Can-Am to Return to Dakar Rally with Proven Champions, New Hopefuls, and Race-Tested Maverick R Platform
Rhea-AI Summary
Can-Am (NASDAQ:DOOO) announced its factory driver lineup and the race‑tested Maverick R platform for the 2026 Dakar Rally, returning to Saudi Arabia on January 3, 2026 for 14 stages. The team features veterans and rookies including Francisco "Chaleco" López, Kyle Chaney, Hunter Miller, Jeremías González Ferioli, and João Monteiro, each piloting Maverick R vehicles prepared by South Racing.
The Maverick R, introduced in 2024, previously won 10 of 12 Dakar stages and an inaugural UTV class win at King of the Hammers; 2026 upgrades focus on endurance tuning, suspension calibration, and cooling. New sponsors include Progressive Insurance and TSY America.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – DOOO
On the day this news was published, DOOO declined 0.24%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
DOOO gained 1.82% while key peers were mixed: BC -0.85%, PII +0.20%, THO -3.38%, HOG -0.93%, LCII +0.46%. The move appears more company-specific than sector-driven.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 04 | Share repurchase plan | Positive | +5.3% | Renewal of NCIB to repurchase up to 3,131,256 shares. |
| Dec 04 | Earnings results | Positive | +5.3% | Q3 FY26 revenue, income and guidance all showed strong growth. |
| Dec 02 | Racing program update | Positive | -0.2% | Announcement of 2026 Dakar Rally lineup and upgraded Maverick R. |
| Nov 25 | Product launch | Positive | +8.1% | New HVAC-equipped side-by-sides and Outlander Electric camouflage variant. |
| Nov 20 | Earnings preview | Neutral | +0.6% | Scheduling and access details for upcoming Q3 FY26 results call. |
Recent BRP/Can-Am news has generally seen positive price alignment, with a single mild divergence on prior Dakar-related news.
Over the last few weeks, BRP/Can-Am news has focused on capital returns, strong fundamentals, and product/brand positioning. On Nov 20, 2025, the company pre-announced its Q3 FY26 results call, followed by robust Q3 numbers and guidance on Dec 4, 2025, both aligning with positive price reactions of 5.31%. A new HVAC-equipped Defender and Outlander Electric launch on Nov 25, 2025 coincided with an 8.05% gain. By contrast, the Dakar Rally program news on Dec 2, 2025 saw a slight -0.24% move, marking a small divergence versus its generally positive tone.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights BRP’s Can-Am brand using the 2026 Dakar Rally to showcase its Maverick R platform, experienced factory drivers, and new sponsors. It reinforces a strategy of leveraging high-profile racing to validate product durability and innovation, following earlier product launches and strong financial results. Investors may watch how Dakar performance, sponsor partnerships, and ongoing vehicle upgrades intersect with future revenue trends and market share in side-by-side off-road vehicles.
Key Terms
side-by-side (ssv) technical
dual-clutch transmission (dct) technical
turbo engine technical
suspension geometry technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"For BRP, the Dakar Rally is more than a race; it's about continuing to prove the incredible performance of our vehicles in some of the harshest conditions on Earth," said Jean-François Leclerc, BRP Race Manager. "For 2026, we're returning to
Can-Am Factory Driver Lineup
- Francisco "Chaleco" López –
Chile | Co-Driver: Alvaro Leon
After winning five stages and charging to a second-place overall finish at Dakar Rally last year, the three-time champion is motivated to put his Maverick R on top of the podium again in 2026. - Kyle Chaney –
USA | Co-Driver: Jacob Argubright
Coming off the King of the Hammers 4400 class win, Chaney is eager to take on a new challenge with his first Dakar Rally campaign and learn all that the rally has to offer. - Hunter Miller – USA | Co-Driver: Jeremy Gray
Scoring a top-ten result in his rookie year at Dakar Rally in 2025, Miller returns toSaudi Arabia with valuable experience under his belt. - Jeremías González Ferioli –
Argentina | Co-Driver: Gonzalo Rinaldi
With multiple stage wins to his name, Ferioli has proven that he has the pace to run up front. For 2026, he's eager to establish himself as a contender for the overall win. - João Monterio -
Portugal | Co-Driver: Morais Nuno
Monteiro is an experienced Dakar Rally competitor, the 2025 Dakar Rookie Winner and Europe Baja SSC Champion. ThePortugal native has the drive and experience to finish on the podium.
Each driver will pilot a Can-Am Maverick R prepared by South Racing.
Race-Developed, Driver-Proven
Introduced for the 2024 model year, the Can-Am Maverick R quickly established itself as a force in off-road racing, from desert triumphs in
"We race to win and we race to learn," said Leclerc. "From suspension geometry to powertrain tuning, the Dakar Rally advances our research and development efforts so drivers everywhere can trust their machine when the terrain demands more. Last year, we proved what the Maverick R is capable of. This year, we aim to showcase the full potential of the platform, our drivers and team."
Follow the Journey
The Can-Am Maverick R factory drivers will begin the 2026 Dakar Rally on January 3, 2026, in Yanbu,
New Sponsors
For 2026, Can-Am's Dakar Rally program proudly welcomes its partnership with Progressive Insurance®, reinforcing the shared values of protection, confidence, and exploration for riders and the racing community.
The team also welcomes wheel manufacturer, TSY America Inc., as a sponsor for 2026.
Key Can-Am x 2026 Dakar Rally Highlights
- Five Can-Am factory drivers with championship pedigrees and compelling personal journeys
- Can-Am Maverick R competing in the Side-by-Side (SSV) category
- Race-proven innovations: Tall-knuckle suspension, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and Rotax turbo engine
- Seven Dakar Rally podiums to date and an unmatched record in SSV category
- Progressive Insurance® is supporting Can-Am's factory race team
- Driver-centric focus: grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence
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, Quintrex boats 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
Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Rotax, 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.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/can-am-to-return-to-dakar-rally-with-proven-champions-new-hopefuls-and-race-tested-maverick-r-platform-302629582.html
SOURCE BRP Inc.
FAQ
When does Can-Am start the 2026 Dakar Rally and what is the race schedule for DOOO?
Which drivers will represent Can-Am (DOOO) at the 2026 Dakar Rally?
What upgrades does the Can-Am Maverick R have for the 2026 Dakar Rally?
What Dakar performance history does the Maverick R have before 2026?
Who is sponsoring Can-Am's 2026 Dakar Rally program (DOOO)?
Where can investors and fans follow Can-Am (DOOO) daily Dakar updates?
