Just two weeks ago it seemed like an impossible task. But it has now turned into reality. The Buggyra Racing team celebrates its first-ever overall win at Dakar Rally 2021. Josef Macháček has won the light prototypes category and as a 6-time Dakar winner, he has matched Karel Loprais. The Czech legend also joins Stéphane Peterhansel and a few others, who have managed to win the most-prestigious rally raid competition in the world in two different categories. Another remarkable success for the team is that all four crews have finished in the elite TOP 10.
The two-time European Truck Racing champion David Vršeck. and his design team built a winning special in less than two years. “I’ve won a thing or two, but I still can’t really fully comprehend this one. I can’t realise what has just happened. It’s too early. Big thanks to the team for putting a relentless effort, both physically and mentally, into it. The vehicles worked great every day. It’s not a problem to deal with a terrain anymore, today it’s all about speed. Dakar is shorter and faster. Everything must be 100%, so this victory belongs to the whole team,” said Josef Macháček after finishing the 12th stage.
“We’ve won, but our data shows that it could be even better. Luckily, Josef still has the best ahead of him, so we can still make some improvements,” said David Vršeck. about the 63-year-old Dakar legend. Tomáš Enge finished in 10th place on his Dakar debut, which is also a great result. Especially as he spent the last 3 stages supporting Macháček.
“It’s unbelievable. Last year, I lost my dad, but then I had some great luck in having two little girls. My preparation for Dakar was short and I had no idea what I’m getting into. Thanks to Vlastimil and the whole team I was able to survive it without any harm and to finish. Now, I feel like I could do even another 14 days,” shared Tomáš Enge his emotions.
Also, both Tatra Buggyra Racing crews had a successful run. For 2021, Ignacio Casale has decided to switch to Trucks category. And he finished in 9th place in the overall standings.
“I would like to dedicate my 9th place to my father. It was with him when I did my first Dakar in a truck 12 years ago. Big thanks also to the whole family for their support and the whole Buggyra Racing team. It is the best Dakar team I’ve ever had. My navigator Alvaro did a fantastic job, and David as well. He had lots of patience with us. It’s very emotional. Thanks to everybody,” said the Chilean legend, who was the highest finisher with a manual gearbox.
Martin Šoltys then turned his 4th start to a TOP 10 finish. “We really enjoyed this year’s Dakar. In all aspects. I’m glad that it finally worked out, on the 4th try, and to be in the TOP 10. Maybe, if we do it 10 more times, we’re even going to win something,” said smiling Martin Šoltys after finishing in 10th place.
