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Issue #14:January 18, 2025
For the final day of the 2025 Dakar Rally, Stage 12 of the rally was held on January 17th in Shubaytah, southeastern Saudi Arabia. Following the stage, a goal ceremony was held at the bivouac in the same location, marking the end of the rally.
Competing in the Production Car (Stock) category of the Car category with the Land Cruiser 300, TLC's car #500 with Akira Miura and Jean-Michel Polato came in 83rd overall in the Car category’s cumulative rankings, and 1st in the Production Car (Stock) category. Ronald Basso and Jean-Pierre Garcin in car #501 finished 108th overall and secured 2nd place in the Production Car (Stock) category. As a result, TLC has achieved a one-two finish in the Production Car (Stock) category, marking their 12th consecutive victory since the 2014 rally.
The final day's route consisted of a 70 km liaison (transfer section) to the east of the bivouac, followed by a 62 km SS (Special Stage) back to the bivouac on an almost straight-line route. At the start, groups of 15 motorcycles and 5 cars set off at the same time. Despite the short distance, this route mainly consisted of sand dunes, which come with a high risk of getting stuck or tumbling.
TLC cleared the final stage, with car #501 finishing 105th overall in the Car category and 1st in the Production Car (Stock) category, while car #500 finished 118th overall and 2nd in the Production Car (Stock) category. After completing the stage, the cars proceeded to the goal ceremony.
A huge podium, large enough to even accommodate trucks, was set up in a corner of the bivouac, where participating vehicles took turns ascending after completing the competition. TLC arrived at the venue around 5:30 pm, just after sunset. Cars #500 and #501 took the podium together. The drivers received their trophies and waved to the cheering crowd alongside team staff, bringing the Dakar Rally 2025 to a close.
Driver Miura: I share a great sense of achievement winning the 12th consecutive victory in the Production Car category. Next year, vehicle regulations are set to change, making this the Land Cruiser 300’s final run. I drove with respect and gratitude for our car, which has served us well for three years. We faced increased difficulty in this rally, but we improved the vehicle's performance accordingly to take on the challenge. Thanks to the mechanics, we were able to persevere even when we encountered issues. My focus during critical moments was kept in place by the various experiences I’ve accumulated at races and in other categories. The messages and comments from our supporters were truly encouraging. I want to thank everyone for all their support.
Driver Basso: This was truly a tough Dakar Rally, especially in the second half when we encountered several issues; I think it was also very hard on the mechanics. I'm so happy we could achieve the goal of the 12th consecutive victory for the team. In that sense, I can say I am very satisfied.