00H 03′ 23”
7. Ricky Brabec, Monster Energy Honda Team + 00H 03′ 31”
8. Mathieu Doveze, BAS World KTM Racing Team + 00H 03′ 36”
9. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 00H 04′ 02”
10. Bradley Cox, BAS World KTM Racing Team + 00H 04′ 19”
72. Kyle McCoy, American Rally Originals + 00H 50′ 03”
87. Weston Carr, HT Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing + 01H 01′ 16”
96. Jacob Argubright, Duust Rally Team + 01H 10′ 19”
Provisional Standings, 2024 Dakar Rally
1. Ricky Brabec, Monster Energy Honda Team 00H 01′ 00”
2. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 00H 10′ 53” 00H 01′ 00”
3. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda Team + 00H 12′ 25”
4. Kevin Benavides, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing + 00H 38′ 48”
5. Toby Price, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing + 00H 45′ 28”
6. Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo, Monster Energy Honda Team + 00H 46′ 38”
7. Luciano Benavides, Husqvarna Factory Racing + 00H 53′ 31”
8. Daniel Sanders, Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing + 01H 14′ 32”
9. Stefan Svitko, Slovnaft Rally Team + 01H 56′ 28”
10. Martin Michek, Orion – Moto Racing Group + 02H 48′ 49”
63. Kyle McCoy, American Rally Originals + 26H 39′ 26”
76. Weston Carr, HT Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing + 30H 32′ 38”
90. Jacob Argubright, Duust Rally Team + 55H 25′ 10”