Dakar Pulls The Plug On The Quad Class For 2025
After more than 30 years, the Dakar Rally has made the decision to eliminate the quad class from its prestigious off-road race starting in 2025. This move leaves the FIM category exclusively focused on two-wheelers. The official announcement by the organizers highlights their intention to shift their attention towards motorcycles, a category that has steadily gained popularity and overshadowed the quads.
Declining Support and New Criteria
The quad category has faced challenges over the years, including dwindling manufacturer support. Currently, CFMOTO stands as the sole OEM with a full factory program in the quad class. Most other riders competing on Yamaha Raptors do so with little or no official backing.
Adding to the class’s struggles, Dakar organizers introduced new criteria in 2024 that significantly restricted quad entries. Only those who had either raced a Dakar in the past five years, signed up for the 2023 or 2024 World Rally Raid Championship, or participated in three W2RC races were eligible. In contrast, motorcycle riders faced less stringent entry regulations, allowing them to build their resume using races dating back to 2022.
Dwindling Participation
The impact of these changes was evident in rider participation. In 2023, there were 19 quad entries. However, in 2024, that number plummeted further to just 10. Pablo Copetti, who finished third in the Dakar 2023, expressed his concerns when the strict entry rules were announced: “ASO made decisions that are killing the quad class. Only 10 quads this year! It’s a pity because if they accept all the riders, we could be almost 30!”
The Future of Quads in Dakar
While the quad class will not feature in the 2025 edition, organizers have left the door open for a potential return if circumstances change. However, given the continuous decline in interest for Sport ATVs, the prospects for quads in the Dakar seem rather bleak. Motorcycles, on the other hand, remain a constant draw for A.S.O., and organizers believe that’s where their focus should be.
Dakar Rally Director David Castera succinctly summarized the decision: “We have decided to stop the quad category next year in ’25 because we are going to focus more on bikes. We have many demands from competitors, and we want to prioritize motorcycles. With few quads and no manufacturer support, it’s time to pause the quad class.”
