Ah, the Dakar Rally.
Featuring steep ravines, trickster stones and chilly mountain ranges, the Dakar has claimed many a beloved member of our Powersports history.
Being titled “the toughest off-road race in the world” (via MOTUL) has its perks, however – and one of them is getting your very own exhibition.
KTM’s recent press release states that the all-new “Legends of the Dakar” Exhibition features Heinz Kinigadner as a central figure, with himself having locked down the foundation of Team Orange’s 19 Dakar victories – all of which contributed to putting the Austrians where they are at the Dakar today.
The press release tells us to expect the event to open at the KTM Motohall tomorrow, May 11, with “10 history-making Dakar bikes and numerous artifacts from this notorious race on display” – all to laud the efforts of iconic racers such as Fabrizio Meoni, Marc Coma, and 2023’s efforts won by Matthias Walkner, Toby Price and Kevin Benavides.
“There is no bigger adventure than the Dakar,” enthuses Stefan Pierer, CEO of Pierer Mobility.
“The momentum and motivation it provided us back in those early years, which proved to be pivotal in the promotion of the KTM name and development of our motorcycles, has never wavered.”
“To talk about the history of KTM and the Dakar really makes me a bit proud,” adds Heinz Kinigadner.
“Back when I started in 1994, I could not believe the media coverage – it was so much more than I got for my world titles, and I knew it could be good for the brand.”
“While the style and professionalism of racing has changed since then, the fundamentals of the race remain the same. It’s a big adventure.”
Be sure to head over to KTM’s dedicated website for the Motohall, to get additional deets on the event.