Dakar Classic 2025
The Dakar Classic is a category within the famous Dakar Rally designed for vintage and historic vehicles that participated in or are inspired by the Dakar Rally of the 1980s and 1990s. This category was introduced to celebrate the heritage of the rally and allow enthusiasts to compete with older vehicles in a less extreme format than the modern Dakar Rally.
Key Features of the Dakar Classic
Vintage Vehicles: Includes classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles that either competed in the original Dakar events or are replicas/restorations of vehicles from that era.
Vehicles are categorised by their period as follows:
Period A – Vehicles produced before 01/01/1986
Period B – Vehicles produced from 01/01/1986 to 31/12/1996
Period C – Vehicles produced from 01/01/1997 to31/12/1999
Then divided into 4 groups:
GROUP H0 – 🐌 LOW AVERAGE SPEED (average speeds dedicated to the less
powerful vehicle – No turbo engine allowed – not accessible for period C
cars)GROUP H1 – MODERATE AVERAGE SPEED (average speeds accessible to
all, ideal for the less powerful cars – not accessible for period C cars except
for Leaf springs vehicles)GROUP H2 – INTERMEDIATE AVERAGE SPEED (10% to 15% higher average
speeds)GROUP H3 – 🐇 HIGH AVERAGE SPEED (faster average speeds, 25% to 35%
higher average speeds – not accessible for Period A cars)
The crews shall be composed of 2 members (driver and co-driver) and 2 or 3 members for trucks (driver, co-driver [and mechanic]).
Each crew member require:
• 18+ years of age
• Hold a valid driving licence for his or her vehicle category
• Hold a Driver/Entrant International licence valid for participating in an international regularity race.
Different Challenge: Unlike the modern Dakar Rally, the Dakar Classic does not focus on high-speed racing but instead uses a regularity race format, which prioritizes precision over speed. Teams aim to maintain specific average speeds and complete stages as accurately as possible.
Dakar Classic participants share the same bivouac and transfers with the Dakar Rally, but the route is different.
Participants must undergo the following tests:
Regularity Test (RTs): Participants must maintain the prescribed average speed and stay as close as possible to the ideal time.
Navigation Test (NTs): Participants must follow the official route and pass all waypoints while trying to cover as few kilometers as possible without exceeding the time limit.
Dunes Test (DTs): Participants must validate waypoints. This test is mandatory for the H2 and H3 groups and optional for the H0 and H1 groups.
Each stage may consist of several RTs, NTs, or DTs. The itinerary details and various controls and transfers are outlined in the time card handed out to the crews at the start of each stage.
Penalties are given in points, with penalties for speeding (also monetary fines for road sections), exceeding kilometers, and more. During an RT, the maximum speed is limited to 140 km/h for cars and 120 km/h for trucks.
The winner is the participant with the fewest points at the end of the rally.
If a crew is unable to complete a stage on their own, they may continue the rally in the remaining stages after making the necessary repairs. However, they will receive the maximum penalties for each skipped TC/CP/RT/NT/DT (H2, H3).
The Dakar Classic runs alongside the main Dakar Rally but is designed to celebrate the event's legacy while providing a platform for vintage vehicle enthusiasts to experience the adventure in a controlled, less physically demanding format.
How to enter?
To enter Dakar Classic you need to register an account and apply. After your application is confirmed, you need to pay the entry fee in the amounts and timelines as shown here.
