Can-Am, iconic brand of BRP Inc. and a global leader in off-road performance, today announced its factory driver lineup and race-proven Maverick R platform for the 2026 Dakar Rally. The brand’s upcoming Dakar Rally program builds on a track record of excellence and reinforces Can-Am’s commitment to product innovation and rider-focused performance.
« For BRP, the Dakar Rally is more than a race; it’s about continuing to prove the incredible performance of our vehicles in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, » said Jean-François Leclerc, BRP Race Manager. « For 2026, we’re returning to Dakar with the most refined version of our Maverick R platform and an impressive driver roster, featuring seasoned Dakar veterans and ambitious rookie talents. »
Can-Am Factory Driver Lineup
Francisco ‘Chaleco’ López – Chile | Co-Driver: Alvaro Leon
After winning five stages and charging to a second-place overall finish at Dakar Rally last year, the three-time champion is motivated to put his Maverick R on top of the podium again in 2026.
Kyle Chaney – USA | Co-Driver: Jacob Argubright
Coming off the King of the Hammers 4400 class win, Chaney is eager to take on a new challenge with his first Dakar Rally campaign and learn all that the rally has to offer.
Hunter Miller – USA | Co-Driver: Jeremy Gray
Scoring a top-ten result in his rookie year at Dakar Rally in 2025, Miller returns to Saudi Arabia with valuable experience under his belt.
Jeremías González Ferioli – Argentina | Co-Driver: Gonzalo Rinaldi
With multiple stage wins to his name, Ferioli has proven that he has the pace to run up front. For 2026, he’s eager to establish himself as a contender for the overall win.
João Monterio – Portugal | Co-Driver: Morais Nuno
Monteiro is an experienced Dakar Rally competitor, the 2025 Dakar Rookie Winner and Europe Baja SSC Champion. The Portugal native has the drive and experience to finish on the podium.
Each driver will pilot a Can-Am Maverick R prepared by South Racing.
Race-Developed, Driver-Provenf
Introduced for the 2024 model year, the Can-Am Maverick R quickly established itself as a force in off-road racing, from desert triumphs in North America to early rally successes overseas. It made its debut at the Dakar Rally, winning 10 of the 12 stages, and followed that up with a historic first-ever win for a UTV in the 4400 Unlimited class at King of the Hammers. The Maverick R now returns to Dakar for the second year with improved endurance tuning, suspension calibration, and cooling systems designed for the grueling demands of the Saudi Arabian desert.
« We race to win and we race to learn, » said Leclerc. « From suspension geometry to powertrain tuning, the Dakar Rally advances our research and development efforts so drivers everywhere can trust their machine when the terrain demands more. Last year, we proved what the Maverick R is capable of. This year, we aim to showcase the full potential of the platform, our drivers and team. »
Follow the Journey
The Can-Am Maverick R factory drivers will begin the 2026 Dakar Rally on January 3, 2026, in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, with 14 grueling stages ahead. Fans can follow daily updates through Can-Am Off-Road social media channels (@canamoffroad and @canamfactoryteam) featuring behind-the-scenes content throughout the race.
New Sponsors
For 2026, Can-Am’s Dakar Rally program proudly welcomes its partnership with Progressive Insurance®, reinforcing the shared values of protection, confidence, and exploration for riders and the racing community.
The team also welcomes wheel manufacturer, TSY America Inc., as a sponsor for 2026.
Key Can-Am x 2026 Dakar Rally Highlights
Five Can-Am factory drivers with championship pedigrees and compelling personal journeys
Can-Am Maverick R competing in the Side-by-Side (SSV) category
Race-proven innovations: Tall-knuckle suspension, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and Rotax turbo engine
Seven Dakar Rally podiums to date and an unmatched record in SSV category
Progressive Insurance® is supporting Can-Am’s factory race team
Driver-centric focus: grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence
Dederichs Reinecke & Partner,