Martin Macík Jr. knows how to race a truck through the desert, as evidenced by his two Dakar Rally titles. But can he race a truck on a paved circuit?

He’ll get to find out in August when he debuts in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, competing in the Czech Truck Prix at Autodrom Most. Macík will race an IVECO—the same manufacturer as his rally raid truck—prepared by Jochen Hahn, who is tied for the most championships in ETRC history with six.

His family-led rally team MM Technology will oversee the truck’s operations.

“I love trying new things, and I’m really curious to see how I’ll do,” said Macík. “I’m a racer through and through, so even though I don’t have any intention to leave our rally truck Benny behind, I’m all in. I believe fans will have a great show to look forward to.”

Macík is coming off winning his second Dakar Rally in a row in the Truck class, claiming five stage victories and beating the field by over two hours. Mitchel van den Brink finished second behind him to secure a 1–2 for MM Technology-built trucks; van den Brink also drove an IVECO EVO 4 like Macík’s “Benny the Big Guy” truck.

He began training under Hahn on Saturday, turning laps around Most; while an unusual experience, especially in a truck, Macík has tested on the 4.2-km circuit before. Hahn has raced IVECOs in the ETRC since 2017, winning the 2018 and 2019 titles in an S-Way.

Speaking with media after the first test, Macík revealed circuit racing has always intrigued him “because everything is in one place and the fans are much closer to you.”

The Czech Truck Prix will be the fifth round of the 2025 FIA European Truck Racing Championship, scheduled for August 30–31.

“Collaborating with Martin Macík is exceptional for us,” began Autodrom Most owner Josef Zajíček. “Not only does it bring joy to the fans and offer a unique experience, but it also fulfills our long-term goal of developing Czech motorsport and bringing events with far-reaching impact to the region.

“We believe that the Czech Truck Prix 2025 will be a powerful moment of the season for attendees, and Autodrom Most will once again confirm its role as an open social center with a positive impact on both the region and the entire motorsport community. A big thank you also goes to the National Sports Agency, whose support allows us to develop these projects and advance Czech motorsport.”

Featured image credit: MM Technology