Inside The Dakar: Stock Defenders, Strategy, And Grit
About this episode
Mercedes-Lilian Call shares her insights from the Dakar Rally, detailing the challenges and strategies involved in this grueling desert race. She discusses the revamped stock class featuring new Defender teams and the logistics of supporting such a massive event. With anecdotes about her experiences on the ground, including interactions with competitors and the extensive support network, listeners gain a unique perspective on what it takes to participate in one of the world's toughest rallies. The episode also touches on the history of the Dakar and the evolution of vehicle classes over the years.
Sand roosts. Moving cities. Split-second calls. We sit down with Mercedes Lilienthal for an unfiltered look at the Dakar Rally—what it is, how it really works, and why accuracy can matter as much as speed. From Saudi bivouacs that can rebuild cars overnight to the reimagined stock class spearheaded by Defender, Mercedes shows how a modern OEM program comes together under tight regulations, compressed timelines, and the relentless pressure of 13 stages.
We pull back the curtain on the logistics: when a bivouac loops vs leaps, what a “marathon” day does to crews, and how three full-size spares can still feel like not enough. You’ll hear how spectators find safe vantage points, why photographers always plan escape routes, and how even a royal visit can reroute a live stage. Mercedes explains the craft behind regularity and TSD rallying—holding speed, nailing time, and staying on course—plus why that style of precision racing is so addictive for data-driven drivers and navigators.
Then we look ahead. Mercedes and Andy gear up for the new Colorado Adventure Rally and a summer Alcan 5000 that stretches more than 6,000 miles if you opt into every challenge, reaching the Arctic Ocean and back. We switch lanes to auctions with a sharp breakdown of Barrett-Jackson vs Mecum—no-reserve drama vs reserve strategy, sell-through rates, and who buys what—and close with a driver-focused review of the 2026 Mazda CX-50, a compact SUV with standout handling, a willing turbo four, standard AWD, and an infotainment system that still needs polish. Finally, we honor Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, the Camfather whose matched sets and bold ideas powered generations of racers and hot-rodders.
If you love rally raids, overlanding, OEM motorsport programs, classic car auctions, or just well-sorted everyday vehicles, this one’s for you. Follow the show, share it with a friend who dreams in dunes and stage notes, and leave a quick review—what part of Dakar’s ecosystem fascinates you most?
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Dakar Rally
"...her run to the Dakar Rally."
The Dakar Rally is a famous off-road race that happens every year, where vehicles compete in tough conditions across deserts and mountains.
The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance race that takes place in various locations, known for its challenging terrain and extreme conditions.
Mazda Cx50
"...I'll review the new Mazda CX-50."
The Mazda CX-50 is a new compact SUV that offers a mix of style and functionality, making it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that combines sporty handling with practicality, featuring Mazda's signature design and technology.
TSD rally
"...with you know like a time like a timespeed distance or TSD rally that we've been on..."
A TSD rally is a type of race where drivers need to keep a certain speed over a distance and follow a specific route. It's all about being accurate with timing and navigation.
A TSD rally, or Time-Speed-Distance rally, is a type of rally where participants must maintain a specific average speed over a set distance, following a predetermined route. Accuracy in navigation and timing is crucial for success.
Dakar Classic
"...the Dakar Classic runs under the actual Dakar Rally umbrella so to speak. I see so and well you're and you're familiar with being on time..."
The Dakar Classic is a type of race where older cars compete, following a specific route and schedule. It's part of a larger event called the Dakar Rally, which is famous for its tough off-road challenges.
The Dakar Classic is a rally event that takes place under the umbrella of the Dakar Rally, focusing on classic vehicles. It emphasizes navigation and time management, similar to the original Dakar Rally format.
Suzuki Jimny
"...we've got an old Jimny we've got you know vehicles that could do it but you know that's a huge huge effort."
The Suzuki Jimny is a small SUV that is very good at driving on rough terrain. It's known for being tough and easy to handle in off-road situations.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV known for its lightweight design and exceptional off-road abilities. It's popular among enthusiasts for its ruggedness and simplicity.
Mitsubishi Pajero
"...we've got our Pajeros on the other side they did the Alcan 5000 sitting over there..."
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a type of SUV that is great for driving off-road. It's strong and has been used in tough races like the Dakar Rally.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities. It has been used in various rally events, including the Dakar Rally, due to its robust design and performance.
