On the Rest Day of the Dakar Rally 2026, Chasing Waypoints host Victor Orellana sits down with Scotty Bloom—founder of the Baja Rally and longtime rally journalist—to break down Dakar 2026 so far and explore where rally racing is headed next.

This wide-ranging conversation covers the realities of modern rally racing: pressure on competitors, tire strategy issues, navigation challenges, and how even top riders can be caught out when the margins are razor thin. We discuss how Dakar continues to evolve—not just as a race, but as a media product—with improved global coverage and storytelling changing how fans experience the rally.

Scotty also shares insight into the future of rally racing, highlighting the importance of youth development, mentorship, and emerging talent. Riders like Preston Campbell represent a new generation, while the legacy of Johnny Campbell continues to influence how American riders approach rally-raid competition.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dakar Rally 2026 insights through the Rest Day

• Rally strategy, tire issues, and pressure on competitors

• How media coverage of Dakar has evolved

• The role of innovation, hot pits, and modern logistics

• Why youth involvement is critical for rally’s future

• The rise of new talent in North American rally racing

This is a conversation about where rally racing has been, where it is now, and where it’s going next.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Rest Day Interview

If rally-raid, Baja Rally, and the future of off-road motorsport matter to you, this episode is for you.