Stuart Gregory completes sixth Dakar
This year was somewhat different as Stuart Gregory completed the race in a two-wheel drive rally car.
Port Edward macadamia nut farmer Stuart Gregory once again flew the South African flag high at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, which was organised by Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), took place in Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17. It was the sixth time Saudi Arabia had hosted the event.
The race was completed in Shubaytah by 175 vehicles, 77 bikes (including 67 Rally 2), 40 ultimate cars, one stock car, 21 challengers, 23 SSVs and 13 trucks after 7 453km.
It was Stuart’s sixth Dakar and his first time in a car as a navigator for William Battershill from Zimbabwe, formerly from South Africa.
After last year’s event, Stuart vowed ‘never again’ and ‘definitely not on a bike’ as it was regarded as arguably the toughest Dakar ever; however, he somehow dragged his body and bike across the finish line after 11 stages of gruelling riding.
This year was somewhat different, and both Stuart and William completed their race in a car called the Century CR6, a two-wheel drive to finish this year’s edition.
“This year’s edition was good but tough and a lot more difficult in a car navigating than riding a bike. I enjoyed navigating throughout the rally. We had a few hiccups and late nights with car issues, but we are glad that we made it to the end,” said Stuart.
He added that he looks forward to the next Dakar and hopefully gets an opportunity to do it all again in a car. He thanked everyone who played a vital role in making his journey a memorable one.
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