The Dakar Rally is one of the world’s most grueling motorsport events, and Polaris has its sights set on returning to the 2025 race with its Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory model, the only factory-developed race UTV in the industry.
Polaris said it’s designed specifically to withstand the conditions brought on during the Dakar Rally. Drivers Brock Heger and Xavier De Soultrait will pilot the vehicle over the 12- to 14-day event. Heger, a race winner last year, is looking to repeat the performance he laid down in a Polaris in 2023, while De Soultrait will seek to defend his successful record in the SSV Class championship.
The 2023 event was the debut of the second-generation RZR Pro R Factory. Polaris aims to improve the vehicle for 2025, giving it better durability and performance. It features a one-piece chassis, an adjustable suspension system, and new electronics. Although it’s loaded with race-prepped gear, the UTV retains the company’s stock ProStar Fury 2.0-liter engine, transmission, power steering rack, wheel bearings, CVT components, trailing arms, and more. Polaris said the list of consumer-ready standard parts demonstrates the performance and control that everyday RZR Pro R buyers can get.
The 2025 Dakar Rally will start on January 3 in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and finish two weeks later in Shubaytah. Race organizers are making changes for the next event to improve the competition, including creating new routes for some vehicle types and rearranging start times to prevent competitors from racing in the pitch-black dark of the desert.
Want to stay up to date on the latest UTV Driver news and reviews? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!
