“It’s going to be an awesome adventure”
CREW FACTS
E.V.L.
- Erik van Loon started as a codriver in 2007 after 12 years of circuit motorbike racing.
- He achieved the best-ever result for a Dutchman in the car category with a P4 in 2015 with the factory Mini team.
- He is married to Anja van Loon who finished P12 in Trucks category in 2024.
- He competes in the Dakar Classic with a modified Audi S1, aiming for victory.
H.V.
- Hein Verschuuren did the Dakar for the first time in 2015 in the truck category finished 38th and has since prepared for the challenge by competing in Bajas and cross-country rallies with Erik van Loon.
- He became Dutch rally champion as a codriver for the fourth time in 2024 and now aims to win in the Dakar Classic.
2025 AMBITIONS
E.VL: “I started back in 2007 as a co-pilot after 12 years of racing motorbikes on circuits. When Dakar 2008 got cancelled, I switched to the driver’s seat. In 2015, I finished 4th with the factory Mini team. I stepped away from the Dakar in 2023 after a big crash, but in 2024, I helped my wife, Anja van Loon, to become the first woman (along with two others) to finish in a truck class. This year, we’re taking on the Dakar Classic with four Audi replicas of the legendary S1 rally car, modified for the Dakar. It’s going to be an awesome adventure, and we’re aiming for the win! I still compete in regular rallies during the year with a WRC Subaru S14 and a Ford Focus. I was Dutch rally champion in 2010. Over the years, I’ve done more than 100 cross-country rallies and Bajas, and I still love the sport. To stay fit, I train eight times a week: two core sessions, two strength sessions, and four cardio sessions -mostly cycling.”
H.V: “This will be my second Dakar. My first was back in 2015 in the truck category with Vick Versteijnen. In order to be ready, I’ve been driving with Erik van Loon in several Bajas and cross-country rallies. For 2025, the main goal is to have fun. But let’s be honest, we’re still competitive, so we’ll be pushing to win the Dakar Classic. In 2024, I became Dutch rally champion as a co-driver for the fourth time.”
