Enduro legend Knight to make Dakar debut – in a car!

Enduro legend and four-time world champion David Knight will finally make his much-rumoured debut at the Dakar Rally in 2016 – but to the surprise of many, the Manxman will be on four wheels rather than two when he does.

Knight will drive a custom built car based on a BMW engine platform, with the two-year deal being put together by Dakar specialists Beady Race. He’ll be part of a two-car team for the Sandbach-based outfit, with a full team of dedicated support personnel.

The Manx rider has talked for years about his interest in taking to the famous race, especially since its move to South America, where his enduro experience could give him a real edge. However, the move has always assumed to be planned for two wheels, and with his links to both Red Bull and KTM it was assumed by many that a space on the factory team would be made available for him.

Knight has however been keen to stress his commitment to two wheels still remains, and as well as taking in a number of Baja and desert car races in preparation for Dakar he will continue to compete in major Superenduro, Enduro and Extreme Enduro events.