In a surprising move, two-time Dakar Rally motorcycle champions Toby Price and Sam Sunderland have announced their switch to the car category for the upcoming 2025 edition. The dynamic duo will compete in a Toyota Hilux T1+ under the Overdrive Racing banner.
Price, who clinched Dakar titles in 2016 and 2019, will have Sunderland as his co-driver. The decision comes after Sunderland was left without a ride when KTM did not renew his contract for 2025. Both riders expressed their excitement and determination for the new challenge.
Price, taking to social media, said, "We're going to Dakar in January! Super excited for this chance. We'll be with Overdrive in a T1+ car, let's see what we can do. And the best part? Sammy Sunderland will be by my side. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but super exciting."
With this move, Price and Sunderland aim to join an exclusive club of riders who have won the Dakar in both a car and a bike. The likes of Hubert Auriol, Stephane Peterhansel, and Nani Roma have achieved this feat.
Sunderland, who retired from motorcycle racing in August after winning Dakar in 2017 and 2022, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture. "Me and Pricey are heading to Dakar. It sounds pretty wild even saying it out loud. I remember dreaming of sitting in a car after long days on the bike. It seemed far-fetched, but here we are. We're grateful for everyone who helped make this happen, and we hope to do it justice."
Toyota, a dominant force in the Dakar Rally, has won the event in 2022 and 2023 with Nasser Al-Attiyah. While Al-Attiyah has moved to the Prodrive-run Dacia Sandriders team, Toyota Gazoo Racing is expected to field Lucas Moraes/Armand Monleon and Seth Quintero/Dennis Zenz in the 2025 edition.
Meanwhile, defending Dakar champion Carlos Sainz Sr will be driving for Ford, having won the 2024 edition with Audi. Ford will be entering its new Raptor T1+ in the race.
As the 2025 Dakar Rally approaches, the excitement and anticipation are building. Price and Sunderland's transition to cars adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already thrilling event.
