“So grateful for this opportunity, a lifelong dream to do the Dakar on a motorcycle”
RIDER FACTS
- Another ‘victim’ of Alfie Cox’s early noughties notoriety, Dwain Barnard was marked for life by the images of his fellow South African’s podium appearances aboard his blue factory KTM.
- Having competed in several national South African Enduro / Extreme Enduro & off-road championships, Dwain was also ‘contaminated’ with the Dakar virus by all the South Africa riders competing in this world class event
- A family man with 3 children aged 19, 15 and 2, Dwain married his childhood sweetheart and claims the whole family supports his Dakar obsession. To the point where, once having scratched his Dakar motorcycle itch, he intends to return alongside his son. A son who is currently training with his dad for the Roof of Africa, the continent’s premier extreme enduro.
- Not only does the family play together, they also work together, as his son is also about to join the family electrical contracting business.
2025 AMBITIONS
“Look, I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to race the Dakar. I’m sure every privateer who enters says it is a dream come true, but not that many of us get to realise our dreams. To have the finances, the support of the family and the physical ability -the holy trinity- is just fantastic. And of course, to have my entry accepted by ASO. Qualifying wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped it was going to be. I started off with the Sonora Rally in 2023 but had problems with the engine and also with mousses that meant that my average speed wasn’t high enough to make the cut. However, ASO encouraged me not to give up and so I entered the Portugal Rally with support provided by French team Nomade Racing. That changed everything. The bike ran perfectly and I was able to concentrate on the riding. I finished Top 20 in Rally 2 and as a result was accepted for Dakar 2025. Of course, I’ll be relying on Nomade for assistance again in January and will be aiming for that much dreamt of finish.”
