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  3. RZR Factory Racing Wins the Legendary Dakar Rally
Brock Heger and Max Eddy Jr posing in front of a RZR Pro R Factory side-by-side wearing their first place medals.
January 17, 2025

RZR Factory Racing Wins the Legendary Dakar Rally

RZR Factory Racing and Sebastian Loeb Racing dominated the 2025 Dakar Rally, securing first place in the SSV category. In his debut year, driver Brock Heger, alongside navigator Max Eddy, led the team to victory. They dominated the grueling 14-day race across the Saudi Arabian desert, piloting a second-generation RZR Pro R Factory side-by-side, meticulously engineered to withstand the rally's extreme conditions.

This year's triumph marks the second consecutive victory for RZR Racing at the Dakar Rally, often dubbed "the world's most grueling race." Last year, Polaris secured the win in collaboration with Sebastian Loeb Racing, with racers Xavier Soultrait and Martin Bonnet leading the charge.

Despite its global renown, the Dakar Rally remains somewhat under the radar in the U.S. So, what exactly is this legendary race, and what makes it so iconic? Let's take a deeper dive into the Dakar Rally and the remarkable drivers and machines that propelled Polaris to victory.

The Race

The Dakar Rally, originally known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, began in 1978 and is one of the most grueling and prestigious off-road endurance races in the world. Originally starting in Paris and ending in Dakar, Senegal, the race has since been held in other locations, including SouthAmerica and Saudi Arabia. It features multiple categories, including motorcycles, cars, trucks, and UTVs—each pushing the limits of human and machine endurance.

What Makes the Dakar Rally Legendary?

 

number one

Extreme Conditions


The race takes place in some of the harshest environments, from scorching deserts to rugged mountains, testing the resilience and skill of both drivers and their vehicles.

 

number two

Navigation Challenges:


Unlike traditional races, the Dakar Rally requires competitors to navigate unmarked routes using roadbooks and an electronic compass, adding a layer of complexity and strategy. GPS is not allowed.

 

number three

Endurance and Stamina


Spanning over two weeks, the rally demands immense physical and mental stamina, with long daily stages that can last up to 12 hours.

 

number four

Technological Innovation


The rally serves as a proving ground for cutting-edge automotive technology, with manufacturers using it to test and showcase their latest advancements.

 

Each year, the Dakar Rally attracts top drivers and riders from around the globe—drivers from 52 different nationalities competed this year—all eager to test their limits in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

 

The 2025 Race

Since 2020, the Dakar Rally has been hosted in Saudi Arabia, with 2025 marking its sixth consecutive year in the country. The 2025 race route covered nearly 5,000 miles of challenging terrain, starting in Bisha and concluding in Shubaytah. This route included over 3,000 miles of timed specials—competitive sections of the Dakar Rally where participants race against each other and the clock to achieve the best time.


The Drivers

After clinching the win in partnership with Sebastian Loeb Racing last year, Polaris RZR Factory Racing sent its own racers to compete for the UTV racing world’s most prestigious title. In their first attempt, Polaris all-star driver Brock Heger and navigator Max Eddy conquered it all. 

Eddy is no stranger to the Dakar Rally, having participated in several editions of the race. It was Heger’s first time competing, despite his seasoned career—making his victory all the more remarkable. How did Heger and Eddy come to dominate Dakar? Let’s take a look at their impressive careers.

Brock Heger

Brock Heger is a rising star in the world of off-road racing. Starting his racing career at the tender age of eight, Heger has accumulated an impressive 17 years of experience by the age of 25.

His journey began in motocross, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for competitive racing. Transitioning to UTVs, Heger quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional driving abilities and determination.

Heger's versatility and adaptability have been key to his success across various off-road disciplines, including the SCORE series and the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge. In 2024, he clinched victory for RZR Factory Racing in the UTV Pro Open class at the grueling Baja 1000. He outpaced his competitors by an impressive 45 minutes, achieving the highest-ever SCORE finish in a UTV since the category’s inception in 2007.

Known for his relentless drive and strategic approach, Heger has consistently performed at a high level, earning numerous accolades along the way. His participation in the Dakar Rally marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to compete on the global stage.

 

Max Eddy Jr.

Eddy is a seasoned veteran in the off-road racing community, renowned for his achievements in both motorcycle and UTV racing.

Like Heger, Eddy also started his race career on two wheels. As a motorcycle driver, he claimed numerous victories, including five Baja 500 and five Baja 1000 victories as well as a Best in the Desert championship.

After transitioning to four wheels, he quickly became a formidable competitor in the UTV racing scene. Eddy's extensive experience and deep understanding of off-road racing dynamics make him an invaluable asset to the RZR Factory Racing team. His journey with Polaris began as a co-driver for racing veteran Craig Scanlon, where he played a crucial role in securing victories at major events like the San Felipe 250. Eddy secured more victories for Polaris as a driver, taking the podium at King of Hammers and the Vegas to Reno race.

Together, Brock Heger and Max Eddy Jr. form a powerful duo for RZR Factory Racing in the 2025 Dakar Rally. Their combined experience, skill and determination led them to victory in this legendary race, as they navigated the challenging terrains of Saudi Arabia.

The Machine

After securing victory in the 2024 Dakar Rally, the engineers at RZR Factory Racing knew they had a winning vehicle. This year, they applied their learnings from 2024 to enhance the championship-proven, second-generation RZR Pro R Factory, making it even better.

When it comes to building the ultimate race machine, performance and durability are paramount. In brutal endurance races like Dakar, durability often takes precedence. In developing the Dakar-specific RZR Pro R Factory, Polaris engineers set out to create a machine even more capable of withstanding the relentless punishment of the Rally.

For months leading up to Dakar, Polaris engineers focused on fine-tuning the already award-winning second-generation RZR Pro Factory. They made numerous performance and durability enhancements to the vehicle, including a stiffer frame, adjustable suspension hardware, and upgraded electronic components. Additionally, they integrated more storage for spare parts and tools, allowing drivers to quickly make their own repairs on the course.

The race machine’s upgrades were the result of tireless testing, development and refinement in collaboration with drivers. In the end, it paid off when Heger, Eddy and the Dakar-tuned RZR Pro R Factory crossed the finish line first. The machine proved its superiority, showcasing exceptional power, agility and durability throughout the grueling competition.

 

Interested in owning a machine similar to the RZR Factory Pro R? Check out our 2025 RZR Race Replica.  

Team Effort

While Heger and Eddy drove the RZR Pro R Factory to victory, they certainly didn't reach the podium alone. From Polaris engineers to test drivers and race mechanics, securing the win in the 2025 Dakar Rally was a team effort. This year's triumph is a testament to the unwavering determination, spirit and skill of the entire RZR Factory Racing team, whose name is now permanently etched into the legacy of Dakar.

 

Learn more about RZR Factory Racing’s historic 2025 Dakar win.

Defending Dakar

What does it take to secure victory in Dakar? Join us as we go behind the scenes in Defending Dakar.