THIS IS WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT
Dakar: Race Against the Desert Documentary Movie
For years, I’ve attempted to convey what the Dakar Rally is all about, finally giving it an entire chapter in my new book. Not surprisingly, it is one of the longest chapters.
Now, in 2025, a new documentary film emerges, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this legendary Rally, along with amazing footage of the race. The director, Jalil Lespert, knows what he is doing and had the cooperation and support of Red Bull and Universal Pictures to get this done. Filmed over 18 months, it captures race action and a host of personal moments of the racers and families, with a focus on Carlos Sainz Sr., Sébastien Loeb, Stéphane Peterhansel and Toby Price.
Motorcycle, car in the desert
The film follows the 14-day 2023 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. While my experience with the Dakar was in South America (Argentina and Chile) and focused on motorcycles, this film covers all categories, including T1 Cars, T3 UTVs, motorcycles and Trucks. The film crew used drones, in-car cameras, and on-site crews to capture the action.
Go to Amazon Prime to watch it, here’s a link to the trailer.
But finally you’ll understand what I’ve been talking about for years in terms of the physical and technical challenges of this race and its toll on emotions as well as the physical requirements of the competitors.
Of course, if it motivates you to go and buy my book, I’d love that.
Steve
