In 1984, then-graduate ​​Reinaldo Varela and two of his cousins thought that the tasty meals served on the family farm would be very successful if served in a restaurant. Securing the support of their parents and the person responsible for the food—their grandmother, known as Dona Iza—they opened their first colonial farm-themed restaurant. Now, more than 200 locations prepare Dona Iza’s recipes across Brazil.

At the same time, Reinaldo’s passion for racing counted more than 370 events over 37 years of competition. He’s won two world championships in cross country rally, for a career that adds up to one of the winningest in Brazil and South America. After being invited to drive a race-prepared Can-Am Commander in the Dakar, he vowed to go all the way and return with a Maverick X3, plus the preparation and support of South Racing Can-Am.

Just as SSVs became an official Dakar class, his efforts to compete at the front in the Maverick X3 started to pay off. He led the class most of the days, winning many stages and finished as the 2018 Dakar champion in the side-by-side segment. Last year’s win was also the first title for Can-Am at Dakar. 

Reinaldo starts this year’s race as a fan favorite to repeat his Dakar victory—and he’s just as hungry to win as ever.

Gerard Farrés was born in Manresa, Spain, on March 24, 1979, and spent his childhood in Olost de Lluçanès, a small town of only a thousand inhabitants in the heart of Catalonia. For practicing his off-road skills, it would be an idyllic spot: in the middle of nature, surrounded by forests and fields full of life. Through his first race at 14 in the Championship of Catalonia of Enduro for Children, his career soared after being selected to compete in World Enduro competition. There, he trained with and competed against some of the world’s best riders as part of the Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME) team.

In addition to winning a World Championship in that category, they also managed to win the Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) three times with the RFME junior team: in Australia, Portugal and Grenada. But it was just the start: Gerard has competed in the Rally Dakar three times, with numerous top finishes in Baja Spain, Rally Merzouga, and other long-distance rallies.

He’s a newcomer to the world of 4-wheeled machines, but he’s as quick as you’d expect for someone used to standing at the top of the podium. This year’s Dakar will be his strongest challenge yet.

When side-by-side vehicles evolved into immensely capable off-road machines, South Racing Can-Am sensed an opportunity to build a complete team and support system around the Can-Am Maverick X3. The team has since grown from a base near Frankfurt, Germany, to having workshops in Portugal, with manager Scott Abraham overseeing its fast rise to the top of the pack. 

Armed with a fleet of Can-Ams that are fast enough to run at the front of their class in long-distance competition, there are a few drivers to watch. Their “fast five” Maverick X3 racers to follow during the 2019 Dakar Rally are  Hernan Garces / Juan Pablo Latrach, Miguel Jordão / Lourival Roldan, Ellen Lohr / Anton de Roissard, Thomas Ourrednicek / David Nipal, and Ricardo Porem. These competitors have dozens of combined years of racing experience, have driven an assortment of diverse vehicles (karts, cars, trucks, semis, etc.), and are ready for the start of the Dakar. 

A total of more than 20 Can-Am racers, including American Casey Currie, will get support from South Racing for logistical and servicing arrangements. They also ensure team members are fully briefed, prepared, and equipped—and that each assistance vehicle and support truck is fitted with the correct equipment, spare parts and supplies.