Jaguar Land Rover
"...I actually covered the event so I was on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover hosted and I covered the three new defender teams..."
Jaguar Land Rover is a car company from the UK that makes luxury cars and SUVs, like the Range Rover and Defender.
Jaguar Land Rover is a British multinational automotive company known for its luxury vehicles and off-road capabilities, particularly with models like the Range Rover and the Defender.
Subaru
"...Well now you've got a connection with Subaru have you talked to them about maybe sponsoring you..."
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive and has a history in rally racing.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and rally heritage, particularly with models like the Subaru WRX, which has a strong motorsport presence.
FIA
"...the governing body FIA or FIA to basically update to say okay a lot of these vehicles..."
The FIA is an organization that makes the rules for car racing and motorsports around the world. They help keep races fair and safe for everyone involved.
The FIA, or Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, is the governing body for many motorsport events worldwide, including Formula 1 and rally racing. It sets the rules and regulations for these competitions and ensures fair play.
Defender
"...Defender said we're going to sign on for three years right the W2RC rally raids starting with Dakar in 2026..."
Defender is a type of vehicle made by Land Rover, famous for being tough and good for off-road driving.
Defender is a model produced by Land Rover, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has a strong heritage in adventure and utility vehicles.
W2RC
"...we're going to sign on for three years right the W2RC rally raids starting with Dakar in 2026..."
W2RC is a racing series where cars compete in tough off-road conditions, like deserts. It's a test of both the vehicles and the drivers' skills.
W2RC stands for World Rally Raid Championship, a series of off-road racing events that test vehicles and drivers in challenging terrains, including deserts and rugged landscapes.
differential parts
"...they had one uh with uh differential parts with spare engines with you know all sorts of different parts and pieces..."
Differential parts help the wheels of a car turn at different speeds, which is important when going around corners. They make sure the car handles well and stays stable.
Differential parts are components of a vehicle's differential, which allows for the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially important during turns. They are crucial for maintaining traction and handling in various driving conditions.
rally rig
"...we could pretty much rebuild an entire d7xr rally rig if we need to..."
A rally rig is a type of car made specifically for rally racing, which takes place on different types of roads and surfaces. These cars are built to be tough and handle rough conditions well.
A rally rig is a specialized vehicle designed for rally racing, which involves driving on various terrains and conditions. These vehicles are built to be durable and capable of handling rough surfaces, making them different from standard cars.
power steering issues
"...they had some power steering issues they were trying to figure that out..."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. If there are issues, it can be hard to steer the car, making it dangerous to drive.
Power steering issues refer to problems with the system that helps drivers steer the vehicle more easily. This system uses hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, and issues can lead to difficulty in steering or loss of control.
chassis
"...Sarah and Sean had really taken a big blow underneath their um their chassis and so they had some issues there..."
The chassis is the main structure of a car that holds everything together, like the engine and wheels. If it gets damaged, it can affect how the car drives.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and components like the engine and suspension. It is crucial for the structural integrity and handling of the vehicle.
spare tires
"...they have three full-size spare tires for instance..."
Spare tires are extra tires that cars carry in case one gets flat or damaged. Some vehicles, especially those used in racing, carry more than one spare tire just in case.
Spare tires are additional tires carried in a vehicle to replace a flat or damaged tire. Having multiple spare tires is especially important in off-road or racing scenarios where tire damage is more likely.
diesel
"...all these diesel all these big rigs and all these supplies..."
Diesel is a type of fuel that some cars and trucks use. Diesel engines are usually stronger and can go further on a tank of fuel compared to regular gasoline engines.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel used in diesel engines, which are known for their efficiency and torque. Diesel engines are commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles and machinery due to their durability and fuel economy.
Mercedes-Benz
"...when you know today's broadcast by Mercedes Lillianthal is going to..."
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes high-end cars known for their comfort and advanced features.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technology, and performance-oriented models.
Alcan 5000
"...the Alcan 5000 is going to be massive it is 11 days this time it goes all the way up to the Arctic Ocean which we've never been in the summer..."
The Alcan 5000 is a long car rally that takes place in North America, where drivers navigate through tough roads and various weather conditions. It's known for being very challenging and exciting for car enthusiasts.
The Alcan 5000 is a challenging rally event that spans thousands of miles, often through remote and rugged terrain in North America. It tests both the endurance of the vehicles and the skills of the drivers over a multi-day course.
Mecum auction
"well the two leading auction houses for classic car collectors each with unique features and..."
