Century Racing has accomplished plenty around the world whether it be the wilderness back home in South Africa, the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the dunes of Morocco, and even the forests of Poland and jungles of Brazil. In August, the team will finally add North America to its portfolio when it enters the Vegas to Reno.

Brian Baragwanath and Mathieu Serradori will split driving duties of the Century CR6-T, while Leonard Cremer and team manager Julien Hardy serve as navigators.

The CR6-T is almost identical to what is run at the Dakar Rally, with some slight differences such as removing the speed limiter. It is a T1.2 car, unlike Century’s current flagship CR7, that won Stage 8 of the 2020 Dakar Rally with Serradori. After Serradori added a second stage victory in January with the CR7, Century and Mini are the only manufacturers to win Dakar stages with both 2WD and 4WD models.

Of course, the V2R is a single-day desert race as opposed to what the team is used to in raids. Still, they’re up for the challenge.

“Months of planning and preparation have gone to make this possible and we are very grateful for our partners in the USA for their assistance,” reads a team statement. “This year also marks the 30th edition of the event, which will be run in reverse for the first time.

“We are also writing a small piece of history as being the first South African team to officially enter an off-road race in America, however, we are humbled by the task ahead. Racing against Trophy Trucks on unfamiliar terrain over an 840 km single-stage route through the Nevada desert will test both our crew and our car.

“Our objectives are clear: gain experience in North American desert racing, understand the terrain, navigation to understand where the car’s suspension needs to be improved, and finish the race.”

The CR6-T isn’t the only rally raid car at the V2R as Ford Racing will be bringing the Raptor T1+ for Mitch Guthrie.

Featured image credit: Century Racing