The 40th running of the Dakar Rally is in the history books and the footage we’re left with is amazing. 

The deserts and wild open spaces of South America proved to be a stunning backdrop for what is one of the most grueling races in the world. Watching all sorts of powersport machines, from the smallest dirt bikes up to the massive trucks, run through this terrain is a sight to behold.

READ MORE: Get All the 2018 Dakar Rally Results Right Here

And luckily, thanks to some great camera work and a team of helicopters, we can watch the toughest race on the planet from the comfort of home. So scroll down and watch the highlights from each one of the categories at this year’s Dakar Rally.