While the U.S. powersports industry converged on Anaheim for A1 Supercross and AIMExpo, Dakar Rally Rookie Preston Campbell was wrapping up the Marathon Stage and taking top spot in Rally2!
After an impressive opening week, Monster Energy HRC – Honda Racing Corporation Rally2 riders Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell used the rest day to recharge before returning to action aboard their Honda CRF450RX RALLY machines for Stage 7.
Campbell headed into the weekend as the overall Rally2 leader, an outstanding achievement for a Dakar rookie. His objective for the second week is clear: defend the top spot all the way to the Rally’s return to Yanbu on 17th January.
Starting from the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Stage 7 was fast and demanding, sending riders across striking dunes, rocky tracks and off-piste sections. The 459 km special stage eventually led the field to Wadi ad-Dawasir, a city nestled in the Dawasir Valley.
Drawing on his experience in the California desert, Campbell once again adapted well to the varied terrain and clearly enjoyed the stage. He briefly rode through the dunes alongside teammate Ventura after the Portuguese rider caught him on the course and he went on to finish fifth, 10’25” behind stage winner Michael Docherty. Although his overall lead has been reduced to 11 minutes, Campbell remains firmly in control and just needs to stay within striking distance each day to protect his position.