Mecum is another famous auction house that sells classic cars. Unlike Barrett-Jackson, sellers can set a minimum price for their cars, which can mean fewer cars are sold at auction.
Mecum Auctions is another leading auction house for classic cars, allowing sellers to set reserve prices for their vehicles. This can lead to a lower sell-through rate compared to Barrett-Jackson, but they typically sell a larger volume of cars.
Barrett-Jackson auction
"well the two leading auction houses for classic car collectors each with unique features and..."
Barrett-Jackson is a well-known auction company that sells classic cars. They don't set a minimum price for the cars, which can make buyers compete more and sometimes pay higher prices.
Barrett-Jackson is a prominent auction house specializing in classic and collector cars, known for its no-reserve auction format. This means that cars are sold without a minimum price, often leading to competitive bidding and higher sell-through rates.
no reserve auction
"the differences are with barrett jackson typically has no reserve auction format..."
In a no reserve auction, there isn't a minimum price for the items. This means that buyers can bid as much as they want, which can lead to higher prices for popular items.
A no reserve auction is a type of auction where there is no minimum price set for the items being sold. This often creates a competitive atmosphere, as buyers may bid higher to secure the item, knowing there is no safety net for the seller.
reserve pricing
"on the meekum side they allow the sellers to set reserve for their cars..."
Reserve pricing means that sellers can choose a minimum price for their items at auction. If the bids don't reach that price, the item won't be sold.
Reserve pricing allows sellers to set a minimum price for their items at auction. If bidding does not reach this price, the item will not be sold. This can protect sellers from selling their items for less than they are worth.
muscle cars
"barrett jackson is known for its focus on high-end vehicles particularly muscle cars american classics attracting more serious collectors"
Muscle cars are fast cars that were made in America, usually with big engines. They are loved by many people who enjoy driving and collecting cars.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling. They are popular among collectors and enthusiasts for their speed and classic design.
classic cars
"so overall depending on what you're looking for in a classic car or an auction car there's a lot of local auctions but not these big boys"
Classic cars are older cars that people really like because they look good and have a lot of history. Many people collect them as a hobby.
Classic cars are vehicles that are typically at least 20 years old and are valued for their historical significance, design, and craftsmanship. They are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
turbo
"...i had the 2.5 liter turbo meridian..."
A 'turbo' is a part of some car engines that helps them go faster by pushing in more air, which helps the engine burn fuel better.
A 'turbo' refers to a turbocharger, a device that forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power, enhancing performance.
dual exhaust tips
"and dual exhaust tips black plastic wheel trim that's wheel well trim what i liked about it"
Dual exhaust tips are two openings at the back of a car that let out exhaust fumes. They can make the car look cooler and sometimes help it run better.
Dual exhaust tips refer to a vehicle's exhaust system that has two outlets for exhaust gases. This design can enhance performance and give the car a sportier appearance.
Honda Crv
"...o competitors on the base model price include the Honda crv for 39 20 the toyota rav for 31 9 and the Nissan..."
The Honda CR-V is a type of car called an SUV, which means it's bigger than a regular car and has more space inside. It's great for families because it can carry a lot of stuff and is known for being dependable.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle both city driving and outdoor adventures.
Nissan Rogue
"...for 39 20 the toyota rav for 31 9 and the Nissan rogue for 29 thousand and 90 dollars so i think it's o..."
The Nissan Rogue is a type of SUV that is good for families because it has a lot of room inside and is easy to drive. It's known for being safe and comfortable for everyday use.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features. It competes well in its segment, making it a popular choice for those seeking a practical and family-friendly vehicle.
Cupra Born
"... um ed iski iskandarian died last week oh he was born before the great depression he's been around a lo..."
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that looks sporty and is good for the environment because it doesn't use gas. It's designed for people who want a fun car that also helps reduce pollution.
The Cupra Born is an all-electric hatchback that represents the performance-oriented side of the Volkswagen Group's electric vehicle offerings. It combines sporty design with sustainable technology, appealing to those looking for an eco-friendly yet exciting driving experience.
Ford Model T
"...gh school in la that iski built the famous black model t ford roadster that would define the best of that ..."
The Ford Model T is an old car that was made a long time ago, and it's famous because it was one of the first cars that regular people could afford. It changed how cars were made and helped many people get their own vehicles.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the masses. Its innovative assembly line production method revolutionized the automotive industry and set the standard for mass production.
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