By James Hillier’s Dakar Rally adventure for 2026 is officially over, due to arm injuries received, post an incident within the opening timed stage.
The incident described by the 2013 Lightweight TT winner (Muc-Off Racing 450 Rally-Kove equipped) as ‘low-speed’, roughly 250 kilometres into stage 1 proceedings, aftermath saw him sustain afore-mentioned arm issues (fractured arm – near elbow).
Despite going onto rejoin, complete the stage, the Ringwood rider discovered on closer inspection, post stage 1’s conclusion that he was in no fit shape to continue for remaining event stages.
Issuing his obvious disappointment via Facebook, ‘Dynamite’ who last year became the first rider to claim a TT podium finish, finish the Dakar in the same year, stated:
“Gutted is an understatement. It’s taken a lot to get here, and I’d once again like to send my appreciation to all my sponsors who made this journey possible.”
The 2026 Dakar Rally runs through to the 17th of January. First held in 1979, the event is rally-raid’s equivalent to pure road racing’s ‘Power and The Glory’ the TT Races, giving competitors other worldly challenges in pursuit of pushing their talents, motor racing acumen to the limit.
Quotes via James Hillier Racing Facebook page.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
