The 2019 Cross-Country Rallies World Champion, 2022 World Rally-Raid Champion and two-time Dakar winner Sam Sunderland retires from racing at a professional level.
The 35-year-old first started riding motocross until a big accident at 16 forced some time away from racing until a holiday in Dubai inspired the switch to rally raids. This led to his Dakar debut in 2012 for Honda, and the first stage win for a British rider in more than a decade in 2014.
A switch to KTM saw him win the Dakar in 2017, alongside other overall rally wins in Morocco and Qatar. In 2022 he switched to GASGAS, and immediately won the 2022 Dakar Rally on the RX450F, the first win for the manufacturer, followed by taking his second Rally Raid title.
Sam Sunderland: “It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness, but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time. From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories, it’s been an incredible run. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I’m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future.”
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing, but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years. Beyond being a phenomenal racer, Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive, motivating, and a true team player. He is a huge part of the GASGAS family, and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future.”
Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director: “Sam joined the company back in 2014, and since then his passion, dedication, and results have been exceptional. He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories, but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team. Over the years, our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger, and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022, he continued to make history. While it’s tough to see Sam go, we respect his decision. I’d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future.”
Check out more articles on all forms of motorcycle racing, here. Along with our coverage of previous Dakar events.
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