Chasing Waypoints

El Niño is on the radar — and if the predictions hold, it could seriously affect conditions at Baja Rally. We're breaking down what that means for riders planning to compete or spectate this season.This episode covers the predicted El Niño weather pattern and its potential impact on Baja Rally, the latest update on the Chasing Waypoints Rally Challenge, and what's been happening in the garage — including a quick look at the new Sena ANC Earbuds setup we just put out. Lots of moving pieces right now and we're pulling back the curtain on all of it.

🎧 Sena ANC Earbuds video: https://youtu.be/PYto1fDfp5U

Whether you're following Baja Rally, tracking the CW Challenge, or just keeping up with what's happening in the adventure riding and rally world, this episode is a full update on where things stand heading into the season.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌐 Website: https://www.chasingwaypoints.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingwaypoints👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingWaypoints/

We've been heads-down building — and a lot has happened since January. Today we're catching you up on everything: the Sonora Rally's exciting new shorter format, the Baja Rally on the horizon, and the Chasing Waypoints challenges we've been quietly putting together behind the scenes.

It's been a minute, but the time off wasn't idle. In this episode we talk about what's changing with the Sonora Rally and why the shorter event format is a game changer for competitors looking to get into rally raid without the full commitment of a traditional multi-day event. We also get into the upcoming Baja Rally and what we're watching heading into that event. And we pull back the curtain on the Chasing Waypoints challenges — something we've been working on for a while and are fired up to finally start talking about. A lot is moving right now in the North American rally and adventure riding world, and we're right in the middle of it.

This episode covers the Sonora Rally's new shorter event format and what it means for rally raid competitors in North America, a preview of the upcoming Baja Rally, and the Chasing Waypoints challenges currently in development. If you follow North American rally racing, rally raid events, or the adventure riding community, this is your update on everything that's been happening and what's coming next in the scene.

🌐 Website: https://www.chasingwaypoints.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingwaypoints
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingWaypoints/

The Dakar Rally is over, but the work behind rally raid never stops. In this episode of Chasing Waypoints, Victor Orellana pulls back the curtain on what actually goes into organizing a rally—long before the first rider ever leaves the start line.

From reconnaissance days in the desert to waypoint validation and route safety, this conversation explores the invisible systems that define whether a rally is fair, challenging, and survivable. These decisions shape everything from navigation difficulty to rider confidence, especially in environments as unforgiving as the Sonoran Desert.

You’ll gain a clearer understanding of why recce matters, how waypoints are verified, and why many competitors measure success not by podiums, but by simply finishing. The episode also touches on upcoming events like Sonora Rally–related activities, SoCal Rally community energy, notable performances such as Preston Campbell’s second-place finish, and how rallies like the Africa Eco Race continue Dakar’s original spirit.

If you follow rally raid—or are trying to understand what separates real rally racing from surface-level highlights—this episode provides context that most coverage skips.
Explore more at ChasingWaypoints.com and follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates and long-form rally education.

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Summary

In this episode, Victor Orellana wraps up the thrilling 2026 Dakar Rally, highlighting the intense competition and dramatic moments that defined the event. He reflects on Ricky Brabeck's heartbreaking near-victory, losing the title by just two seconds after a navigational error just kilometers from the finish line. Despite the disappointment, Orellana celebrates the achievements of other competitors, particularly Preston Campbell, who made history by securing a podium finish on his first attempt in the Rally 2 category. The episode captures the essence of rally racing, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

The Dakar Rally 2026 came down to one of the most dramatic finishes in rally history — decided by just two seconds and a single note in the road book.

In this final wrap-up episode, Victor Orellana breaks down the moments that defined Dakar 2026, from the heartbreak of Ricky Brabec narrowly missing the overall victory, to the historic breakthrough of Preston Campbell, who secured a podium finish on his first Dakar attempt in the Rally 2 category.

Despite Brabec’s disappointment, the rally crowned Luciano Benavides as the overall winner — a result that perfectly captures the unforgiving nature of Dakar, where nothing is decided until the final kilometer.

This episode covers:

• The final stage results and overall standings

• How Dakar was decided by two seconds

• Ricky Brabec’s near-victory and late navigation error

• Preston Campbell’s historic Rally 2 podium

• Key performances across motorcycles and vehicles

• Why Dakar remains the pinnacle of rally racing

Dakar 2026 delivered everything the sport promises: endurance, precision, heartbreak, and triumph — all in the same breath.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 2026 Dakar Rally – Final Recap & Analysis

If you’re interested in rally racing — whether as a fan or a future competitor — you’re in the right place. Stay tuned for upcoming coverage including Sonora Rally Training School, Baja Rally, and what’s next on the rally calendar.

