Earlier this week, Mini unveiled the new Mini John Cooper Works Rally, and just yesterday the first photos were released showing off the livery for the Mini that Bryce Menzies will race in the 2017 Dakar Rally.
The 29-year-old Menzies will be the first American in six years to undertake the legendary race with the backing of a factory team. Menzies has competed in short-course off-road and desert races since breaking into the sport in 2007. He has won the Baja 500 three times, won the Mint 400, earned three TORC Pro 2 Championship, and he even won the Red Bull Frozen Rush twice.
Menzies first dabbled in international racing by competing with the X-Raid team in a Mini ALL4 Racing at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in April. Although he just missed the podium, Menzies was able to finish in fourth place during his race.
Earlier this year, Menzies set the World Record for farthest distance jumped in a truck when he launched his Pro 2 off-road truck 379.4 feet over a New Mexico ghost town. Unfortunately a second attempt resulted in a crash that broke his shoulder. Menzies has been reechoing and preparing for his upcoming race. Menzies and long-time co-driver Pete Mortensen will tackle Dakar for the first time this year.
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