South African Teen Saood Variawa Breaks Record in Dakar Rally Stage

Nineteen-year-old Saood Variawa achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the Dakar Rally on January 7, 2025. He outperformed competitors, including Seth Quintero and Lucas Moraes, during the third stage of the event, showcasing exceptional skill and resilience despite previous setbacks. Variawa’s victory underscores the growing prominence of young talent in extreme motorsport.

In an unprecedented achievement, nineteen-year-old Saood Variawa from South Africa became the youngest top-class driver to secure a stage victory in the Dakar Rally, accomplishing this mid-race milestone on January 7, 2025. During the intense competition of the third stage, which spanned 327 kilometers from Bisha to Al Henakiyah in Saudi Arabia, Variawa’s prowess was evident as he navigated through challenging terrains alongside his Toyota teammates. This remarkable accomplishment surpasses the previous record held by American driver Seth Quintero, who at 22 years of age had set the standard just last Saturday.

The competition was fierce, with Variawa, Quintero, and Lucas Moraes of Brazil vying for the lead for a substantial portion of the stage. As the race progressed, Variawa made a strategic maneuver during the final 60 kilometers, overcoming a punctured tire to clinch victory. He explained, “I definitely knew we were flying. There were a lot of places which could catch you out and end your race”. His co-driver, François Cazalet, played a pivotal role in ensuring their navigation remained precise under challenging circumstances.

Variawa’s journey to this moment was not without hurdles; he faced a significant setback after a collision with compatriot Giniel de Villiers which cost him eight hours in the previous stage. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, he noted, “This is a good comeback.” Other competitors, including Quintero and Moraes, finished this stage in third and ninth respectively, while another South African, Henk Lategan, retained the overall lead even as challenges against five-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah loomed.

The Dakar Rally is renowned for its grueling and demanding nature, attracting some of the best drivers and teams from around the globe. Established as a premier endurance race that combines rallying, off-roading, and navigation skills, the Dakar is not only a test of speed but also of strategy and resilience. Conducted across the harsh landscapes of Saudi Arabia, the rally poses significant challenges, including unpredictable terrain and possible mechanical failures. Saood Variawa’s recent victory highlights the emerging talents in this extreme motorsport, showcasing the capabilities and potential of young drivers in a historically seasoned field.

The emergence of Saood Variawa as the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the Dakar Rally marks a significant milestone in motorsport history. His achievement not only sets a new benchmark of excellence for young competitors but also highlights the unpredictable nature of the rally as drivers face immense challenges. As the competition progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Variawa and other competitors navigate the remaining stages of this legendary race.

Original Source: apnews.com