🏎 Dirt to the Desert

Dakar and the Chili Bowl are here to cure your off-season blues

January 08, 2024

Good morning! What do two of the biggest races of the year have in common? They are both in January! In terms of participation, the Dakar Rally and the Chili Bowl Nationals bring in hundreds of competitors all vying for the top spot. This year, the Dakar Rally boasts 780 competitors while Chili Bowl will play host to 373 midget drivers. Both are in action this week!

Weekend Highlights

Dakar

Stage 2 witnessed Dakar Rally legend Stephane Peterhansel clinching his historic 50th career win. Despite a challenging start marked by punctures, Peterhansel showcased his indomitable spirit and expertise on the 464km stage, securing a significant 29-second victory over Prodrive's Sebastien Loeb. His triumph was a testament to resilience, as he navigated from a bruising start to the forefront. Meanwhile, Audi teammate Carlos Sainz Sr. skillfully moved into the overall lead in the cars' category, demonstrating strategic prowess in a race where every second counts.

The stage was rife with intense competition and surprising turns. Loeb, a formidable contender, posed a serious challenge but ultimately couldn't match Peterhansel's pace, finishing solidly in second, well ahead of the pack. Other notable performances included a valiant fightback from Al-Attiyah to finish fourth and a strong showing from home favorite Al-Rajhi in fifth. In a stark contrast, previous leader de Mevius faced a setback, dropping to 19th and highlighting the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the Dakar Rally. As the race progresses, Sainz's lead in the overall standings, followed by Loeb's significant jump to third, sets the stage for an enthralling contest in the upcoming stages.

Event Highlights

Chili Bowl

The 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals is setting the stage for an electrifying midget racing showdown. Dubbed the 'Super Bowl of Midget Racing,' this prestigious event, now in its 38th year, attracts a global mix of over 370 competitors to the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Chili Bowl has grown in stature since its inception in 1987, becoming a yearly highlight in the racing calendar. This year's edition is no exception, with a roster that includes stars from the NASCAR Cup Series like Chase Briscoe, J.J. Yeley, and Josh Bilicki, as well as ARCA Menards Series champion Jesse Love, who's making a leap to the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Revving up to be a streaming sensation, the entire 2024 Chili Bowl will be broadcast live on FloRacing, marking a shift from traditional TV coverage. This change underscores the event's modern appeal and growing audience. The Chili Bowl's allure is also reflected in its diverse entry list, featuring drivers from 32 states and five countries, including defending race winners Logan Seavey and Tanner Thorson.

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