THE Dakar263 initiative has gathered momentum with eyes fixed on the 2024 competition.
Brothers Ash and Cameroon Thixton as well as Zimbabwean Dakar Rally rider Graeme Sharp will seek to fly the country’s flag at the biggest rally competition in the world.
Sharp, the country’s representative at the 2020 Dakar Rally came up with the idea of an initiative, which could see more riders from Zimbabwe taking part at the event starting with the Thixton brothers.
Sharp finished overall 74th back in 2020 and also competed at events such as Sonora Rally, Rally du Maroc, Merzouga Rally and Baja Rally, among other top competitions around the world.
Initially, the target was to fly the country’s flag at the 2023 Dakar Rally, which roars off in the next two weeks but they could not take part in qualifying events due to lack of resources.
But the trio has continued to work towards the dream behind the scene.
“We have continued with the physical training and that has most certainly intensified as we close out the year and prepare for a small off season period. Bike training has also continued as the hours on the bike continue to build up. Cameron Thixton has been participating in the local Scene where he did the Nyamuswa Enduro which he won as well as the Arcadia enduro where he finished runner up,” Ash Thixton said.
Ash Thixton managed to complete the Roof of Africa in the mountains of Lesotho in the silver class he claimed 19th place, achieving his goal of completing one of the hardest enduro races in Africa.
Last year, the Thixton brothers travelled to Spain and spent a week at Viladoms Rally Station, a rally-raid academy for all riders interested in competing in cross-country rallies at the highest level.
The team was looking to raise at least US$352 000 to cover all the expenses from the qualifiers until the Dakar Rally while they set up a team of support staff, which includes strength and conditioning Grant Mitchel, physio Margie Gibson, nutritionist Kristy Baxter, psychologist Stu Pattison, manager Bart van der Velden and Trevor Thixton who offers rider and mechanical support.
The trio which was set to compete at Dakar under the BAS Dakar KTM Racing Team is now looking to take part in qualifying events beginning next year.
“Unfortunately not we missed the entry deadline of the events as we did not have the full amount of funds available at that stage while entries also reached maximum capacity very early on. Our next qualifier on the 2023 rally calendar should things go according to plan should be set for Sonora Rally in Mexico on the 28th of April,” Ash Thixton said.
Thixton also revealed that the team will be making a big announcement with regards to sponsorship towards the dream early next year.
“We have some very exciting news that we can’t wait to share with everyone that will be launched early in 2023,” he said.
“We would like to thank the sponsors that stuck with us from the beginning: ICC paints, RK Fuels, Migym, the Wicked family. Ace Air and Ambulance. To the many friends and family along the way that have supported us so far. The journey has only just begun.”