After winning the 46th running of the Dakar Rally, Honda hosted “Brunch With Brabec” at Anaheim Stadium the Friday before the Anaheim 2 Supercross. Ricky Brabec, now a two-time Dakar winner, won the race for the first time in 2020 and now again in 2024. He was on hand to share his experience at the rally along with Honda HRC teammate Skyler Howes and off-road legend Johnny Campbell.
Photos via Honda
“It’s hard to finish the rally, let alone control the rally,” Brabec said. “In ’20, we had more of a comfortable lead, and it was a little bit easier. But this rally, the times were tight the entire time. The win in 2020 meant a lot, but this one in ’24 really sealed the deal and showed that the first one wasn’t just a one-time gig. If another American can go and win, then my respect, but I want to be the guy with the most wins for America.”
“This year, the margins were so tight the whole time,” Campbell said. “That added another level of stress on top of having our new HRC 450 Rally bike. There was definitely more tension than Ricky’s first win. Ricky’s maturity has gone way up in terms of how to handle situations and where to place himself. Compared to just a few years ago when he won, it’s a relief to me to see how much he’s learned.”
Brabec’s factory HRC rally bike and Dakar trophy were on display and stayed under the Honda tent for fans to see during the Supercross weekend. On Saturday night, Brabec rode the rally bike alongside Transalp-mounted Campbell into Angel Stadium during Supercross’s opening ceremonies.
We caught up with Ricky Brabec, Skyler, Howes and Johnny Campbell at the Anaheim 2 Supercross to hear all about this year’s Dakar Rally. Check out the video below:
VIDEO | Ricky Brabec Recaps 2024 Dakar Rally Win – Brunch With Brabec
Click here to read the Brunch With Brabec Story in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
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