David stars in Dakar Rally

David stars in Dakar Rally

10 January 2024

BALLYNAHINCH man and Northern Irish rally raid veteran David McBride is off to a flying start in this year’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

It is the third time the 56 year-old has crossed the starting line in this legendary race for the Vendetta Racing team. 

David is competing on a Husqvarna 450 Rally Replica in what is known as the ‘toughest rally in the world’ among racing enthusiasts. 

“The Dakar Rally has just over a 40 percent completion rate,” said David. 

“For many riders, simply getting across the finish line is an enormous achievement. All three riders in the Vendetta team, including myself, will be tested to our limits of endurance as we work to overcome extreme temperatures, long hours and insane cardio workloads,” he continued.

“The Dakar route takes riders across some of the most challenging off-road terrain on the planet – from the highest mountains to the most perilous of sand dunes but I feel confident that with the support of the Vendetta team I can do well for my family and community in Northern Ireland.”

The Dakar Rally spans over two weeks and covers a distance of over 9,000 kilometres – roughly the same distance as Belfast to Cape Town.  

With a total number of 778 competitors, 145 of these are motorbikes. 

Each year sees thousands apply to be considered for entry into the race with only the select few of those being granted the honour to try their luck at the greatest off-road endurance race on the planet. 

The race takes place under the searing mid-day sun and frigid desert nights and is designed to be the ultimate test of both man and machine and has claimed the lives of dozens of competitors since its inception in 1979.

David has ridden proudly as a Northern Irish contender for many years and is a veteran of FIM events in Chile, South Africa, Morocco, UAE, Qatar, and of course the Dakar in Saudi in recent years. 

He is competing in the Rally 2 bike category and is hoping to place well in the Veterans category having placed second and 47th overall in his last Dakar outing.

David calls Ballynahinch home, although he trains and works in the Middle East for much of the year to compete at events around the globe. 

He is racing alongside ex-rally car driver and friend David Mabbs from England and newcomer Oran O’Kelly from Dublin. 

Under the team name of Vendetta Racing UAE, David and his team-mates are supported by a core group of rally support professionals, who will aim to keep both riders and bikes on the dunes.

David is no stranger to international events, with the following impressive achievements highlighting his career: 2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (7th, Rally 2); 2021 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (7th); 2017 Qatar Cross-Country Rally (10th), Atacama Rally (11th); FIM Veteran’s Cross-Country Rallies Trophy (2nd); 1997-2019 UAE Baja Championship (numerous top 5 finishes, 1st in 2004); 1996-2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (numerous top ten finishes, best being 2nd in 2001).

To keep up to date with David and his progression in the Dakar Rally, check out his Instagram @david_mcbride_VR or his team’s @vendettaracinguae.