After crossing the finish line of Dakar 2023, a new chapter began for DaklaPack Rallysport. What started as an ambitious idea has now become reality: the DKR EVO, a T1+ rally car fully developed in-house, merging passion, experience, and vision into a single vehicle.
From Bowler to DKR EVO
Dave Klaassen’s love for the rally-raid world started with a Bowler Wildcat, a car close to his heart. Through his transition to Red-Lined Motorsport, his experience, knowledge, and ambition steadily grew. With the T1+ Revo, DaklaPack Rallysport took a major step forward, but the desire to design a car of their own never faded.
What began as a personal love for engineering evolved into a clear vision to build something truly unique. After Dakar 2023, that dream turned into a concrete project. “Creating something in life is a beautiful thing, especially when it’s something big that you are truly passionate about,” says Dave. “And that passion is reflected in this car.” The DKR EVO was never meant to be a copy or mix of existing concepts, but a rally car built on hard-earned knowledge and strong beliefs.
Self-developed with support from Red-Lined
The development of the DKR EVO took years, not months. With facilities in both Portugal and South Africa, DaklaPack Rallysport has grown into a serious contender in the rally-raid world. Red-Lined Motorsport remained involved as a technology partner, but the design and further development were fully executed in-house by the DaklaPack team.
Today, two DKR EVOs exist: one powered by a naturally aspirated V8, the car Dave and Tessa Klaassen will drive in Dakar 2026, and a V6 turbo version which, like future models, is also available to customers. This marks an important step for DaklaPack Rallysport towards becoming a constructor, one of only seven teams worldwide building their own vehicles at the highest level of rally-raid competition. The DKR EVO is not just a car; it is tangible proof of the team’s evolution in recent years.
The DKR EVO Ultimate in Detail
The new DKR EVO Ultimate features a full carbon body, designed for maximum rigidity and minimal weight. Beneath the hood lies a combination of raw power and advanced engineering. A Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox paired with all-wheel drive ensures immediate power delivery and optimal traction across any terrain. Braking performance comes from water-cooled Powerbrake calipers, while onboard hydraulic jacks and a tire inflation system allow for rapid service in the field. Front and rear-mounted radiators maintain optimal cooling during long stages in extreme heat.
DaklaPack Rallysport has developed the DKR EVO in two engine variants. The DKR EVO V8 is powered by the 5.6-liter VK56VD V8 engine, mounted in a front-mid configuration and managed by a Motec M1 engine management system. The chassis is a FIA-approved Chromoly spaceframe, while Reiger suspension with dual dampers at each corner provides 350 mm of travel.
The second variant is the DKR EVO V6 Turbo, equipped with the renowned Nissan GT-R 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. This setup also features the Motec M1 system, a FIA-approved Chromoly spaceframe, and the Sadev SC924 gearbox. It delivers 280 mm of suspension travel for a more dynamic driving feel and a more compact weight distribution.
Two engines, one philosophy: maximum reliability, performance, and control. Built not just to race Dakar, but to conquer it.
A growing team with a clear vision
What once started as a passionate private team has now grown into an internationally operating organization. The team’s knowledge and experience have developed to a professional standard that can rival established names in the rally-raid scene. “This isn’t something you just do,” says Dave. “It takes a large, dedicated team with a lot of expertise, and that’s exactly what we have.”
Looking ahead to Dakar 2026
In Dakar 2026, DaklaPack Rallysport will line up with two vehicles. Dave and Tessa Klaassen will compete in the new DKR EVO with start number 254, while their son Pim Klaassen will make his Dakar debut alongside navigator Mark Laan in a Taurus with start number 323. For Dave, it means more than just racing; it is the fulfilment of a personal dream to compete in the toughest rally on earth together with his son.
With the DKR EVO, DaklaPack Rallysport shows that passion and vision can lead to innovation and growth. What began as a personal desire to build a car has become a professional project with the ambition to reach the top of international rally-raid. The first real test awaits in January 2026, in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.
