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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
WITH only four months to go before the 2024 Dakar Rally gets underway in Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwean rider Ashley Thixton has moved a gear up in his preparations for biggest motor rally in the world.
The 46th edition of the Dakar Rally, which is also the toughest Rally in the world, is set to take place from January 5 to 19, 2024, from Al’ Ula to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.
And Thixton, a former Zimbabwean motocross champion rider, has already entered and has been accepted to compete in the motorbike section of next year’s Dakar Rally.
This will be the first time that the 30-year-old motorbike rider will be taking part in the Dakar Rally.
It’s a tough world out there when it comes to racing in the Dakar Rally . . . it will all be blood, sweat and tears during 15 days of racing in the Saudi dunes but Thixton yesterday told Zimpapers Sports in a wide ranging interview that he was more than ready to tackle the Saudi desert.
His preparations for this big global event are already in earnest and was itching to get on his bike, come January 5.
“I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for this event for the past two years.
“This involved early wake-ups at 4am daily, heading to the Migym, training before work, I have used my years of experience to craft a lot of my own programming in connection with one of the best trainers in the game Grant Mitchell who has played a big role in the strength and conditioning side, as well as spending countless hours riding through our beautiful country.
“As part of my preparation for the Dakar Rally, I recently took part in the Crono Rally in South Africa. While the rally’s duration was shorter than the Dakar, it still presented some tough stages. I am proud to say that I achieved a 3rd place overall in the Crono Rally, which serves as a testament to the thorough preparation I have undertaken,” Thixton said.
He also said his father, Trevor Thixton, who is one of the most respected motorsport competitors and administrators in this country, is also playing a significant role in his preparations for next year’s Dakar Rally.
“My father plays a significant role in both planning and instructing me on the mechanical aspects, as well as guiding me through potential breakdown situations.
He has been instrumental in local races, providing crucial support and stepping in wherever necessary to fill any gaps.”
And since the clock is fast winding down before the Dakar Rally raises its dust in the Saudi dunes, is Ashley nervous or excited about plunging into this new adventure?
“It’s hard to believe that I am actually here in the situation of attending this event. It still feels surreal to have qualified and reached this point.
“It has required an immense amount of time, dedication, and hard work just to get here. I am filled with anticipation to reach the start line and pursue my long-awaited dream. But feeling very ready for this.”
Ashley will be Zimbabwe’s sole representative at the 2024 Dakar Rally.
“I will be going alone to the event but I do feel that I will have a very big social following and support from my country going to this event,” Ashley said.
For Ashley to compete in next year’s Dakar Rally, he needs to raise US$100 000 for this big global event.
“We have raised nearly half the amount at this stage. Every day is another day of trying to achieve the financial level required to get to this event.
“There has been very little support from corporate companies with doors being closed very quickly. But this has been very character building and motivated me to keep going. The local community has been the greatest contributors towards the funds for my Dakar Rally,” Ashley said.
“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.
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 managed to last the full distance in 2020.
Online Reporter