Chasing a Dream Beyond the Dunes: Anthony Raynard’s Road to Dakar 2026
- thepretoriapostsa
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
For Anthony Raynard, motorsport has always been more than a competition - it’s been a way of life. After 25 years of motocross, he decided to take on something completely new: rally racing. With no training, a borrowed bike, and a determination to learn on the go, he entered the 2024 Safari Rally, and won.
That single victory set off a chain reaction. “Winning that race changed everything,” he recalls. “It made me realise how much more I had to give.” His next challenge was qualifying for Dakar — the race that stands as the ultimate test of endurance, focus, and courage.
After months of preparation, Raynard received the call confirming his entry into the Dakar Rally 2026. But the excitement of qualification soon met the reality of cost. As a privateer, Raynard is fully self-funded, covering the immense logistical and mechanical expenses himself. Two months out from the race, two financial sponsors unexpectedly withdrew, leaving him facing mounting Euro bills with little time to spare.
Still, giving up has never been in his vocabulary.
Raynard’s motivation runs deeper than competition. His racing number, 23, carries personal meaning, it’s his late mother’s birthday. “She was my biggest supporter,” he says. “Every time I race, I carry her strength with me. Taking number 23 into Dakar is my way of honouring her and everything she taught me about resilience.”
That human connection, between courage, loss, and purpose - is what makes his story so compelling. His Back-a-Buddy campaign invites South Africans to be part of the journey, not just as spectators but as supporters of a homegrown dream built on grit and gratitude.
“I want to show that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and your community believes in you,” Raynard explains. “Every contribution, every share, every bit of encouragement brings me one step closer to that start line in Saudi Arabia.”
Behind every athlete’s story is a moment where passion meets perseverance. For Raynard, that moment is now. His Dakar dream is more than a race, it’s a story of resilience, faith, and the power of collective support.
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