From Client To Competitor | Journey To Dakar
Jan 2026 Journey To Dakar
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Porsche has always been about the journey, about the event, about the experience. Our nameplates evoke those histories, Carrera, Targa, Panamera and Dakar. The Dakar Rally, widely known as the world's toughest race, in a league of its own and something truly iconic. Porsche has won it twice in its history. It is something that tests the most noble of hearts and grit. Competing in the Dakar is an accomplishment in itself, but crossing the finish line and adding your name to the elite list of competitors that span nearly 50 years is something special.
Nathan Hayashi is now one of those individuals. He is a long time Porsche enthusiast and client; from a ski racer transitioning into racing motorcycles, off-road challenges in Moab and the Rubicon were preparing him for the challenges ahead. In 2024, Nathan joined the Porsche Centre Calgary team on the Alcan 5000 Rally which traversed 13,000km from Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territory, Yukon and Alaska. During this, Nathan and team had to endure challenging polar conditions and crossing the Article Circle with temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees. By the time they reached the finish line, the hook was set.
Once home, Nathan and his business The Gear Shop began looking for the next challenge. It was a big one – the Dakar. While Porsche did not have the right opportunity for Nathan's team, a Ford Bronco Raptor became the solution. Using the skill and experience of their team, it was quickly transformed into a capable and competent performer, enabling them to cut their desert racing teeth in Sonora Mexico and then in Morocco - this gained them the experience and knowledge to qualify and compete in the Dakar.
On January 17 2026, Nathan and his team rolled across the finish line in Saudi Arabia, completing a massive journey and achievement. We are proud of Nathan and their commitment to wave the Canadian flag on the podium, our hats off to them and we are proud to have been an early part of that journey. Congratulations to Nathan and the Gear Shop Technical Motorsports team.
This article was written by:
Ace Jakeman
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