SARA PRICE Signs with Defender for Historic Dakar Debut After Stage Win

May 16, 2025

by David Evans // from dirtfish.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

SARA PRICE has landed a dream drive with Defender’s works team for their maiden Dakar entry in January 2025. The American off-road phenom brings serious pedigree to the table – she’s the first American woman and only the third woman ever to win a Dakar stage, doing exactly that in 2024. We’re talking about someone who’s conquered Trophy Trucks in Baja and held her own in Extreme E with Chip Ganassi Racing.
The California native will team up with rally-raid royalty Stéphane Peterhansel (14-time Dakar winner) and former W2RC T4 champion Rokas Baciuška. PRICE isn’t just filling a seat – she’s earned this spot through relentless competition and breakthrough performances. Her quote says it all: “As a born racer, I’m very competitive and working with Defender I know we’re aiming high and won’t rest until we succeed.”
Defender’s managing director James Barclay couldn’t contain his excitement about securing PRICE, calling her “a formidable talent” with “trailblazing achievements.” The team will campaign the new D7X-R in the stock category, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from production line chassis. With testing already underway in Morocco and final W2RC rounds as prep, this British brand is making moves with the right driver lineup to back up their ambitions.