The Dakar Rally 2026 reached its final day on January 17th, conducting a 105km final SS (special stage) in Yanbu on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. This was followed by a goal ceremony at the podium within the bivouac, bringing the curtain down on the two-week battle. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA (Teruhito Sugawara/Hirokazu Somemiya/Yuji Mochizuki crew), competing in the Truck Class with the HINO600 Series, reached the goal at 116th place overall for four-wheelers and 14th in class for this SS. This confirmed their final results of 119th place overall for four-wheelers and 15th in class.

The SS (special stage) started 33km north of the coastal bivouac via liaison (transport section), then circled the surrounding hills counterclockwise to return to the bivouac. The latter half consisted of a victory run along the coast for approximately 50km. Although the distance was short, the surface carried risks of punctures and getting stuck due to stones, making it a stage where no let-up was possible until the very end.

The HINO600 had suffered trouble with a damaged transfer case during the previous day's competition, but it was repaired through the mechanics' all-night work, allowing them to face this day's competition. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA maintained a high pace to recover as much as possible from the delay caused by the trouble, and despite a burst left rear tire 15km before the goal, they continued running as-is to reach the goal. They showed their fighting spirit by moving up from 18th place in class at the start to 14th place.

Afterward, HINO TEAM SUGAWARA faced the goal ceremony just after 7 PM as darkness fell. When the entire team took the stage with their vehicle, displaying the team's trademark large carp streamers and support flags, the stage took on a festive atmosphere. Teruhito Sugawara exchanged handshakes with Makoto Wakimura, DCCO of Hino Motors who had rushed from Japan to offer encouragement, while the crew members and mechanics waved to respond to the cheers from the audience.

Makoto Wakimura
I'm glad that the onboard crew, mechanics, and support members united as one to deal with the trouble in the final stages, and we were able to complete the rally through the team's overall strength. Also, the three dealer mechanics made significant contributions with their high skills and teamwork throughout the entire course. However, I feel that challenges for the future have also become apparent. We who compete with a small displacement engine have been devoting ourselves to improving output, but I felt the importance of returning to basics and reconsidering things, such as enhancing the vehicle's rough road traversability in line with course setting trends to increase average vehicle speed.

Teruhito Sugawara
The results of this rally are disappointing, but it can't be helped. The vehicle is getting better, but there are still many areas where we fall short. Our current capability would be around 8th to 9th place in class when things go well, but we shouldn't be satisfied with that just because we're a medium-sized vehicle with a small displacement engine. For example, with the current Dakar seeing more rough roads where average vehicle speed doesn't increase, it's not necessarily true that only large, powerful vehicles have an advantage. I believe we should be able to compete more effectively.

Hirokazu Somemiya
The difficulty level of navigation in this rally was about the same as last time. However, there were several instances where I thought there might be errors in the roadbook, so I'd like them to improve accuracy. The improved ride comfort made things easier on the body, and with reduced vibration, the small letters in the roadbook also became easier to read, which I think contributes to improved navigation accuracy.

Yuji Mochizuki
The work of removing the broken transfer case on the course and switching the front propeller shaft to the rear was the second time following the previous rally. While there's a sense of achievement and it builds confidence, as the onboard mechanic, it's still better if I don't have to be active. Today too, I was nervous as the transfer case oil temperature rose to 180°C during the SS.

Takayuki Monma
Today I was moved to see the HINO600 reach the goal of the final SS with a burst tire. The Dakar goal always warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes. The first half went smoothly, but things don't always go as planned--that's Dakar. I think it was good that the dealer mechanics on this occasion got to experience that kind of Dakar.

Seiichi Suzuki
My physical condition improved, but my throat was constantly affected by the sand and dust. It seems the problem with the transfer case is likely the low rigidity of the aluminum case. We chose it for its lightness, but it might need to be steel even if it's heavier.

Koji Yoshikawa
Many people fell ill at first, but we overcame that and moved forward. Trouble emerged in the latter half, but we somehow made it to the goal thanks to the competitors' hard work. The dealer mechanics worked smoothly, and I felt their inherently high level of skill. Personally, being put in charge of the vehicle shakedown was a good experience.

Hirotaka Imagawa
As we got closer to the goal, all-night work increased, giving me a real sense of what Dakar is like. Despite the extreme temperature differences, I surprisingly didn't catch a cold--perhaps my body adapted. I think the sense of achievement is greater precisely because it was so challenging. It was a good experience.

Masakazu Tazawa
Even when exhausted from all-night work, when I fist-bumped with Mochizuki-san as the vehicle departed, I felt rewarded. Dakar mechanics experience a great sense of achievement. When I return, along with gratitude to my colleagues, I want to pass on the path to becoming a Dakar selected mechanic to other mechanics.

Takumi Kikuchi
The two weeks of Dakar passed in a flash. Perhaps because I was so focused, I barely remember the daily details. The first half didn't see much breakage, but when I received notification of trouble occurring in the latter half, I became extremely anxious.

Shun Konnai
Since Makita-san took over driving the support car that I had been in charge of until last time, I became exclusively in charge of parts management, which I had been helping with before. I felt it was worthwhile and was also able to find many areas that need improvement.

Rumi Ando
I'm glad we were able to return safely to Yanbu. The bivouac seems like a different place from when I came several years ago. The first half passed without problems day by day, but in the latter half all-night work continued and everyone had a hard time.

Ryoko Makita
I wanted to convey more about everyone's activities--the amazing energy of mechanics who continue working until morning, the strength of competitors who return energetically after finishing competition each day. In driving the support car, I was given the opportunity to lead on a day with a long travel distance, which was a valuable experience.