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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
AFTER having spent most of his childhood and early part of his adulthood as a motocross racer, former Zimbabwe champion rider Ashley Thixton has shifted a gear up in his career.
He has turned his hand to motor rallying.
Thixton, whose father Trevor Thixton is one of the most decorated motocross riders in this country, has for the past few years silently waded into the tough world of motor rally and has of late been competing in the motorbike section of rallying here in Africa and overseas.
Only two weeks ago he competed in the Crono Rally in the Northern Cape in South Africa where he did well in the bike section, winning Stage One and Stage Four on his way to a credible overall third place finish at the business end of the gruelling six-day event.
There was a strong field of 22 bikers in this section.
And after his adventure in South Africa, Ashley has decided to sink his teeth into the BIG ONE — the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. This will be the first time that the 30-year-old motorbike rider will be taking part in the Dakar Rally.
The 46th edition of the Dakar Rally, which is the biggest rally in the world, will take place from January 5 to 19, 2024, from Al’ Ula to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.
In fact, Ashley has already entered and has been accepted to race in that Rally.
According to David Castera, the Dakar Rally director, they have accepted the Zimbabwean rider’s application to race in the motorbike section during next year’s competition after some thorough scrutiny.
“The Dakar Rally has once again generated strong enthusiasm during registrations in the Motorbike and Quad categories, and we thank you for your interest,” said Castera in his letter to Ashley.
“Many of you have expressed your attachment and willingness to participate in The Dakar Rally by submitting your application for the 2024 edition.
“After careful consideration of your application, we are pleased to announce that you have been selected for the 46th edition of The Dakar Rally, which will take place from 5 to 19 January 2024, from Al’ Ula to Yanbun in Saudi Arabia, ” Castera said.
The 2024 route winds its way along tracks, through dunes and via the volcanoes of Saudi Arabia in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, taking competitors on a physically and technically demanding course through majestic landscapes.
“By taking part in the biggest rally in the world, not only are you writing your own story, but also that of Dakar’s legend.
“We are very happy to welcome you as a competitor in this next edition and will be by your side throughout this incredible journey,” added Castera.
And when contacted by the Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday, Ashley could not hide his excitement over his qualification for the 2024 edition of The Dakar Rally.
“This is the first time that I will be competing in The Dakar Rally and just qualifying for the biggest motor rallying event in the world is just phenomenal and a remarkable achievement for me.
“This is the biggest stage in the tough world of motor rallying and my main aim is just to finish the whole course…am not thinking of taking a place on the podium at the moment because this is definitely a tough event,” Ashley said.
He also disclosed that he needs to raise US$100 000 to compete in Saudi Arabia.
“The total cost of participating in The Dakar Rally is US$100 000 and so far we’ve managed to raise US$40 000 through some well-wishers and the local motorsport community which is a united community.
“So, it’s US$60 000 to go and we have to raise it between now and January… we are doing a lot of running around trying to raise this amount and I’m quite confident that a lot of people will come on board,” Ashley said.
At next year’s Dakar Rally, Ashley will be aiming to become the second Zimbabwean motorbike rider to finish The Dakar Rally after Graeme Sharp who lasted the distanced in 2020.
Online Reporter