Racing Against the Odds – Anthony Raynard’s Dakar 2026 Journey
- salifemag
- 28 minutes ago
- 3 min read
There are stories of dreams, then there are stories like Anthony Raynard’s, where decades of dedication, adaptability and quiet grit converge on a moment of bold ambition. Raynard’s name may not yet be household in every living‑room, yet what he has achieved and is about to attempt marks him firmly among South Africa’s motorsport stalwarts.
A multi‑discipline champion with the heart of a racer
Anthony Raynard began his motorsport journey young and fast. Over years, he carved his niche not only in one discipline but in many. Starting in motocross, he turned professional by 2008 and quickly chalked up podiums in MX1 and MX2 classes. By 2012 he clinched the South African National Motocross Championship.
From there his versatility stood out. He transitioned across supercross, enduro and rally‑raid terrain. Each change demanded more than speed, it demanded adaptability, resilience and a willingness to learn. And now, in 2026, Raynard has confirmed his entry into the iconic Dakar Rally (bike category). For Raynard it is more than “just a race”. He says: “To even get to that start line is something special, and to finish it? That’s legendary.”
The challenge of making Dakar happen
The Dakar Rally is often described as the toughest motorsport event in the world. For Raynard, the transition from motocross, which lasts tens of minutes and involves intense bursts of speed, to rally‑raid, in which one must ride for hours, navigate unfamiliar terrain and maintain mental and mechanical endurance, has been steep. “Motocross is all‑out intensity for 30 minutes,” he says. “Rally raid is a marathon.”
And then there is the matter of funding. Despite his long track record and national success, as a privateer Raynard faces what many grassroots (and even national‑level) competitors face: the cost of competing at the highest level. According to reports, after he secured his Dakar entry he was hit by significant sponsor withdrawals — two major backers pulled out, leaving him scrambling with mounting euro bills and limited time.
This is the pivot point of his story: not only about speed and skill, but about the ability to keep going when support falls away, to ask for help when necessary, and to publicly seek it without losing an ounce of his integrity or his purpose.
The “BackaBuddy” campaign: A community‑powered push
Raynard has launched a public campaign through the crowd‑funding platform BackaBuddy in South Africa, inviting friends, fans, sponsors and motorsport enthusiasts to “back a buddy” and be part of the journey to Dakar. The campaign symbolises two things: first, that Raynard is doing this not just for himself, but on behalf of South African motorsport; second, that he honours the idea of collective support, community stepping in where institutional backing may falter. Link: Here
His campaign shares his story: the decades of competition, the shift to rally raid, the dream of Dakar, and the financial gap he needs to fill to make it a reality. It is a narrative built on transparency, on resilience, and on friendship.
By supporting him, whether through a small donation, sharing the campaign, or simply following the journey, supporters become part of what Raynard is aiming to achieve: a South African rider standing at the dawn of one of motorsport’s most formidable tests.
Why this matters for South African motorsport
– National representation: Raynard’s entry into Dakar brings South Africa into a global spotlight again, especially in the bike‑category where our presence is less highlighted.– Inspiration for privateers: His story reminds aspiring racers that even without factory backing, with talent, tenacity and public support, big goals remain possible.– Community engagement: By leveraging the BackaBuddy campaign, he invites everyday motorsport fans into the narrative — not just as spectators but as contributors.– Versatility as a strength: His career across motocross, enduro, supercross and rally‑raid shows that adaptability matters — a lesson for the new generation of riders facing shrinking niche budgets and changing landscapes.
What lies ahead
Raynard now prepares for the logistical, physical and mental challenges that await. Training is underway - long distance rides, navigation mastery, bike and gear setup in variable terrain (including South Africa and Namibia) all form part of his preparation. He carries the number 23 on his bike — a number that holds personal significance, honouring his late mother who was his rock.
As the rally approaches, Raynard will require sponsors, technical backing, reliable equipment and a network of supporters. The BackaBuddy campaign is central to closing that gap.
In his own words
“Every ride, every gym session, every bit of planning is part of the bigger picture. I’m trusting the process and giving this everything.”“I want to show that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and your community believes in you.”