The Dakar Rally in a Classic 911

Back in Linkage #003, Sue Mead rode along with Amy Lerner as she took a vintage Porsche 911 on the 2021 Dakar Rally. This week, the team is at it again, with Amy and co-driver Sara Bossaert returning to the Saudi Arabian desert to run their Rothman’s-branded 1982 Porsche 911 SC in Dakar’s 2022 Classic class.

This is the longest and most grueling off-road race in the world. These drivers cover more than 6,000 kilometers over 14 days, with some of the roughest terrain imaginable between them and the finish.

The Classic class is open to any vehicles of the same type that would have run in any pre-2000 Dakar race. This year, there are a reported 142 competitors (up from 2021’s 24 entries). In 2021, Lerner and Bossaert finished second in class and 15th overall in the Classics.

This year’s official start for all 409 teams was January 2, and they’re underway now. You can follow along with their progress here, and get updates as they proceed on social media via Team AL Rally.

Learn more about this year’s Classic class competitors here.