Benediktas Vanagas’ Toyota Hilux will sport the updated BFGoodrich KDR3 EVO 2.0 tires at the 2026 Dakar Rally. After the race is over, he plans to donate the used tires to Ukrainian troops.

Vanagas has long been supportive of Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion, routinely sending aid such as vehicles and proceeds from auctioning off merch. Tires in particular comprise a substantial fraction of his and Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics’ donations.

The 37-inch KDR3 (code 12.50R17) is the official tire used by the Ultimate class at Dakar, while the EVO2.0 is an upgraded model. Rally raid tires are heavier and more durable than standard off-road models, and Vanagas routinely mentions how Ukrainian soldiers prefer them on their frontline vehicles for that reason.

BFGs lose their optimal grip after 400 kilometers, though they often don’t do that far in a given stage before being swapped out for a fresh set. Thus, once they’re no longer good for racing, they can still be used for other purposes like military.

“After the mission in Saudi, these durable tires will head to Ukraine to serve a second life,” said Vanagas.

TGR Baltics’ latest round of donations sent over 30 tires to the AFU in September. The team has also provided heavy-duty trailer tires for the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine, among other equipment.

2026 will be the Lithuanian’s 14th Dakar Rally. He retired from this year’s edition.

Featured image credit: Benediktas Vanagas