Keywords

Dakar Rally, 2026 Dakar, Ricky Brabeck, Preston Campbell, rally racing, motorcycle rally, stage results, rally recap, motorsport news, adventure racing

Takeaways

"It comes down to two seconds and one of the last notes in the road book."

"That is the story of rally and it ain't over until it's over."

"Preston Campbell accomplished something that hasn't been accomplished since 2015 and since 1979."

"The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of basically the rally seasons."

"If you're interested in getting into rally, you're on the right channel."

Titles

Heartbreak and Triumph: The 2026 Dakar Rally Recap

Sound bites

"It comes down to two seconds."

"It ain't over until it's over."

"Luciano Benavides wins the 2026 Dakar Rally."

Chapters

00:00 Dakar Rally 2026 Wrap-Up

02:20 Stage Results and Highlights

06:00 Overall Standings and Key Performers

12:36 Vehicle Category Results

17:24 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Rally Events

The final stage of the Dakar Rally 2026 is here — and with just 105 kilometers left to race, every second matters.

In this episode, Victor Orellana breaks down Stage 13, previewing the decisive battles across Rally GP, Rally 2, Ultimate Class, and SSV, and explaining exactly what it will take for competitors to defend — or steal — a Dakar podium position.

In Rally GP, Ricky Brabec enters the final stage holding the overall lead, while Luciano Benavides faces the math of the moment — needing to claw back roughly 30 seconds every 10 miles to challenge for the win. With terrain that favors speed and familiarity, the stage sets up a final, high-pressure showdown.

In Rally 2, the battle remains tight between Tony Mullick and Preston Campbell, while the Ultimate Class still has a fight brewing for the final podium spot. The SSV category also remains competitive, with consistency and clean execution likely deciding the outcome.

This episode covers:

• Full Stage 13 course expectations

• Final time gaps and championship math

• Key battles in Rally GP, Rally 2, Ultimate & SSV

• Why gaps are larger than usual this year

• Terrain and navigation factors for the final push

• What strategies make sense — and which don’t — this late

Stage 13 isn’t about experimenting.
It’s about protecting position, executing cleanly, and not giving Dakar one last opportunity to take everything away.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 13 Final Preview

Join us live for the race and be part of the final moments as Dakar 2026 is decided.

Stage 12 of the Dakar Rally 2026 delivered a high-pressure showdown as the rally heads into its final day, with razor-thin margins, mechanical drama, and championship implications across multiple categories.

In this episode, Victor Orellana breaks down the Stage 12 results, led by another commanding performance from Ricky Brabec, who secured yet another Rally GP stage win aboard his Monster Energy Honda. With just over 100 kilometers remaining in the rally, Brabec continues to assert control at the top of the standings.

Behind him, the fight remains intense. Luciano Benavides and Tosha Schareina remain firmly in contention as the final gaps stay tight heading into Stage 13.

One of the most dramatic stories of the day came from Skyler Howes, who suffered significant mechanical issues after his bike began losing oil. Despite the setback, Howes managed to nurse the bike to the finish — a true Dakar survival ride that underscores just how unforgiving this rally can be.

This episode also covers:

• Full Stage 12 Rally GP results and standings

• Mechanical issues and how they shape Dakar outcomes

• Rally 2 highlights, including strong performances from Preston Campbell

• Key results across vehicle and support categories

• What to expect as Dakar 2026 heads into its final stage

Stage 12 reinforces a core Dakar truth: speed matters, but survival, discipline, and execution decide championships.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 12 Results & Analysis

Subscribe for final stage coverage, overall standings, and the full Dakar 2026 wrap-up.

Stage 12 of the Dakar Rally 2026 represents a critical moment in the rally, where accumulated fatigue, injuries, and pressure collide with demanding terrain and difficult navigation. With overall standings still in play, this stage has the potential to define the final outcome of Dakar 2026.

In this episode, Victor Orellana breaks down the Stage 12 course, highlighting the mix of sand, dirt tracks, and rocky sections that will test competitors late in the rally. Navigation remains a decisive factor, with tricky transitions, limited visual references, and vigilance points that can quickly punish even small mistakes.

Safety is a major theme heading into Stage 12. As riders push through injuries and fatigue, difficult terrain and technical navigation demand restraint and awareness. Vigilance points call out sections with increased risk, reinforcing that this stage is about execution rather than aggression.

