Polaris Off Road celebrated a 2025 Dakar Rally SSV class victory with rookie driver Brock Hager and navigator Max Eddy. Their success is documented in the six-part video series, “Defending Dakar,” which followed the team’s effort in the demanding race.

Entering the 2025 Dakar Rally, Polaris, partnered with Sebastian Loeb Racing (SLR), aimed to repeat their prior year’s win. For this goal, they chose American Brock Hager to drive. Team leaders valued Hager’s racing expertise, pairing him with experienced navigator Max Eddy Jr. to handle the tough Dakar course.

The series makes clear the Polaris-SLR partnership is key, with each brand contributing significant value to the race program. Their combined strength was focused on showcasing Polaris vehicles in a challenging global event.

The series emphasizes the special vehicle preparation needed for Dakar. The Polaris RZR Pro R required changes to comply with race rules. Regulations on tires, engine intake, and weight meant adjustments from typical race setups. Engineers noted most of the race vehicles remained the same as a standard Polaris RZR.

Team dynamics are a central part of the story. Xavier de Soultrait, the prior year’s Dakar winner, returned, bringing positive energy important for team spirit. Having a high morale, navigator Max Eddy Jr. and driver Brock Hager established good teamwork during the preparation stage.

The need for trust between these roles is a recurring point, given Dakar’s intense navigation. Unlike typical races with fixed tracks or GPS-navigated tracks, Dakar relies on road books and compass work.

Polaris Off Road tracked the team through each stage, showing both good moments and bad. A First Place finish in the prologue stage gave them early confidence. Later, a roadbook error caused them to lose valuable time, showing the navigation difficulties inherent in Dakar.

The rally’s long duration became apparent, with the series showing the marathon stage that demanded teams handle repairs and supplies without outside help for days. Vehicle issues appeared, too, testing vehicle robustness and mechanic skills for quick fixes.

Through challenges, the Polaris team showed skill and determination. This victory, achieved by a driver new to Dakar, marks a major win for Polaris Off Road and American off-road racing. ‘Defending Dakar’ illustrates the commitment, teamwork, and strong vehicles needed to win this very difficult race.