Searles 2 Dakar Brothers Gear Up for 2026 Dakar Rally, Reflect on Bennetts Track Days and Future Adventures

The Searles 2 Dakar brothers, Carl and Craig Searles, recently took part in a Bennetts track day on their Dakar machines and shared their excitement for upcoming events, including the 2026 Dakar Rally, during an exclusive interview with Bennetts.

Bennetts Track Day - An Unconventional Experience on Dakar Machines

Reflecting on their experience at a Bennetts track day, Carl expressed, “It was a brilliant day! I had no idea what to expect, but it was well organised and low stress. It was awesome to meet all the Bennetts customers and, of course, John McGuinness.”

Craig added, “It was a BLAST! I was quite nervous after zipping the leathers up since our bikes aren’t built for track riding. The tyres we had on were meant for off-road, so that was exciting! But like Carl said, it was great to chat with Bennetts customers and meet John McGuinness.”

Unforgettable Moments at the Brands Hatch BSB

The brothers also had the chance to immerse themselves in the Bennetts British Superbike (BSB) experience at Brands Hatch, which left a lasting impression. Carl shared, “The BSB at Brands Hatch was an awesome experience, something my wife Marie and I will never forget! The safety car lap was a highlight for me, an incredible way to see the track.”

Craig added, “Giving out the trophies was the highlight of my weekend. We had a great time at Brands Hatch BSB, and it was a memorable experience for sure.”

Full Steam Ahead for Dakar 2026

The Searles brothers are now setting their sights on the 2026 Dakar Rally, following the announcement that their entry has been postponed from an earlier goal. Carl explained, “It’s full steam ahead for 2026! It’s not the result we wanted, but it gives us more time to prepare, raise funds, and spend more time with everyone at Bennetts.”

Craig echoed his brother’s optimism, “2026 will be the year! This extra time allows us to mentally and physically prepare ourselves. We respect the decision made by the organisers, as safety always comes first.”

Carl’s Thrilling World Enduro Experience

Carl recently competed in the World Enduro Championship in Wales, a significant milestone for the Dakar-bound racer. He described the event as “Mega! To be involved in a world championship round was incredible. The course was like nothing I’d ever ridden before, and the nerves were high going in, but I was super pleased to finish. We’re hoping to take part in the 2025 Enduro GP of Wales next year.”

Looking Ahead: Qatar Baja and Future Rallies

As for what’s next, Craig revealed the brothers’ immediate plans: “We are preparing for the Qatar International Baja, which takes place from the 31st of October to the 2nd of November. It’s a relatively short rally, but with Saudi being nearby, we’ll get to race in conditions similar to Dakar—sand and dunes.

We’re also planning to enter another FIM International Rally in 2025 to further build our Dakar résumé, but we’re still working out the logistics.”

With exciting events on the horizon and a clear goal in mind for 2026, the Searles 2 Dakar brothers are eager to continue their journey towards Dakar glory while staying connected with the Bennetts community.

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