Can-Am's Maverick R Shines in 2025 Dakar Rally with a Strong Second Place Finish
Can-Am Triumphs in Its First Dakar Rally with Maverick R
Can-Am, the renowned brand from BRP Inc., made a remarkable debut in the 2025 Dakar Rally, finishing second overall and clinching an impressive ten stage victories. The performance highlighted the capabilities of the Maverick R against grueling conditions that are signature to this challenging race.
Leading the charge for Can-Am was factory driver Francisco "Chaleco" López, who not only garnered the most stage wins in the T4 Side-by-Side Vehicle class with five victories but also successfully maneuvered his way to the overall second place by the end of the rally. López, alongside his co-driver Juan Pablo Latrach, completed the rally with a total time of 61 hours, 19 minutes, and 15 seconds.
The Dakar is notorious for its rigorous terrain, and the 2025 edition proved no different. The Can-Am racing team, with support from South Racing, faced unique and unpredictable challenges throughout their twelve-day journey across the Saudi Arabian desert. López expressed pride in his team's accomplishment: "This year’s race was filled with challenges, yet I'm proud of how our drivers, team, and partners at South Racing adapted and persevered throughout the rally."
Despite facing difficulties early in the race, López's determination shone through as he dominated stages three, five, six, nine, and ten. "After a tough start, we solidified our position and began to win stage after stage, showcasing the reliability of the Maverick R," he recounted.
Sara Price, another key member of the Can-Am squad, aimed to improve upon her previous year’s performance, having clinched a stage win in her first Dakar. Unfortunately, luck was not on her side as mechanical issues in the early stages led to her exclusion from the overall ranking. However, she still managed to secure three more stage wins, proving her skills behind the wheel.
"It’s incredible to reflect on the Dakar this year, with its highs and lows. I’ve grown so much between my first and second Dakar, and I’ll never forget this experience," said Price, praising her co-driver Sean Berriman’s navigation skills.
Jeremías González Ferioli also showcased his talent, having initially maintained a position within the top ten until encountering problems that excluded him from the overall standings. Nonetheless, he didn't wet his resolve, winning two stages in the latter half of the rally. "After overcoming our early setbacks, we found our rhythm, and I couldn’t be prouder of our performance," he expressed.
Another highlight was the debut of Hunter Miller in the Dakar Rally, finishing tenth overall in a remarkable display of resilience and skill. His partnership with Andrew Short proved fruitful as they finished fourth in one of the stages, indicating their potential in future challenges. "Crossing the finish line was such a relief. Although it was my first experience, I look forward to applying all I’ve learned towards continuous improvement," Miller noted.
Overall, the team’s collective efforts led to ten stage victories and multiple podium placements, marking a successful outing for the Maverick R in its inaugural Dakar Rally. With cutting-edge features like its advanced suspension, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and turbocharged engine, the Maverick R proved to be a formidable contender in the harsh desert landscape.
As the team looks ahead, there’s a flood of optimism for the future, fueled by the lessons learned and the achievements attained during this formidable race. "We leave Dakar with a profound sense of accomplishment and invaluable experience that will drive our motivation for next year’s challenge. We’re excited to return even stronger!" concludes López, setting the stage for the Maverick R's return next year.
About BRP
BRP Inc. stands as a global leader in the powersports industry, boasting over 80 years of innovation and customer-centric focus. With a portfolio that includes notable brands like Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and Can-Am, BRP is dedicated to ensuring exhilarating adventures across diverse terrains while committing to responsible growth through electric models and sustainable practices.