Can-Am sweeps podium in Dakar Rally 4x4 Quad class

Can-Am ATV racers finished first, second and third in the 4x4 Quad class of the 2012 Dakar Rally held Jan. 1-15: Daniel Mazzucco (above right), Barry Cruces and Petar Cenkov (Team Rally Raid/Can-Am).

The grueling event started in Mar del Plata, Argentina, with 30 hopeful ATV racers heading out to battle 5,592 miles of rugged terrain across Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Only 11 teams crossed the finish line.

 “Out of my three Dakar participations, this was without a doubt the toughest,” Argentinean pilot Mazzucco (Team AGO-MD/Can-Am) declared upon receiving his first-place trophy. “The ATV performed extremely well. The Renegades filled the podium on the 4x4, which was a great result. I also must commend my technical support team for providing excellent support and assistance.” 

Cruces, runner-up in the 4x4 Quad class for Team Nextel by Can-Am and Dakar newcomer, agreed.

 “The Renegade did not give me any issues, and our technical team was absolutely great. Being the novice at this event, I raced at my own pace with only one goal in mind: finish the race. On many occasions, I was ready to give up, but people back home, my teammates, and their support kept me going. And I did it!"