Ricky Brabec @rickyB357
Richard William "Ricky" Brabec, born April 21, 1991, in San Bernardino, California, began his motorsport journey in BMX at age five, before moving to Hesperia, California, where he discovered desert racing. His passion and talent bloomed in the dunes, leading to a standout 2014 season where he clinched the Hare & Hound Championship, Best in the Desert, and SCORE titles, along with victories in the Baja 1000, Baja 500, and Baja 250.
Background
Breakthrough with Team HRC & Dakar Debut
Brabec caught Team HRC’s attention and debuted internationally at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2015, finishing as top junior and 5th overall. He made his Dakar Rally debut in 2016, finishing a solid 9th place before dominating desert racing scenes.
Making History: Dakar 2020 Victory
In 2020, Ricky Brabec made history as the first American ever to win the motorcycle category at the Dakar Rally—ending a long drought for Honda and breaking the dominance of other manufacturers.
Consistency & Podium Performances
Brabec continued to shine, securing 2nd place in the 2021 Dakar, including four stage wins. Though challenges struck in 2022, he remained competitive throughout the season.
Second Dakar Title in Battle-Hardened 2024
January 2024 saw Brabec claim his second Dakar Rally win, finishing with a margin of 10 minutes and 53 seconds over Ross Branch, after leading from Stage 6 and managing stiff competition through to the end. Emphasizing the intensity of the battle, he said, “This one was more earned—this time it was a lot tougher.” .
Monster Energy Honda HRC & World Rally-Raid Campaigns
Brabec remains a key figure in rally raid and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. In the 2025 season, he’s consistently performed—finishing 3rd in the South African Safari Rally, and 2nd in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge—solidifying his position among the top competitors globally.
Character & Legacy
Known for resilience and focus, Brabec often credits his team’s support for overcoming the toughest rallies. He continues to push boundaries, aiming to further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in rally raid.
Career Highlights
Historic Wins – First American Dakar Rally winner (2020); second Dakar title (2024)
Dakar Rally Record – 2nd (2021), other competitive finishes in multiple editions
Desert Racing Legacy – 2014 title sweep in US desert racing; dominant early career achievements
W2RC Performance (2025 season) – Consistent top rankings across global events
Career Information
| 2024 | Dakar Winner |
| 2022 | 7th place Dakar Rally |
| 2021 | Runner-up Dakar Rally. 4 stages win |
| 2020 | Dakar Rally Winner. Two stages win |
| 2020 | Winner Sonora Rally. Winner Vegas to Reno |
| 2019 | 5th place Morocco Rally |
| 2019 | Winner Sonora Rally |
| 2019 | Dakar Stage 4 winner |
| 2018 | 3rd place Morocco Rally |
| 2018 | 5th place Desafio Ruta 40 |
| 2017 | 1st time Stage winner at World Championship (Morocco Rally) |
| 2017 | Dakar 1st stage winner (Stage 7, La Paz-Uyuni) |
| 2017 | Winner Vegas to Reno |
| 2016 | 9th place Rally Dakar |
| 2016 | Winner Hare&Hound AMA Championship |
| 2015 | 2nd Hare&Hound AMA Championship; Best Junior rider Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, 5th place overall |
| 2014 | Champion Hare&Hound AMA Championship; Winner San Felipe 250; Winner Baja 500; Winner Baja 1000; Winner Vegas to Reno; Winner Imperial Valley; Winner SCORE International Pro Motorcycle |
| 2013 | Winner 'Best in the Desert' series |
| 2012 | Runner-up 'Best in the Desert' series |
| 2007 | Start in off-road competition. District 37 series |
Rider Statistics
| Date of birth | 21st April 1991 |
| Birthplace | Mira Loma, California, United States of America |
| Residence | Oak Hills, California, United States of America |
| Height | 185 cm |
| Weight | 95 kg |
| Hobbies | Jet ski, Mountain bike, Road cycling |
