South African Teen Saood Variawa Becomes Youngest Driver to Win Dakar Stage

Nineteen-year-old Saood Variawa from South Africa has become the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the Dakar Rally. Competing fiercely against fellow racers, including Seth Quintero and Lucas Moraes, Variawa overcame challenges to secure victory in the third stage. This marks a significant achievement, showcasing the potential of young drivers in the motorsport community while setting a new record in the rally’s history.

AL HENAKIYAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — In an impressive display of skill and determination, 19-year-old Saood Variawa from South Africa has made history by becoming the youngest top-class driver to secure victory in a stage of the prestigious Dakar Rally. On January 7, 2025, during the third stage of the rally, which spanned 327 kilometers from Bisha to Al Henakiyah, Variawa clinched this notable achievement, surpassing the previous record held by American Seth Quintero, who was 22 years old when he won a stage just the previous week.

The stage was fiercely contested, with Variawa, Quintero, and fellow Toyota teammate Lucas Moraes closely vying for the top position throughout the race. They remained within a minute of each other for the majority of the 203-mile journey, with Moraes initially setting the pace. However, Quintero took control in the latter part of the stage before Variawa surged ahead in the final stretches, overcoming a late puncture in his vehicle.

Reflecting on his performance, Variawa expressed confidence, stating, “I definitely knew we were flying. There were a lot of places which could catch you out and end your race. We really took it quite easy in the stuff that was very tricky.” After starting the rally with a setback due to a collision on Monday, this stage victory represents a significant comeback for Variawa.

Despite the success, Quintero finished the stage in third place, while Moraes came in ninth. Henk Lategan, another South African driver, remains in the overall lead despite a competitive field that includes multiple champions like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb, both of whom are facing challenges in the current rally conditions.

The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance race that takes drivers through challenging terrains, often requiring exceptional navigation skills and teamwork. After switching locations to Saudi Arabia in recent years, the rally continues to attract elite competitors from around the globe, pushing the limits of both man and machine. Young and emerging talents, like Saood Variawa, are increasingly making their mark, challenging established names in the sport. The achievements of these young drivers underscore the evolving nature of motorsport, where skill transcends age.

Saood Variawa’s victory at the Dakar Rally is a remarkable milestone in his career, emphasizing the burgeoning talent present in the motorsport arena. His accomplishment not only sets a new record but also highlights the competitive spirit of the rally, marked by fierce rivalries and unexpected challenges. With every stage raced, the narrative of perseverance, skill, and youthful ambition continues to unfold. This stage win also reinforces the potential for young drivers to significantly impact historic racing events like the Dakar Rally.

Original Source: apnews.com