The 2015 Dakar rally sent cars, bikes, quads, and trucks on a 5,600-mile trek through South America. Red Bull
The 2015 Dakar rally sent cars, bikes, quads, and trucks on a 5,600-mile trek through South America.
The competitors go through deserts and over sand dunes. Here, Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret get some air. Red Bull
Stephane Peterhansel, Jean Paul Cottret perform during the 4th stage of Rally Dakar 2015 from Chilecito, Argentina to Copiapo, Chile, on January 7th, 2015
Even the trucks, which carry teams of three, don't stay on the ground. Red Bull
Andrey Karginov races during the 5th stage of Rally Dakar 2015 from Copiapo to Antofagasta, Chile on January 9th, 2015
It takes a lot of mechanical skill to make vehicles that can withstand this kind of beating, and keep them running. Red Bull
Nikolaev Eduard races during stage 5 of Rally Dakar 2015 from Copiapo to Antafagosa on January 8th, 2015
During the second stage of the race, Red Bull's Peterhansel drives from Villa Carlos Paz to San Juan, Argentina. Red Bull
During the second stage of the race, Red Bull's Peterhansel drives from Villa Carlos Paz to San Juan, Argentina.
For South Africa's Riaan Van Niekerk, it's all about finishing the race. "I'd like to improve my result from last year," he says. "I've sharpened up my navigation." RallyZone Bauer/Barni
For South Africa's Riaan Van Niekerk, it's all about finishing the race. "I'd like to improve my result from last year," he says. "I've sharpened up my navigation."
Riders get to choose their route for each stage, so they need sharp navigating skills. Red Bull
Jordi Viladoms races during the 6th stage of Rally Dakar 2015 from Antofagasta to Iquique, Chile on January 9th, 2015
Spain's Joan "Nani" Roma won the rally on a motorcycle in 2004 and in a car last year. BMW Group
Spain's Joan "Nani" Roma won the rally on a motorcycle in 2004 and in a car last year.
BMW Group
It's not all sand and dirt: One leg of the race takes the racers over Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats. Red Bull
It's not all sand and dirt: One leg of the race takes the racers over Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats.
There are water obstacles, too. Red Bull
There are water obstacles, too.
Not surprisingly, racers have to be ready to stop for on the spot repairs. RallyZone Bauer/Barni
Not surprisingly, racers have to be ready to stop for on the spot repairs.
The race is intense, but also affords the chance to take in some of South America's most gorgeous scenery. Red Bull
The race is intense, but also affords the chance to take in some of South America's most gorgeous scenery.
Dutch racers Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar are teamed up in a MINI All4 for this year's rally. BMW Group
Dutch racers Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar are teamed up in a MINI All4 for this year's rally.
Although things likely get boring during long stretches over sand dunes. Red Bull
Although things likely get boring during long stretches over sand dunes.
After two weeks of racing, the competitors who didn't dropped out pulled into Buenos Aires on Saturday. Red Bull
After two weeks of racing, the competitors who didn't dropped out pulled into Buenos Aires on Saturday.
On January 4, 567 motorcycles cars, trucks, and quads set off from Buenos Aires, Argentina for a 5,600-mile race through some of the world’s roughest terrain. Over the past two weeks, they’ve driven over sand dunes and mountains, through deserts and salt flats.
It’s the 2015 Dakar: An annual off-road endurance race that tests the driving, navigating, repair skills, and pure grit of those willing to enter. This year, that group totaled 168 motorcyclists, 131 quad riders, 144 cars (each with two drivers), and 124 trucks (each with three aboard). The race was originally held between Paris and Dakar, Senegal, but fears of terrorist attacks pushed the organizers to relocate to South America in 2009. This year’s itinerary send the racers from Buenos Aires, west across Argentina, north over the Andes and up the Chilean coast, and southeast back to where they started.
On Saturday, the race was finished, but not everyone made it to the finish. In fact, not everyone made it out alive: Polish motorcyclist Michael Hernik died during the third stage of the race. His was the fifth death since the rally moved to South America in 2009, and the 24th since the first race, in 1979.
Here are some of the best photos of this year’s incredible race.
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