Brp

The Goczal name has become familiar on the Dakar in recent years, and a third member of the family is preparing to join the adventure in 2023. Having watched his father Marek and uncle Michal battle for the podium in the SSVs in the last two editions, Eryk Goczal is finally old enough to compete himself in a South Racing-prepared BRP Maverick. The 18-year-old made his rally debut at Baja Europe 2019, driving a zero car for the organisation. He continued in that role throughout the Polish Cross-Country Championship in 2020, before making his debut at the Polish Drift Championship in 2021, as the youngest driver in history. After securing third place in the Pro2 category, he stepped up to the highest class in 2022 and saw off all comers to be crowned Polish Drift Champion, showing that he really means business. He then made his competitive rally-raid debut at the Dubai International Baja -only a month or so before Dakar 2023- and put in a superb showing, finishing as the top T4 ahead of his uncle and father, and as the quickest vehicle outright in the FIA standings. Eryk clearly has a great deal of potential, and has linked up with former biker Oriol Mena for his first tilt at the Dakar. As well as finishing as high as seventh on two wheels in 2018, the Spaniard has worked as a co-driver this year with two World Rally-Raid Champions: Chaleco Lopez and Rokas Baciuska. He helped the Lithuanian snatch a podium place ahead of the Goczal brothers at last year's Dakar, and will now be looking to guide teen sensation Eryk to a memorable debut in the SSVs.