Just a few short years ago, American motorcycle racer Skyler Howes was one of the Dakar Rally’s most beloved privateers, selling off possessions and raising funds for an opportunity to compete in the world’s biggest rally raid. Two years ago, he landed his first factory contract with Husqvarna, and now, after five stages of the 2023 edition of the event, he finds himself in the overall lead by more than two minutes over the legendary Toby Price.

Each year, the global motorsport calendar kicks off with one of the toughest racing events in the world, as the Dakar Rally puts many of the world’s top off-road racers to the test over two weeks of competition through the Saudi Arabian desert. The event kicked off earlier today with a return to seaside action, as today’s Prologue stage from Sea Camp near Yanbu gave racers a 13-kilometer shakedown in preparation for one of the most grueling challenges in motorsport.