Polaris Off Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, and LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport announces a five-rider lineup for the 2026 Dakar Rally. Led by back-to- back champions Brock Heger and Xavier De Soultrait, Polaris RZR Factory Racing is primed to chase its third-straight Dakar Rally championship. Here is the 2026 Polaris Dakar Driver Line Up.
2026 Polaris Dakar Driver Line Up
With the launch of the SSV1 category, Polaris RZR Factory Racing will field two machines. To compete in
SSV1, Polaris engineered an all-new race machine from the ground up to take on the new class. This
dual-platform strategy underscores Polaris’ commitment to innovation, durability, and race-proven
engineering across every level of elite off-road competition. Drivers competing in the T4 category will be
armed with the proven RZR Pro R Factory, the same platform that delivered historic victories in 2024
and 2025.
“Dakar represents the ultimate test of vehicle performance and team resilience, and our goal for 2026 is
simple – defend our title while demonstrating the full strength of Polaris’ innovation," said Alex
Scheuerell, Director of Off-Road Motorsports, 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 Race team combines championship pedigree and rising talent.
● Brock Heger (SSV1) — Heger is the reigning 2025 Dakar Champion, 2025 SCORE Series
Champion, and a proven off-road racer recognized for his smooth driving style, race IQ, and
unwavering consistency across multiple disciplines.
● Xavier De Soultrait (SSV1) — De Soultrait is the 2024 Dakar Champion, whose transition from
elite motorcycle competition to SSVs has highlighted his adaptability and racecraft. His calm,
methodical approach under pressure makes him one of rally-raid’s most respected and reliable
talents.
● Goncalo Guerreiro (SSV1) — Guerreiro is a rising Portuguese rally-raid driver whose JB Racing
roots and early championship success have quickly positioned him as one of the most promising
young talents.
● Johan Krisstoffersson (T4) — Kristoffersson is a multi-time World Rallycross Champion and elite
all-surface racer, recognized globally for his precision, versatility, and unmatched consistency.
● Florent Vayssade (T4) — Vayssade is a seasoned French rally-raid competitor whose path from
elite kayaking to motorcycles and now SSV racing reflects his deep endurance background and
adaptability. He brings proven Dakar experience and a steady, disciplined approach to the
Polaris program.
2026 Polaris Dakar Driver Line Up
Each driver will be paired with experienced co-drivers, supported by LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport, and
Polaris engineers – maximizing performance, reliability, and stage-to-stage strategy throughout the
duration of the Dakar Rally.
Polaris’ entry into Dakar’s newly created SSV1 category ushers in the Pro R Rally, designed specifically to
meet international racing requirements. The new platform was engineered specifically for the demands
of Dakar’s diverse, wide open terrain. Vehicle highlights include the following:
● DYNAMIX semi-active suspension: Tuned in-house by Polaris engineers specifically to tackle
Dakar’s brutal terrain.
● Full MoTeC engine management and data acquisition: Offer drivers pro-level control and real-
time intel in the harshest conditions.
● Sleek side-intake scoops: Improve airflow to engine and cooling system and double as number
plates
● Full carbon-fiber dash and windshield frame: Reduce weight while adding serious race-car
rigidity and feel.
● FiA-homologated race cage: Engineered and tested to handle Dakar-level abuse and keep
drivers protected when things get wild.
With championship experience, expanded vehicle capability, and one of the deepest driver lineups in
the field, Polaris RZR Factory Racing and the LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport team enters the 2026 Dakar
Rally with clear aspirations: push the limits of off-road performance and chase a third consecutive
victory in the world’s most demanding desert race.
Dakar 2026 takes place January 3-17 in Saudi Arabia. To learn more, please visit Polaris.com/RZR or join
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