Neil Hawker Dakar Rally 2026 | Neil Hawker Dakar Rally

About Me

My name is Neil Hawker

Father. Off-road coach. Firefighter. British Enduro Championship manager. Passionate about everything motorcycles.

I’ve been riding since I was 7 years old, and motorcycles have taken me all over the world—from local enduro and trials to some of the toughest races on earth. My proudest moment came in 2021, when I crossed the finish line of the Dakar Rally in the unsupported Malle Moto class. That feeling was like no other—unforgettable, addictive—and it’s what keeps me coming back for more.

When I’m not racing, I’m still living bikes every day: coaching riders, managing the British Enduro Championship, or balancing it all with my career as a firefighter. Most importantly, I’m a dad, and my biggest motivation is making my family proud.

For me, motorcycling isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life.

The Dakar Rally 2026 - The Journey Begins

Why I’m Going Back.

Crossing the finish line of Dakar 2021 was the proudest moment of my life. After years of dreaming, I had finally done it — I’d finished the toughest race on the planet, in the hardest class of all. The feeling was unbelievable, something I’ll carry with me forever.

But that rally also came with its own set of hurdles. The world was in lockdown, and Dakar wasn’t quite the adventure I had imagined. Socialising was almost impossible, and while I achieved my goal, I couldn’t fully experience the spirit, camaraderie, and shared moments that make Dakar so special.

That’s why I’m going back. Not just to chase that finish line feeling again, but to live the full Dakar experience. This time, I’ll be sharing the journey with my friends — the Searles boys — and together we’ll take on the desert, the hardship, and the adventure.

And this time, I’m going to race it. In 2021 my goal was simply to finish, but Dakar 2026 is about pushing harder. I want a solid result — bettering my 6th place in the Originals by Motul class and 37th overall.

For me, Dakar has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing yourself beyond your limits, but also about the people you share it with.

2026 is my chance to do it all again — the right way.

What I'll be riding

About the bike

I'm excited to ride the brand new Honda CRF 450 Rally. One of only fifty made, the first time Honda have produced a production Dakar bike.

Honda have always been known for their reliability and how bloody good does it look!

How you can help

There are a number of ways you can help me get to the start line of Dakar Rally 2026, become a monthly supporter on Patreon for exclusive updates from training, testing and—when comms allow—the bivouac.

You can join as a sponsor: logo placement, content packages, coaching days, and event appearances tailored to your brand.

There is an exciting opportunity to buy some merch and wear it with pride.

If none of the above float your boat, you can donate direct.

I'm also raffling off my 2025 Sherco 300SEF to raise the much needed money.