Sara Price's Journey Back to Rallye du Maroc
Sara Price, an accomplished racer, is gearing up for her return to the Rallye du Maroc, this time with a wealth of experience and a brand new vehicle. Previously, she competed in the event driving a Can-Am side-by-side, which she describes as her inaugural major rally before embarking on the Dakar Rally. This year, however, she will pilot the formidable Defender Dakar D7X-R in the Stock class, with trusted navigator Sean Berriman accompanying her once again. Reflecting on her earlier experiences, Price emphasized the importance of consistency in rally racing, stating, "I learned so much that first rally, and it was just about being consistent. You’re only as good as your worst day." This mantra has guided her through a season filled with learning opportunities aboard the Defender, culminating in a commendable second-place finish in the Stock class during the team’s Dakar debut, followed by a third place in the recent World Rally-Raid Championship round in Argentina alongside Saydiie Gray.
The Rallye du Maroc, a five-stage event running from September 28 to October 3, will challenge crews with a route stretching from Agadir to Zagora and into the iconic dunes of the region. This particular terrain is familiar to Price, who spent her childhood exploring the dunes at Glamis with her family. Despite a touch of nerves prior to her first dune stage in the Defender at Dakar, she ultimately excelled and now views the dunes as a potential stronghold for her performance. "I’d never raced in the dunes in a Defender," she recalled, adding, "I ended up doing really well. So I think the dunes will be a strong point. I look forward to it."
Defender's Competitive Edge in the Stock Class
As the Rallye du Maroc approaches, it coincides with a pivotal moment for the Defender team. Price's teammate, Rokas Baciuška, currently leads the Stock drivers’ championship, while Stéphane Peterhansel’s recent victory in Argentina has narrowed the gap to just 29 points. Price finds herself in a competitive environment, yet she remains focused on maintaining consistency rather than being swayed by individual stage outcomes. "Sometimes if you’re getting second or third, or you’re behind on a little bit of time, you get in your head and you’re like, ‘I wanna win a stage,’" she noted. "It’s not about winning stages. It’s about just getting the good time and staying consistent."
This year’s event also marks Berriman's return to the co-driver's seat after missing the Argentine leg due to scheduling conflicts. Price expressed her enthusiasm for having him back, recognizing his expertise as a navigator and the crucial role he plays in their success. For Price, the Rallye du Maroc serves as both a standalone competition and a valuable opportunity to refine her skills before potentially tackling another Dakar rally. She aims for a thorough week of racing in the D7X-R, enhancing her navigation with Berriman, and ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of the vehicle's capabilities. "I think Rallye du Maroc is the key," she stated. "It’s the one race that you can really show your stuff." The goal may seem straightforward, but the complexities of rally-raid racing demand that navigation, vehicle performance, driving skill, and teamwork all come together seamlessly. The upcoming challenge in Morocco will be a testament to how much Price and the Defender have evolved in their rally journey.
As reported by dirtfish.com.
