Can-Am Factory Racers Score Hat Trick of Dakar Rally Stage Wins in the Maverick R
Valcourt, Quebec, January 10, 2025 – Can-Am Factory Racers Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez and Sara Price each earned their first Dakar Rally stage wins of 2025, sweeping stages three, four and five. This achievement is a significant milestone for Can-Am and South Racing, as these are the first stage wins for the Maverick R in its debut in one of the world’s most demanding off-road races.
After facing setbacks on stage two, Chaleco Lopez returned with determination for stage three. The Chilean navigated the tough, rocky terrain with speed and skill, finishing 3 minutes and 47 seconds ahead of the second-place driver. Stage four also saw the Can-Am drivers hit their stride as Sara Price picked up her second-career stage win, followed closely by Lopez in second and Hunter Miller in fourth. Chaleco Lopez clinched his second stage win of the rally in stage 5, finishing over 20 minutes ahead of the closest competitor and gaining valuable time in the general standings.
After five stages, Lopez, the three-time Dakar Rally UTV champion, sits fourth in the general standings, with teammate Hunter Miller in eighth. Sara Price and Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli are no longer in contention for the overall win. Still, both will be eager to score stage wins and podiums throughout the second half of the Rally.
“Over these past three stages, everything clicked,” said Lopez. “The car was flawless, and I'm thrilled that today turned out well, especially after challenges on stage two. Winning these stages brings a lot of joy to our team and our hardworking mechanics. The adjustments we made paid off, and now our strategy is to push hard every day, giving our best with high motivation for a perfect run. There's still a lot of racing ahead!”
The racers have a well-deserved rest day before taking on the second half of the Rally. Can-Am and South Racing will use this time to prepare the machines for the week ahead. On the heels of three straight stage wins, the team is motivated to carry their momentum into the remaining seven stages.
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