In his debut, Heger ensures a U.S. category champion for a fourth consecutive year in the prestigious off-road event.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi has become the first Saudi to win the Dakar Rally after completing the race on home sand in Shubaytah.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi is set to win the Dakar Rally on home soil in the Saudi desert after retaking the lead from South Africa's Henk Lategan on Thursday. Lategan started the penultimate stage east of Shubaytah with a 2 1/2 minute overall lead on Al-Rajhi,

Australian motorcyclist Daniel 'Chucky' Sanders has become only the second Australian to win at the celebrated Dakar Rally in its 47 editions.

SHUBAYTAH, SAUDI ARABIA (Reuters) -Local hero Yazeed Al-Rajhi secured his first Dakar title on Friday, finishing the 12-stage rally almost four minutes ahead of his closest competitor Henk Lategan, while Red Bull KTM's Daniel Sanders maintained his lead to win in the motorcycle category.

Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al-Rajhi will duel in the Saudi sand for their first Dakar Rally title after swapping the lead for a second straight day Wednesday.