Polaris RZR debuted the RZR Pro XP that its three factory team drivers will race in their conquest of the SSV class at the 2021 Dakar Rally—one of the world’s most grueling and historic desert races. Utilizing the industry-leading RZR Pro XP platform, the proven RZR Factory Racing team is well-armed to battle the unrelenting terrain of Dakar and demonstrate their racing prowess in Polaris’ first trip to the Dakar Rally.
“We are committed to pushing our innovation and looking forward to the opportunity to build upon our legendary racing history as a brand. The successes and lessons learned from racing accelerate product innovation, allowing us to continue delivering a category-defining product for our dedicated customers,” said Steven Menneto, president of Polaris Off Road.
As the most successful brand in side-by-side racing, Polaris and the RZR Factory Racing team are poised to continue innovating and raising the bar of performance race vehicles. The knowledge acquired from racing is crucial to the future design of production vehicles. Countless hours of research, development and testing on the race course has led to the current RZR Pro XP Platform. The RZR Pro XP is proven, winning the Baja 1000, Baja 500, short course races, WORCS races, East Coast XC races and the UTV World Championships all in the last year.
“We chose to race the T4 class at Dakar, because we wanted to showcase what the Polaris RZR Pro XP is capable of, what defines its DNA—the pursuit of constant performance. Our vehicle is built from as many stock parts as possible to show their durability and performance capabilities when competing against the toughest competition in the world,” explained Robert Wilmot, Polaris RZR vehicle architect and lead Dakar engineer. Amongst the laundry list of stock Pro XP parts the team will be using, some of the marquee stock components include the Pro Star engine, intercooler, turbo, transmission, hubs, brake calipers and much more. The vehicle also utilizes a stock wheelbase.
The RZR Factory Racing RZR Pro XP is powered by a 4-stroke fuel-injected, DOHC, turbocharged, twin cylinder 925cc engine, fueled by a 130L fuel cell and capable of a top speed of 130 KPH (80.77 MPH). A Motec ECU with custom wiring and dash, custom switch pad and onboard diagnostics will ensure optimal performance and a rear-mounted radiator with a custom roof scoop will provide maximum airflow. A lightweight lithium battery set up by Braille Battery will power the RZR Pro XP throughout its inaugural Dakar campaign.
The team is also using an FIA homologated chassis, customized by Jimco Racing and based off the Polaris RZR Pro XP platform. With a 96-in. wheelbase, 74-in. wide stance, and custom suspension with an additional 1.5-in. of travel compared to stock, the vehicle is built to perform on the harsh Dakar terrain. A custom FOX RACING SHOX suspension with increased reservoir capacity has been chosen for increased cooling, performance, and greater adjustability. In the cockpit, Sparco racing seats and safety harnesses ensure comfort and driver safety during the 12-day race. The chassis also has an integrated spare parts and tool storage supply, which will undoubtedly prove imperative since there will be no pit crew, and drivers will need to make their own repairs while on the course.
“As the clear-cut leader in side-by-side racing, there’s a lot of expectation and pressure as we make our debut at Dakar, but the RZR Pro XP provides us the ultimate weapon to take on what are arguably the harshest, most-demanding racing conditions in the world,” said Steve Kemp, vice president of RZR. “We’re excited to take on this incredible challenge, and we believe the combined experience and expertise of Polaris RZR Factory Racing and Jimco Racing will prove to be a formula for success.”
For the nearly 5,000-mile-long race, the team has chosen to utilize 30-in. high-performance BF Goodrich tires, wrapped around sturdy aluminum 15-in. Method Race Wheels with beadlocks. The vehicle is equipped with a full four-corner hydraulic disc brake system, with a dual master cylinder setup and driver-controlled brake bias for maximized braking performance and control to navigate the unknown obstacles that have made Dakar a race all its own.
The Polaris RZR Factory Racing lineup of Wayne Matlock and navigator Sam Hayes, Kristen Matlock and navigator Max Eddy and Craig Scanlon and navigator Keith Redstrom will be led by Dakar racing legend Darren Skilton.
The team is backed by some of the most respected brands in the off-road industry, including 4 Wheel Parts – the largest off-road accessory retail chain, BF Goodrich Tires – the official tire of the Dakar Rally, Method Race Wheels, and FOX RACING SHOX. Sparco is the official supplier of the team’s safety equipment, driving suits and helmets, with equipment and vehicle liveries designed by Troy Lee Designs. RZR Factory Racing Pro XP vehicles are also powered by Motul, Braille Battery, Motec and Jimco Racing. Additional supporters include Rigid Industries, Trayco, Shiftpod and Factory Canopies.
The team will tackle the world’s toughest race beginning Jan. 3, 2021 through Jan. 15, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Link: Polaris
