David Knight MBE launches GoFundMe campaign to help keep Dakar dream alive

David Knight MBE has launched a GoFundMe campaign in order to make his dream of competing at the 2021 Dakar Rally a reality.

Knight qualified for the famous event after winning his first-ever rally raid event, the 2020 Andulacia Rally. In a similar format to the Dakar, Knight won the class riding alongside rally legends such as Toby Price and fellow Manxman Jamie McCanney.

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However, due to the financial pressures on companies across the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Knight’s main sponsor has withdrawn its support.

“While the rug might have been pulled out from underneath me, I’m determined to stick to my commitments,” Knight said on his GoFundMe page. “Deals are in place, bikes are secured, and teams are prepped. I’ve got just under three weeks to raise the money I need to compete at Dakar.”

Knight is regarded as one of the greatest off-road riders in history. He is a five-time World Enduro champion, four-time AMA champion and an International Six Days Enduro (ISDE)overall champion. He has secured victory in multiple National, European and World Championships.

“It took a lot, but we made it to Andalucia to qualify, and with the help of a few very good people, we kept the dream alive,” Knight added. “Now, I’m asking my fans and the wider sporting community if they can help me fulfil this dream.

“To get the bike shipped along with all of the organisation required, I need to get the budget secured by the end of November. Put simply, if I don’t make the necessary amount in time and I don’t go, I’ll refund all of the donations that I have received.”

At the time of writing £38,837 has been raised by over 400 donors. The goal for Knight’s GoFundMe campaign is £85,000. To make a donation and learn more about Knight’s Dakar project, follow this link – https://www.gofundme.com/f/knighter-to-dakar-2021.