This episode covers:

• Full Stage 12 course breakdown

• Terrain analysis and what it means for pace and fatigue

• Why navigation skills are critical this late in Dakar

• Key vigilance points and safety considerations

• The growing presence and impact of North American competitors

• Strategic implications for the overall standings

• Predictions for how Stage 12 could shape the final results

Stage 12 isn’t just another day in the desert — it’s a test of who can stay focused when everything hurts and every mistake counts.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 12 Preview & Course Analysis

Drop your predictions in the comments — who stays clean, and who gets caught out at the last hurdle?

In this episode of Chasing Waypoints, Darren Skilton joins Victor Orellana for an in-depth conversation about what it really takes to race the Dakar Rally.

Often called the Everest of off-road racing, Dakar is far more than just speed. Darren breaks down the realities of Dakar participation — from long-term financial planning and physical and mental preparation, to logistics, team structure, and the importance of building a reliable vehicle and support crew.

The discussion also explores how North American racers are increasingly finding a pathway to Dakar through events like the Sonora Rally, which mirrors Dakar-style navigation, terrain, and discipline. Darren shares his personal journey to Dakar, common misconceptions that derail first-time applicants, and why consistency, judgment, and preparation matter more than outright pace.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering Dakar — whether your goal is to compete, support a team, or simply understand how the world’s toughest rally actually works behind the scenes.

• What Dakar organizers really look for in competitors

• Why Dakar requires years of planning — not just funding

• How Sonora Rally fits into the Dakar pathway

• The true cost of Dakar beyond the entry fee

• Why team dynamics and organization matter as much as riding skill

• Advice for aspiring rally racers in North America

🎯 If Dakar has ever been on your radar, this conversation will change how you see it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Stage 11 of the Dakar Rally 2026 delivered one of the most meaningful moments of the rally — Skyler Howes secured his first-ever Dakar stage win, clocking the fastest time aboard his Monster Energy Honda.

In this episode, Victor breaks down the Stage 11 results, highlighting Howes’ milestone victory and the razor-thin margins at the front of the Rally GP field. Adrien Van Beveren finished just 21 seconds behind, underscoring how tight the competition has become as Dakar 2026 enters its final stretch. Edgar Canet also delivered a standout performance inside the top group.

This episode also dives into:

• Full Stage 11 bike results and top-10 breakdown

• Why this win is a career milestone for Skyler Howes

• Rally GP overall standings and tightening time gaps

• Rally 2 highlights, with Tony Mollick, Ventura, and Doherty separated by minimal margins

• The impact of injuries on riders like Daniel Sanders, who continues to push through pain

• What Stage 11 tells us heading into the final stages of Dakar 2026

As the rally approaches its conclusion, momentum, health, and discipline matter more than ever — and Stage 11 may be remembered as a defining turning point.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 11 Results & Analysis

📌 Fun fact: Skyler Howes previously joined us on Episode 100 of the Chasing Waypoints podcast, making this Dakar stage win even more special.

Subscribe for continued Dakar Rally coverage, including Stage 12 preview, final standings, and an upcoming interview with Darren Skelton on what it really takes to enter Dakar.

Stage 11 of the Dakar Rally 2026 is a classic late-rally test—long, fast, and mentally demanding—where positioning, visibility, and navigation discipline matter more than outright aggression.

In this episode, Victor Orellana breaks down Stage 11, a day dominated by dirt tracks, dust, rocks, and vegetation, with a long transfer before the racing even begins. Fatigue is real at this point in the rally, and Stage 11 is designed to quietly punish lapses in focus.

Navigation becomes tricky as dust clouds reduce visibility and vegetation obscures reference points. The stage is expected to favor riders starting further back, where cleaner air can make roadbook execution easier. Vigilance points mark areas of increased risk, particularly where speed, dust, and limited sightlines combine.

A major storyline heading into Stage 11 is Daniel Sanders, who continues to compete despite a serious injury—underscoring just how deep into survival mode Dakar becomes this late in the event.

This episode covers:

• Full Stage 11 course composition

• Why dust and vegetation complicate navigation

• How start position affects performance

• Vigilance points and safety concerns

• Expected race timing, with the first bike due back around 2:43 PM

• Why the final section is fast but still deceptive

• Strategic implications as Dakar approaches the finish

Stage 11 isn’t about hero moves—it’s about staying clean, seeing clearly, and managing risk when exhaustion is at its highest.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 11 Preview & Course Breakdown

Drop your predictions in the comments—who handles the dust best, and who gets caught out late?