Hino Team Sugawara has confirmed its return to the world’s toughest motorsport event, the Dakar Rally, with an early announcement of its 2026 entry. The team will once again tackle the grueling 8,000-kilometre “Saudi Odyssey” when the rally returns to Saudi Arabia from January 3–17 for the seventh consecutive year.
Marking an extraordinary milestone, this will be Hino’s 35th consecutive Dakar Rally, continuing an unbroken streak of official finishes that speaks to the marque’s legendary durability and engineering excellence. Since its debut in Africa, through the wilds of South America, and now amid the desert landscapes of the Middle East, Hino has consistently proven its mettle in this ultimate test of endurance.
At the heart of Hino’s 2026 campaign will be a single, heavily revised bonneted Hino 600, the same model that competed in 2025 and secured a solid 13th place finish in the truck category. While the Hino 600 is primarily sold in the United States, it shares core engineering components—most notably the powertrain and suspension—with the globally renowned Hino 500 Series, ensuring a familiar and robust platform for further development.
“We are incorporating a host of improvements for 2026 based on our experience in 2025,” said Teruhito Sugawara, driver and long-time Team Director. “All the enhancements are focused on increasing the truck’s off-road driving performance. Our goal is a stronger overall result in 2026.”
Sugawara, who brings two decades of Dakar experience—first as a navigator and now as driver—continues to lead the team with strategic vision and technical acumen. Under his leadership, the team remains a symbol of Japanese reliability and persistence on the global motorsport stage.
To bolster its efforts, Hino has selected three outstanding mechanics from its Japanese dealership network. These technicians will assist with truck preparation and provide vital support throughout the race. Their inclusion underscores Hino’s commitment to nurturing talent from within its own ranks and celebrating the hands-on expertise that keeps its vehicles running at their peak.
The 2026 route will once again test the limits of man and machine, with 5,000 km of competitive stages woven through Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain. The rally will start and end in Yanbu, a key Red Sea port, with a mid-race rest day scheduled in the capital, Riyadh.
Notably, 2026 will introduce separate routes for motorcycles and cars, and will include two marathon stages—ultra-challenging segments during which no external servicing is allowed. For competitors, including trucks like the Hino 600, self-reliance and mechanical resilience will be paramount.
With its strong foundation of Dakar experience, a refined racing truck, and a battle-tested team led by Sugawara, Hino Team Sugawara is setting its sights high for 2026. As ever, their mission is not only to finish—but to excel.
