The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance event, renowned for being one of the most challenging and arduous motorsport competitions in the world. Originally named the Paris-Dakar Rally, it was inaugurated in 1978, starting in Paris, France, and concluding in Dakar, Senegal. However, due to security concerns and other logistical reasons, the rally's location has changed over the years. Since 2020, the event has been held in Saudi Arabia. ​The Dakar Rally is open to amateur and professional entries. Competitors race in various vehicle classes, including motorcycles, quads, cars, UTVs, and trucks. The rally is notorious for its grueling routes that span several days, often covering thousands of kilometers through challenging terrains such as deserts, dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks, and erg among others. These terrains test the endurance and skill of the competitors and the resilience of their vehicles. ​Unlike most traditional racing events, the Dakar Rally is not about the fastest time on a single, contained track. Instead, it's a multi-stage rally raid where navigation skills are as critical as driving or riding skills. Participants must navigate vast and complex landscapes, often with minimal guidance, while maintaining their vehicles and managing their resources. ​ The Dakar Rally is not just a test of physical endurance and mechanical reliability but also of mental toughness. Competitors face extreme weather conditions, navigation challenges, mechanical failures, and the sheer exhaustion of long-distance off-road racing. Despite these challenges, the Dakar Rally attracts a significant number of entrants each year, ranging from seasoned professionals to adventurous amateurs, all drawn to the thrill and prestige of completing what is often referred to as the "world's toughest race."