DAKAR CHALLENGE 2026

Challenge: Banger Rally
Distance: 3959 Miles
Destination: Banjul, West Africa
Team: Three idiots with no experience

In January 2026 three friends will be carrying out an unsupported overland and sea rally of 3,959 miles from Sheffield to Banjul, Africa. It may sound simple but there are a few curveballs to pitch:

The car we’re travelling in is a banger. Worth less than £750. We’ve opted for a 2004 Subaru Forester.

Between us we can just about manage to fill a car with fuel. We’re wholly unprepared to deal with any mechanicals that the car develops on the way. Nevertheless, we’ll learn, adapt and overcome to get to our destination.

Hopefully this won’t be such an issue on the tarmac surfaces of France and Spain but once we hit Africa, we’ll encounter some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world including desert dunes, isolated dirt tracks, rough border crossings and mountain passes that are sure to throw up some challenges.

It’s also an emotional challenge as well as a physical one that will test friendships, patience and human tenacity. We’re planning to complete it in under 19 days but in the wise words of Mike Tyson everyone has a plan until they’re punched in the face.

You may be asking yourselves why any of this matters to you. The answer is we’re aiming to raise a significant amount of money for charity.

The cars will be auctioned off when they’ve made the journey and the proceeds go to a local charity in Banjul.

We’ve also chosen the following charities to donate to:

Alzheimer’s Society
David Nott foundation
Assist Sheffield

Each of these means a great deal to us as individuals for various reasons and we’d be happy to bore you with the reasons at any time!

Any donations are welcome via the giving page.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES...

• BRONZE £250 > A5 STICKER
• SILVER £500 > A4 STICKER
• GOLD £1,000+ > Maximum logo visibility on vehicle

INTERESTED?
Contact: Either of us personally or...
Email: [email protected]

Considering the car will be exposed to thousands of people and multiple countries I can guarantee you’ll see almost no return on your sponsorship!!