On Saturday, the Prerov Gorge turned into a Dakar bivouac filled with Czech and foreign racers from all categories and their machines. The programme of the event was rich in show runs, an extensive supporting programme and star racers from the Czech Republic and abroad.

Meeting the golden boys

The already traditional event Dakar Obsessed OPEN AIR returned to Moravia this year. Every year it is the biggest Czech gathering of Dakar fans and this year the programme was focused on the success of the Czech drivers at Dakar 2024, especially the celebration of the victory of the MM Technology team in the truck category. “Every year more and more fans come and this year they came in masses. I guess because we brought home the gold. We managed to bring a really large number of teams across categories to one place and prepared a great accompanying program, so I believe that the fans had a good time”, says Martin Macik Jr., the organizer of the event, positively evaluating another successful year.

Star racers showed off their machines

The biggest attraction of this Saturday were undoubtedly the Czech and foreign stars, who brought and showcased their machinery not only in the bivouac, but also on the track. Mitchel van den Brink, who finished third in this year’s Dakar, came from the Netherlands with his truck. Among the Czech drivers, the fans could shake hands with Martin Prokop, Martin Michek, Tomas Ourednicek and many others. “Prerov Gorge is a new place for me, I have never been here before, but it was unreal. I am constantly surprised by the interest in Dakar. I’m glad so many people came, and I believe they enjoyed it.”, sums up his impressions Martin Prokop from Orlen Jipocar Team.

Meeting the legends of Dakar? Priceless!

The Moravian meeting was not missing several giants of the Czech Dakar. Fans could meet Josef Kalina, the truly legendary navigator of Karel Loprais, Jaroslav Joklik, Ladislav Fajtl or Martin Macik Sr. “Although I symbolically handed over the racing scepter to my son, I still live the Dakar. Like all of the old guard. We are building trucks, which a few have shown up here, Josef Kalina is writing books and for example Ladislav Fajtl is still driving the Dakar, although in an assistance truck. I’m always happy when there is an opportunity to meet them and share some stories from the past with the fans.”, says Martin Macik Sr., the head of MM Technology.

Next generations and experiences of a lifetime

On the track, the fans could see not only experienced racers, but also young drivers of the Czech scene such as Lukas Pech, Ondrej Pospisil or Martin Kolomy Jr. Between the individual demonstrations, visitors could see the bivouacs and equipment of all teams, take part in competitions for a chance to ride with the racers, listen to both funny and serious stories or try changing tyres on a motorcycle, a car or a truck. There was also an ONETEAM.store stand with themed clothing and accessories, presentations of Can-Am racing machines, refreshments and of course a programme for the little ones. Fans can already look forward to the Dakar Obsessed Talkshow after Dakar 2025 and next summer they will again get a sneak peek into the racers’ bivouacs at the next edition of the Dakar Obsessed OPEN AIR.