Ross Branch takes the stage win on his Hero Motorsports ride after a really fast pace kept him in front almost all day. 

American Mason Klein woke everyone up today with his decision yesterday to willingly lead out a huge day of the rally - putting himself at risk of massive time loss. But, that didn't happen as the kid on the Kove lead the way all day, never seeing another rider in his rearview. His ride captured all the available bonus points on-course (six minutes worth), and combined with his blistering pace all day, kept him in third overall for the stage, from the front - not easy!

Plenty happened behind him. We lost HRC Monster Energy Honda newcomer Tosha Scheirna to a crash and injured arm, Hero Motorsports' Joaquim Rodriguez went out in a crash, as well.

Tough day for Honda's Skyler Howes starting second off the line this morning and losing time due to a navigation error. But, the rest of the Honda team stayed clean and strong, with Ricky Brabec coming in second on the day.

Plenty of more racing to come and more stories to tell. 

Get caught up now - tomorrow is another BIG DAY!

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Dakar Rally Daily is produced and edited by Jesse Ziegler, and hosted by Quinn Cody and Jesse Ziegler.