Michael SatterfieldThe Defender name is synonymous with rugged capability. Still, in 2026, it’s headed into a new kind of terrain, one where grit, speed, and endurance are tested across the world’s most brutal off-road battleground: the Dakar Rally.
And leading the charge is none other than Sara Price, the California native and off-road phenom who has carved her name into motorsports history with throttle and tenacity.
Price, who made headlines in 2024 as the first American woman, and only the third woman ever to win a Dakar stage, will pilot one of three Defender D7X-R entries as the iconic British brand steps into the spotlight with its first-ever factory-backed assault on the grueling cross-country rally. She’s not coming alone. Defender has assembled a world-class team, including Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel, 14-time event winner and rising star Rokas Baciuška, a triple threat that proves the brand isn’t showing up to play; they’re here to win.
Sara Price: From Two Wheels to the World’s Toughest Races
Sara Price’s journey to Dakar greatness started on the motocross tracks of Southern California. By the age of 16, she’d already claimed 19 national titles. From there, she didn’t slow down, swapping handlebars for steering wheels, becoming an X Games medalist, and eventually dominating the desert in SCORE Trophy Trucks and breaking new ground in the all-electric Extreme E championship for Chip Ganassi Racing.
“To join the works Defender team in its competitive debut at the Dakar Rally will be a huge honor, and I cannot wait to get started with the team. The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of rally‑raid competition and I’m extremely proud to have competed in this competition before. Defender is an iconic vehicle with extraordinary capabilities, as well as a brand fueled by purpose, so to drive for this British adventure brand at such a huge moment in its history is an amazing accomplishment for me.
The testing and preparation work that is going behind the scenes is insanely impressive to see and I’m excited to get behind the wheel. As a born racer, I’m very competitive and working with Defender I know that we are aiming high and won’t rest until we succeed.” Sara Price
Her 2024 Dakar debut was the stuff of legends. Competing in the SSV class, she snagged a stage win, finished fourth overall, and earned top rookie honors, all in one of the toughest editions of the rally in recent memory. Now, with her Dakar baptism complete, Price is gearing up to tackle the rally again—this time with factory backing and a purpose-built Defender at her command.
Defender’s First Factory Outing: More Than Just a Marketing Play
While the words “Defender” and “off-road” go hand-in-hand, the D7X-R represents a new evolution for the luxury adventure brand. Based on Defender’s unibody platform, yes, the same aluminum-intensive architecture you’d find in their showroom models, the D7X-R will compete in the ‘Stock’ class of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). It’s a proving ground not just for the drivers, but for the brand’s claim that Defender isn’t just luxury, it’s legitimate.
As part of the works team, Price will also play a pivotal role in the development and testing of the rally-spec Defender in the lead-up to Dakar 2026. It’s a blend of adventure, innovation, and performance that reflects both the evolution of the Defender badge and the career arc of Price herself.
“Wheels are well and truly in motion for our Dakar Rally debut. Testing is going well, and we have now completed our driver line‑up. Signing the brilliantly talented Sara Price is a huge moment for Defender. We have a powerful, capable and durable 4×4 in the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, and our skilled and strong‑minded drivers will showcase both Defender and explore the limits of human endurance as they navigate the desert dunes and arid plains of the Dakar Rally in January.” Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender
An American Star in a Global Arena
For Price, the 2026 Dakar is more than just another race—it’s a milestone moment in her already storied career. And for Defender, it’s a statement of intent. With three wildly talented drivers, a legacy of off-road capability, and a new rally weapon in the D7X-R, this isn’t just an adventure—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in motorsport.
As the countdown to Dakar 2026 begins, one thing’s clear: the desert won’t know what hit it.
Photos Courtesy of Defender Global Communications
It’s a win for diversity and a win for motorsport. Sara’s earned her spot, and I hope she gets the respect she deserves on that global stage.
She’s amazing a real off road racer for sure.
Great article. Hope y’all do a follow-up when the testing begins. I’d love to see a behind-the-scenes of Sara’s prep work
This is the kind of move that makes Defender exciting again.
Honestly, I’d love to know what tires and suspension setup they’re running for these stages. Dakar is brutal—stock class or not.
YESSS! Been following Sara since her motocross days. Dakar is the biggest stage, and she 100% deserves to be there. Hope JLR gives her a car that can finish strong.
Honestly, I’d rather see her in a properly gnarly Bowler Defender than this modern luxury tank. But hey, if it works…
Nice PR win for Land Rover. Now let’s see if they can deliver results without overheating or breaking down mid-stage.
This is the first Defender I’ve been excited about since the Camel Trophy era. Keep the coverage coming!
I met Sara at an off-road expo last year. She was super down to earth. Couldn’t be happier she’s finally getting this level of support.
Defender’s modern image needed this. They’ve gone soft in recent years—this could finally give them some edge again.
Sara has it all! Love seeing her race.
Not sure Defender has the chops for Dakar anymore. Cool car, but let’s see if it finishes.
Sara’s the future of rally, but I still miss the days of Rothmans liveries and V8 Defenders tearing through Africa. Hope this new one lives up to the legacy.
It’ll be interesting to see if this is a one-off PR stunt or if Defender actually builds a legacy in rally raid like Mitsubishi did back in the day.
Great for Sara, but I wish the article talked more about her actual test program or how she’s preparing. Feels like a missed opportunity.
We just wrote this based on the press release we got, but we might be able to reach out to Sara about doing a one on one interview about the project.
Is this the same Defender they’re selling at Land Rover dealerships? Curious how much tech actually carries over from rally to road.
A bit skeptical about Defender’s long-term commitment here. Feels more like a marketing move than a racing initiative. Hope I’m wrong.
Love seeing more American women breaking into top-tier rally racing. Dakar isn’t ready for her.
Sara is going to only be limited by the fact that it is a Land Rover and might not make it to the end without an electric issue or worse.