It’s back! For the 4th time in 8 years, Peru is hosting the famous Dakar Rally. This year’s edition however is a bit different. In previous years (2012, 2013, and 2018), Peru co-hosted the off-road motorsports rally with fellow South American countries, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. With its neighbors affected by economic and domestic issues, Peru was selected as the sole host for the Dakar 2019 event by its French organizers, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). Set to traverse the stunning geography of Peru’s coastal desert from Lima to Arequipa to Tacna (and back), Dakar 2019’s 10 stage, 3,100+ mile (5,000+ kilometer) rally is rightfully being billed as a proudly “100% Peruvian” event.
Dakar’s Storied History & Move to South America
Founded in 1978 as the “Paris–Dakar Rally” by the French wrangler and motorcycle racer, Thierry Sabine, the 6,200 mile (10,000 kilometer) race route began in Paris, France and ended in Dakar, Senegal (hence the name). From 1978 to 2007 the rally changed numerous routes and included a whole host of different European and African countries, but in 2008 the rally was forced to cancel due to security concerns in North Africa. The rally was moved to South America in 2009 and has remained on the continent ever since.
Despite the isolated move across the Atlantic, the event has flourished in South America over the past 10 years, and has grown into a well-sponsored and followed international event. Proof of the event’s growing global popularity was on display during last year’s rally in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, where 330+ combined motorcycle, car, quad, and truck entries from dozens of different countries participated. Even more significant were Dakar 2018’s economic effects. In Peru alone, its Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) claimed the event generated $300+ million in economic activity in less than a week.
Feria Dakar 2019: A Proper Celebration in Lima
Dakar 2019 kicked off in proper fashion during a weekend-long festival at the Costa Verde in Lima on January 4th, 5th, and 6th to celebrate the commencement of the rally. Feria Dakar, a free and open doors event to the public, allowed visitors to enjoy various motorsports showcases, vehicle displays, driver meet-and-greets, and brand-sponsored tents and pavilions. There were also ongoing Peruvian cultural events, such as traditional Peruvian dance shows and Peruvian gastronomic exhibitions.
On the final day, drivers were introduced one-by-one for their respective competitions and were able to show off their vehicles one last time before stage 1 the next day. It was an especially fun showcase for all 20+ Peruvian competitors who were introduced in front of the raving crowds at the Costa Verde. One Peruvian driver in particular, Lucas Barron, was introduced with resounding applause. The 25-year-old competitor from Lima is the first person with Down Syndrome to compete in the Dakar Rally. He’s currently co-piloting alongside his father Jacques Barron. You can fellow them both on Dakar’s website here.
Luckily for all of those who missed out on Feria Dakar celebrations last weekend, you have the opportunity to visit the festival again on Thursday, January 17th (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) at the Costa Verde in Lima to experience the closing ceremony of Dakar 2019. As a free and open event, the police had to close the entrance early due to capacity limits each day. So our advice is to get to the gates early before or right at opening time!
To keep up on all Dakar 2019 action, follow the rally at the links below.
Dakar’s official YouTube channel
Dakar’s official Twitter account
Red Bull’s stage-by-stage video coverage
Watch the rally on your local TV broadcaster
Feria Dakar Location and Info
Costa Verde – Magdalena Del Mar
Av. Ochocalo, Magdalena del Mar, Lima, Peru 15086
Feria Dakar is located at the section of the Costa Verde in Magdalena Del Mar, right off the Circuito de Playas near the Avenida Brasil interchange.
Check out various pictures of Feria Dakar 2019 below, just click to enlarge! Or for high-res slideshow viewing, see the Feria Dakar 2019 album on the Lima City of Kings Facebook page!
