Can-Am Set to Race Dakar Rally for the First Time with the Maverick R Platform

Rhea-AI Summary

Can-Am, a BRP Inc. brand (NASDAQ: DOOO), announces its return to the 2025 Dakar Rally with the new Maverick R platform in the T4 Side-by-Side Vehicle Class. The company has assembled a four-driver factory team supported by South Racing, including three-time Dakar UTV Champion Francisco Lopez and 2023 Dakar Rally stage winner Sara Price.

The 2025 Dakar Rally will mark the Maverick R's first FIA-sanctioned race as a homologated vehicle. The platform features innovative tall-knuckle suspension, seven-speed dual-clutch-transmission, and turbo-charged Rotax engine. The 12-day, 8000-kilometer race will run from January 3-17, 2025, in Saudi Arabia.

Can-Am and South Racing have previously secured six consecutive Dakar Rally wins since 2018 with the Maverick X3 platform.

Positive

• First-time entry of the new Maverick R platform in FIA-sanctioned Dakar Rally
• Strong track record of six consecutive Dakar Rally wins since 2018
• Assembled high-profile driver team including multiple champions
• Successful testing in Rally Raid races showing 'incredible potential'

Negative

• First-time entry with new platform carries execution risks
• Transition from proven Maverick X3 to new platform adds uncertainty

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The announcement of Can-Am's entry into the 2025 Dakar Rally with the new Maverick R platform represents a strategic marketing move rather than a significant financial catalyst for BRP Inc. While prestigious, the Dakar Rally participation primarily serves as a brand-building and product validation exercise. The company's six consecutive rally wins since 2018 have helped establish market credibility, but the direct revenue impact is minimal relative to BRP's $3.7B market cap.

The debut of the homologated Maverick R vehicle could boost consumer interest in BRP's recreational vehicle segment, particularly given its recent success in other desert races. However, racing success typically translates to sales impact gradually over time rather than generating immediate financial returns. The investment in racing technology and team support should be viewed as a long-term brand investment rather than a near-term revenue driver.

VALCOURT, QC, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Can-Am, iconic brand of BRP Inc. (TSX: DOO) (NASDAQ: DOOO), is thrilled to announce that it is returning to the Dakar Rally for 2025 with an all-new vehicle and a heavy-hitting driver lineup to compete in one of the toughest races in the world. The Can-Am Maverick R will make its highly-anticipated Rally Raid debut in the T4 Side-by-Side Vehicle (SSV) Class. With support from the South Racing team, Can-Am will field four factory race drivers.

 

Can-Am T4 Driver Lineup

• Francisco "Chaleco" Lopez, 49, Chile, three-time Dakar UTV Champion, 2022 World Rally Raid T3 Champion
• Sara Price, 32, USA, 2023 Dakar Rally stage winner
• Hunter Miller, 38, USA, 2020 King of the Hammers UTV Champion
• Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli, 28, Argentina, 3 Dakar Rally stage wins

"The Dakar Rally is always the focal point of our racing calendar," said Jean-Francois Leclerc, BRP Race Manager. "This year, we're taking our Dakar efforts a step further with the introduction of the Maverick R and an excellent team of drivers. Our team of engineers and mechanics have been working diligently on the car to optimize performance and meet the regulatory requirements from the FIA, the International Automobile Federation. With the help of our partners at South Racing and our talented team of drivers, we're looking forward to another strong result at Dakar."

The 2025 Dakar Rally will mark the first FIA-sanctioned race for the Can-Am Maverick R as a homologated vehicle. Introduced for the 2024 model year, the revolutionary Maverick R quickly found success at iconic desert races like Vegas to Reno, the Silver State 300 and the Baja 1000. South Racing has also tested the Maverick R in select Rally Raid races in the "Experimental" category, where the new platform showed incredible potential.

Since 2018, Can-Am and South Racing have earned six consecutive Dakar Rally wins. The 2025 edition of the rally marks a new chapter, as all of the previous wins came with the proven Can-Am Maverick X3 platform. The advancements of the Maverick R platform – from the innovative tall-knuckle suspension design, to the high-performance seven-speed dual-clutch-transmission and turbo-charged three-cylinder Rotax engine – are well-suited to the challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia.

The Can-Am factory drivers will start the 12-day, 8000-kilometer race on January 3, 2025 in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and the winner will be crowned on January 17, 2025, in Shubaytah, Saudi Arabia. Follow along on the Can-Am Off-Road social media channels for updates throughout the race.

About BRP
BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10.4 billion from over 130 countries and employs close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2024.

www.brp.com
@BRPNews

Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Rotax, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE BRP Inc.

FAQ

When will Can-Am (DOOO) debut the Maverick R at the Dakar Rally?

Can-Am will debut the Maverick R at the Dakar Rally starting January 3, 2025, in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Who are the factory drivers for Can-Am's (DOOO) 2025 Dakar Rally team?

The factory drivers are Francisco Lopez (Chile), Sara Price (USA), Hunter Miller (USA), and Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli (Argentina).

How many consecutive Dakar Rally wins does Can-Am (DOOO) have with South Racing?

Can-Am and South Racing have won six consecutive Dakar Rally victories since 2018 with the Maverick X3 platform.

What are the key features of Can-Am's (DOOO) new Maverick R platform?

The Maverick R features innovative tall-knuckle suspension, seven-speed dual-clutch-transmission, and turbo-charged three-cylinder Rotax engine.

How long is the 2025 Dakar Rally course for Can-Am (DOOO)?

The 2025 Dakar Rally is a 12-day, 8000-kilometer race from January 3-17, 2025, in Saudi Arabia.