JJ Sport, officially known as the Qianan Jiujiang Racing Sport Club, will field the largest contingent of Chinese drivers in Dakar Rally history in 2026.

Six JJ3 T1+ cars will be entered:

• Zhang Biaobiao and Ma Wenke in the #215
• Lu Binglong and Sha He in the #243
• Zhao Yuqiao and Gui Haibo in the #255
• Tao Yongming and Fu Liguo in the #259
• Xu Benyang and Tian Lei in the #261
• Fan Gaoxiang and Zhao Kai in the #271

All six drivers are making their Dakar debuts.

Founded in 2006, Qianan Jiujiang Racing Sport Club has been developing T1+ cars since 2020. As its name suggests, the JJ3 is the team’s third iteration after starting with the JJ1. The T1+ line’s chassis became FIA certified in October 2023.

The JJ3 is powered by an engine based on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ford EcoBoost unit, as opposed to the BMW motor that its predecessors had. JJ Sport wanted to build as much of the car using locally sourced components, so an 8,000-square meter facility was constructed to allow for parts production. The engine uses the Ford EcoBoost V6’s blueprint with tweaks to account for rally conditions and individual driving styles.

It is one in a handful of T1+ vehicles developed in China, company that includes Hanwei Motorsport’s buggies. However, the latter already has Dakar experience with owner-driver Han Wei while the JJ3 is a new addition to the grid.

Tao finished runner-up in T1 at the Taklimakan Rally in late May and early June. Fao was tenth, while Zhao and Lu struggled with mechanical issues to a 38th and 39th.

Featured image credit: Qianan Jiujiang Racing Sport Club