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MINNEAPOLIS - Polaris Off Road has unveiled a five-driver lineup for the 2026 Dakar Rally as the company aims for its third consecutive championship in the prestigious off-road racing event. The motorsports push comes as Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) has seen its stock surge 72.21% over the past six months, despite facing profitability challenges.
The team will be led by back-to-back champions Brock Heger (2025) and Xavier De Soultrait (2024), who will compete in the newly created SSV1 category with an all-new purpose-built race vehicle developed specifically for the competition.
"Dakar represents the ultimate test of vehicle performance and team resilience, and our goal for 2026 is simple - defend our title while demonstrating the full strength of Polaris’ innovation," said Alex Scheuerell, Director of Off-Road Motorsports at Polaris.
The 2026 lineup includes three drivers in the SSV1 category: reigning 2025 Dakar Champion Brock Heger, 2024 Dakar Champion Xavier De Soultrait, and Portuguese rally-raid driver Goncalo Guerreiro. Two additional drivers, multi-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Krisstoffersson and French rally-raid competitor Florent Vayssade, will compete in the T4 category using the RZR Pro R Factory platform that secured victories in 2024 and 2025.
For the new SSV1 category, Polaris has developed the Pro R Rally featuring DYNAMIX semi-active suspension, MoTeC engine management systems, aerodynamic side-intake scoops, carbon-fiber components, and an FiA-homologated race cage.
The 2026 Dakar Rally will take place January 3-17 in Saudi Arabia. The team will be supported by LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport and Polaris engineers throughout the competition.
According to the company’s press release statement, Polaris (NYSE:PII) is entering the rally with an expanded vehicle strategy that demonstrates its commitment to innovation across multiple levels of off-road competition. While Polaris pursues racing success, InvestingPro data shows the company is currently trading near its Fair Value with a 4.21% dividend yield. Despite maintaining dividend payments for 39 consecutive years, nine analysts have revised earnings downward for the upcoming period. Get the complete financial picture with InvestingPro’s comprehensive research report, one of 1,400+ available for top US equities.
In other recent news, Polaris Industries reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, significantly surpassing earnings expectations. The company achieved an earnings per share of $0.41, well above the forecasted $0.23, marking a surprise of 78.26%. Additionally, revenue exceeded projections, reaching $1.84 billion compared to the anticipated $1.79 billion. In financial developments, Polaris issued $500 million in 5.6% senior notes due 2031, with the offering conducted through several financial institutions. The Board of Directors also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.67 per share, payable in December 2025. Analyst activity included BMO Capital raising its price target for Polaris to $70 from $52, citing positive momentum in off-road vehicle sales. Meanwhile, Loop Capital initiated coverage with a Hold rating, expressing concerns about the company’s long-term outlook. These updates reflect recent developments surrounding Polaris Industries.
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