Polaris is going all-in on the world’s toughest off-road race. Polaris Off Road and LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport have officially announced a stacked five-driver lineup for the 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally—and the mission is clear: defend their crown and make history with a third consecutive Dakar victory.
Headlining the effort are back-to-back champions Brock Heger and Xavier De Soultrait, who return to Polaris RZR Factory Racing as the team expands into the newly created SSV1 category with an all-new, purpose-built race machine.
Two Platforms. One Goal. Total Dakar Domination.
The 2026 Dakar marks a major turning point for side-by-side competition with the debut of the SSV1 class. To meet the demands of the new category, Polaris engineers designed an entirely new platform—the Pro R Rally—from the ground up.
Rather than relying on a single solution, Polaris will campaign two different race platforms:
- SSV1 entries will debut the all-new Pro R Rally.
- T4 entries will continue with the proven RZR Pro R Factory, the same machine that delivered Dakar wins in 2024 and 2025.
This dual-platform strategy highlights Polaris’ commitment to innovation while continuing to build on a championship-proven foundation.
“Dakar represents the ultimate test of vehicle performance and team resilience,” said Alex Scheuerell, Director of Off-Road Motorsports at Polaris. “With two Dakar champions leading our five-driver lineup and the debut of our all-new race platform, we’re entering the rally more prepared and more ambitious than ever.”
The 2026 Polaris RZR Factory Racing Driver Lineup
The 2026 roster blends championship pedigree, elite crossover talent, and rising international stars:
- Brock Heger (SSV1) – The reigning 2025 Dakar Rally Champion and 2025 SCORE Series Champion, known for his smooth driving style, race intelligence, and relentless consistency.
- Xavier De Soultrait (SSV1) – The 2024 Dakar Champion whose transition from top-tier motorcycle racing to SSV competition has showcased elite adaptability and composure under pressure.
- Gonçalo Guerreiro (SSV1) – A rising Portuguese rally-raid talent with strong JB Racing roots and early championship success.
- Johan Kristoffersson (T4) – A multi-time World Rallycross Champion and one of the most versatile drivers in global motorsport.
- Florent Vayssade (T4) – A seasoned Dakar competitor whose background in endurance sports and rally-raid brings consistency and experience to the team.
Each driver will be paired with experienced co-drivers and supported by LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport and Polaris’ factory engineering team to manage strategy, reliability, and performance across Dakar’s grueling two-week schedule.
Inside the All-New Polaris Pro R Rally (SSV1)
Designed specifically for Dakar’s wide-open deserts, rocky stages, and extreme endurance demands, the Pro R Rally introduces advanced race-focused technology, including:
- DYNAMIX semi-active suspension tuned in-house by Polaris engineers for Dakar terrain
- Full MoTeC engine management and data acquisition for real-time performance insights
- Sleek side-intake scoops that improve airflow while doubling as number plates
- Carbon-fiber dash and windshield frame for reduced weight and increased rigidity
- FIA-homologated race cage engineered to withstand Dakar-level abuse
This new platform signals Polaris’ intent to lead the next era of factory SSV racing on the world stage.
Eyes on a Third Straight Dakar Victory
With championship drivers, expanded vehicle capability, and one of the deepest lineups in the bivouac, Polaris RZR Factory Racing enters Dakar 2026 with momentum—and pressure.
The goal isn’t just to defend a title. It’s to push the limits of off-road engineering, validate a brand-new race platform, and cement Polaris’ legacy at the highest level of rally-raid competition.
The 2026 Dakar Rally runs January 3–17 in Saudi Arabia, where dunes, rocks, and endurance will once again decide who earns motorsport immortality.
