The Real Way to Dakar has been revived under new ownership, with the 2026 edition set to run from January 18 to 31. It will be a non-competition race with only an Adventure category before timed classes are brought back in 2027.

Organized by Intercontinental Rally, the first race was held in 2011 before adopting “The Real Way to Dakar” in 2020. As the name suggests, the rally began in Europe before traveling down West Africa and finishing in Dakar, Senegal, following the same trajectory that the old Paris–Dakar Rally and current Africa Eco Race take.

In August 2024, race organizers Kasper van Deurs and Jacob Ilskov announced its cancellation and Intercontinental Rally’s shutdown because of family emergencies. Those who signed up for the 2025 rally were reimbursed.

When it seemed The Real Way to Dakar would be a figment of the past, however, Deurs and Ilskov had been working behind the scenes on a “planned handover of the rally to two new owners — Thomas and Petur — who will carry the spirit and legacy of The Real Way to Dakar forward.”

Originally, they planned to announce the revival in 2026 with the first race back being in 2027. However, another rally in the area being called off prompted the new leadership to “open the doors earlier and welcome those who had already set their sights on Dakar 2026.

“This means that The Real Way to Dakar will live on, under new ownership, but with the same DNA, vision, and values that have defined it from the very beginning:
Adventure, camaraderie, and the true spirit of rallying.

“For us, this transition is both emotional and meaningful. Seeing The Real Way to Dakar continue in capable hands is the best possible outcome — and we are deeply thankful to Thomas and Petur for taking on this journey with the same passion and respect for what this rally stands for.”

Registration for 2026 opened on Tuesday.