A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) Firefighter will be taking part in an off-road endurance event traversing terrain much tougher than conventional rallying – the Dakar Rally.
Held in Saudi Arabia from January 3rd to 17th, the Dakar Rally involves a route covering 8,000km of rugged terrain, the rally’s circuit begins and concludes in the coastal city of Yanbu in Western Saudi Arabia. Taking part in the 2026 Dakar Rally will be Neil Hawker, an On-Call Firefighter at MAWWFRS’s Abercrave Fire Station.
The Dakar Rally is renowned as one of the most challenging and arduous motorsport competitions in the world, pushing competitors to their limits not only in physical endurance and mechanical reliability but also in mental toughness. Racers must battle extreme weather conditions, treacherous navigation challenges, and the constant threat of mechanical failures, all while enduring the sheer exhaustion of long-distance off-road racing. Adding to the intensity are two marathon stages that drive participants deep into the desert, where they camp overnight with limited food, supplies, and repair kits - an unforgiving test of resilience that cements the Dakar Rally’s reputation as the ultimate adventure in motorsport.
Speaking on participating in the rally, Firefighter Neil Hawkins said:
“I am honoured to be one of only five British riders competing in the motorcycle category.
I will again be racing in the Originals by Motul class, where riders complete the full event without any mechanical or team support, maintaining and repairing their own bikes each evening after racing.
The Dakar Rally is without doubt the hardest motorsport event on earth. Some people climb Everest, others sail around the world, but for an off-road racer, the Dakar is the ultimate test. It pushes skill, endurance, and determination to the limit, and for me, it has been a lifelong dream that I’ve been fortunate enough to make a reality.
Although this will be my third Dakar Rally, it will be my first while serving with MAWWFRS, and I am extremely proud to represent the Service and its values on a global stage.
I first competed in 2020, returned in 2021, and successfully finished 37th overall and 6th in the Originals by Motul (unsupported) class—the rawest, toughest way to race Dakar. In January 2026, I will once again take on this challenge, this time proudly as a member of MAWWFRS.”
Neil is currently training for the rally, alongside his role as an On-Call Firefighter and his main employment, and he will depart the UK for Saudi Arabia in late December.
Everyone at MAWWFRS wishes Neil the best of luck as he participates in the Dakar Rally!
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