Can-Am Factory Racers Scored Three Consecutive Dakar Rally Stage Wins
Can-Am and its Factory Racers were off to a great start in the 2025 Dakar Rally, coming out of the gate to deliver three consecutive stage wins in the event...And, ultimately finding their legend, Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez on the second step of the podium by the finale in Shubaytah.
Stages three, four, and five were of particular success for Can-Am Factory Racers “Chaleco” Lopez and Sara Price, each of whom earned their first Dakar Rally stage wins of 2025. This marks what Can-Am is proud to call a "significant milestone for Can-Am and South Racing," as they mark the first stage wins for the Maverick R in the world's most difficult off-road race.
Chaleco Lopez dominated stage three, finishing 3 minutes and 47 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. The following stage was better yet, with Sara Price picking up her second-career stage win. Lopez crossed the line in second, with Hunter Miller in fourth.
Stage 5 saw Lopez clinch his second stage win of the race, coming in a wild 20 minutes ahead of the second-placer. Lopez was in fourth overall after the fifth stage closed, with teammate Hunter Miller in eighth. Unfortunately, Sara Price and Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli are no longer in contention for the overall win.
“Over these past three stages, everything clicked,” said Lopez. “The car was flawless, and I'm thrilled that today turned out well, especially after challenges on stage two. Winning these stages brings a lot of joy to our team and our hardworking mechanics. The adjustments we made paid off, and now our strategy is to push hard every day, giving our best with high motivation for a perfect run. There's still a lot of racing ahead!”
A rest day followed the close of Stage 5, allowing Can-Am and South Racing to recover and prep the machines for the upcoming battles. Racing has since resumed at Dakar, so stay tuned for further news from the world's most difficult off-road race.
Ross hosts The Hooniverse Podcast. He has been in the off-road world since he was a kid riding in the back of his dad’s YJ Wrangler. He works in marketing by day and in his free time contributes to Hooniverse, AutoGuide, and ATV.com, and in the past has contributed to UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Everyday Driver. Ross drives a 2018 Lexus GX460 that is an ongoing build project featured on multiple websites and the podcast.
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