Rookie Brock Heger and Navigator Max Eddy Jr. Claim SSV Victory at 2025 Dakar Rally with RZR Pro R Factory
January 20, 2025 / MINNEAPOLIS – Rookie driver Brock Heger and navigator Max Eddy Jr. have triumphed in the Side-by-Side (SSV) category of the 2025 Dakar Rally, marking a dominant performance by the all-American duo in the legendary race. Competing in the RZR Pro R Factory, Heger and Eddy led the field from start to finish, holding a commanding two-hour margin for most of the grueling 12-stage event in Saudi Arabia.
Heger’s victory at Dakar comes just months after his impressive win at the 2024 SCORE Baja 1000, further solidifying his reputation as a force in off-road racing. This historic victory marks his rookie win at Dakar, making him one of only five competitors to ever secure such a feat in their debut at the rally.
“Dakar is the pinnacle of our sport, and winning this Championship is truly a dream come true,” said Heger. “Max’s pinpoint navigation allowed me to focus on maintaining our pace and vehicle condition. The RZR Pro R Factory was virtually flawless throughout all 12 stages, and to win after Baja 1000—something I never imagined—makes this win extra special.”
The duo’s formula for success was built on consistent performance, earning one stage win, nine podium finishes, and top-five results in all but one stage. The team completed the 4,815-mile (7,749 km) race in 59 hours, 13 minutes, and 11 seconds, finishing over two hours ahead of their nearest competitor. Their rivals, defending 2024 SSV champions Xavier de Soultrait and Martin Bonnet, were forced to withdraw after a mechanical issue on the penultimate stage.
Heger’s journey began strong with a win in the Prologue, giving him a 19-second advantage over his closest rival. Despite early setbacks, including an onboard roadbook malfunction in stage one, the team rallied to secure a third-place finish. Stage two saw Heger and Eddy bounce back, dominating the stage and climbing to second overall. From there, their consistent finishes and careful navigation saw them maintain a steady lead throughout the rally.
The RZR Pro R Factory’s performance was key to their success, delivering durability, power, and precision across the challenging terrain. The vehicle’s advanced suspension and handling allowed Heger and Eddy to tackle the rally’s harsh conditions with confidence, from jagged rocky trails to shifting dunes and expansive desert plateaus.
“This victory is a monumental achievement for Polaris and Sébastien Loeb Racing,” said Alex Scheuerell, Technical Director of RZR Factory Racing. “Seeing our RZR Pro R Factory’s capabilities come to life in the Dakar Rally, and winning the world’s toughest off-road race, is incredibly gratifying for the entire team.”
The RZR Pro R Factory, with its race-tuned ProStar Fury 2.0L engine and rugged FOX® Factory Race shocks, proved its mettle throughout the Dakar Rally. The vehicle’s durability and reliability, despite being modified for international rally racing, reflect the resilience of the RZR Pro R platform, which remains available to consumers with stock components like the engine and driveline.
In addition to Heger and Eddy’s historic win, Polaris and Sébastien Loeb Racing (SLR) teammate Xavier de Soultrait secured a strong 21st-place finish, bolstered by a dominant stage-one victory and several top-five results. Together, the performances of Heger, Eddy, de Soultrait, and SLR further cement the RZR Pro R Factory’s dominance in the world’s toughest motorsport event.
With back-to-back victories at Dakar, the team’s success is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of Polaris and SLR, marking another milestone in the teams’ quest for supremacy in off-road racing.
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