Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides has won stage eight of the 2024 Dakar Rally. The reigning champion currently lies fifth overall with four days left to race. Toby Price put in a strong ride to complete today’s 678-kilometer stage in fifth.

Stage eight at Dakar lessened the intensity a little with the 458-kilometer timed special split into two – a 179-kilometer liaison joining the two very different halves. The first leg consisted mainly of sandy tracks and dunes, but the second half posed more of a challenge with stones and rocks covering much of the final 119 kilometers leading to the finish in Ha’il.

Times were tight on the stage, with the top six riders separated by less than two and a half minutes. Benavides came out on top however, skillfully navigating his way through the special to complete the day’s racing 31 seconds ahead of his brother, Luciano. Retaining his fifth place ranking in the provisional overall standings, Kevin Benavides continues to close in on the rally leaders, stage by stage.

Provisional Results – 2024 Dakar Rally, Stage 8
1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 3:35:03
2. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 3:35:34 +0:31
3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 3:36:30 +1:27
4. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 3:36:44 +1:41
5. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:37:21 +2:18

Kevin Benavides: “It has been a really good day today – I really enjoyed the ride. The stage was split into two with the first part more sandy tracks and dunes, but with a lot of navigation. And the second part was more stone and mountains. The two guys opening the stage – my brother and Nacho (Cornejo) – did a really good job, but I was able to catch them both by the end. I’m so proud to win the stage and have a 1-2 with my brother. It means I’ll be opening tomorrow, so hopefully I will do a good job. I’ll give it my all as always.” (source: ktm)

STORY: Kevin Benavides Wins Stage Three At Dakar 2024 (January 2024)

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