A family that doesn't race together sticks together

Dakar 2026 | Prologue | YANBU > YANBU
January 3 ^rd 2026 - 22:38 [GMT + 3]

Martin Koloc, hailing from the Czech Republic, is back on the tracks and dunes of the Dakar, but this time as a competitor. The team principal, who taught his Seychellean daughter Aliyyah the basics of rally raids, underwent his baptism by fire today, and now she has the ultimate wingman at her side in her fourth participation.  

Aliyyah Koloc is already a familiar sight inside the Dakar bivouac. She first dropped by at age 16, when she and her twin sister, Yasmeen, tagged along with their father, Martin, who had already raced in the 20th century for the Czech national hero of that era, Karel Loprais. The founder and team principal of Buggyra Racing always keeps himself busy, but the project closest to his heart is his long-term vision for his daughters, especially Aliyyah, now racing in her fourth Dakar at age 21. This is her first Dakar with her father right next to her on the entry list. "It was part of the plan for her to become a real Dakar driver", explains the man in Ultimate car no. 251. "She'd already been here three times as a mechanic or supervising the team media by the time she jumped behind the wheel. Now we got the opportunity to enter at the same time… A gift from life. I found someone to manage the team so I could focus 100% on the race with Aliyyah, at least for three years. I'd like to help her become even faster."

Families with two cars in competition are usually animated by either the spirit of cooperation or a good-natured rivalry. Martin says the Kolocs are all about helping each other out: "I intend to stick to her like glue and, if something were to happen and I need to sacrifice my Dakar, I will". The feeling is mutual: "If I see him in trouble, I can't just turn a blind eye and keep going", insists Aliyyah. "This is a team sport, so of course I'll stop to lend him a hand." But, if they're so close, why not just share the same cockpit? Well, there's a good reason not to. "Truth be told, neither of us would cut it as navigators", she sighs. Koloc Sr. agrees, talking down his navigation abilities with an anecdote: "I can just about find my way on the road, but navigating in a race car is completely different, our family would be done for! I've tried it once in my career, but after a week in the desert of Abu Dhabi, I wasn't even able to add three plus three!" Since efficiency is the name of the game at Buggyra Racing, there was no choice but for them to go their separate ways so Aliyyah can try and build on her 41st place overall from 2023 (25th in Ultimate).