“It will be great to be part of this legendary event”

Daniel Stiblik and the crew of truck #626 are gearing up for a real baptism of fire at Dakar 2024. Driver Daniel, navigator Lukas Kvasnica and mechanic Jiri Tomec are all newcomers to the world’s biggest rally, but they’re still confident they can play a key role for the Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing team. Their main goal will be to act as a support truck for team leaders Jaroslav Valtr (#604) and Martin Soltys (#605), who will be fighting for overall glory. Daniel has been a fan of motorsport since childhood, and the 32-year-old says that lining up on the Dakar is a dream come true. Lukas, who is only 28, insists the trio have plenty to offer despite their inexperience. Jiri is a two-time Czech Truck Trial champion who runs his own truck repair company, so the 52-year-old will undoubtedly play a key role in what promises to be a very challenging 46th edition. “The last Dakar taught us that such quick assistance is definitely useful”, explained Jan Kalivoda, the team’s head of communications. In 2023, Robert Kasak drove the team’s third truck and came to the rescue more than once, ultimately helping Valtr and Soltys finish fifth and sixth overall. With the help of Daniel, Lukas and Jiri, Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing are aiming even higher at Dakar 2024.

D.S. “I've been attracted to motorsport ever since I was a kid. I loved watching it on TV and as a spectator. And I’m glad that I can now participate as a racer. I’m very excited about making my debut. It will make my childhood dream come true, because the Dakar is a big phenomenon in our country. It will be great to be part of this legendary event and as part of the Buggyra team, too. The main goal is, of course, to finish. Then we’ll see where it goes.”

L.K. “So far, I’ve moved outside the world of rally-raid, which makes me all the more excited to try Dakar. Sure, we’re all newbies, but that doesn’t mean we’re completely ‘out there’. We all bring some experience and I hope we can capitalize on it.”

J.T.: “I’ve been fascinated with fixing trucks since I was a kid. That’s why I’m glad I will be able to use my experience at such an important motorsport event. We’ve done some basic tests with the Phoenix, and we got acquainted with the truck. But the best way to prepare for the Dakar is to do it at least once!”