We’re beyond stoked to announce that Muc-Off Racing will be the title sponsor for James Hillier’s 2026 Dakar Rally campaign—an epic partnership built for the toughest rally on earth.
Hillier, known for his fearless road racing pedigree and relentless determination, will be taking on the desert once again as a privateer in the Malle Moto class, riding a Kove 450 Rally proudly wearing bold Muc-Off livery.

A True Test of Rider and Machine
The Malle Moto category—often described as the purest, most brutal way to race Dakar—leaves riders completely on their own. No mechanics. No team trucks. No luxuries. Just one rider, one bike, and one trunk packed full of Muc-Off swag and tools.
Taking on Dakar without support demands grit, resourcefulness, and the ability to keep pushing when everything in the desert tells you to stop. It’s a challenge that aligns perfectly with Muc-Off’s passion for performance, durability, and doing things the hard way—because that’s what makes the victory worth it.
“The Dakar takes everything you think you know about racing and ramps it right up— you’re the rider, the mechanic, and the problem-solver. Keeping the bike running out there is half the battle, so having Muc-Off supporting me again, and being able to rely on the products I’ve used for years, makes a massive difference. They know the demands of these environments, and I trust their gear completely. I can’t wait to get into the dunes.” James Hillier.

The Kove 450: Powered by Muc-Off Racing
Hillier will pilot the Kove 450 Rally, and this year the bike will be dominated by Muc-Off Racing graphics.
As title sponsor, Muc-Off Racing branding features prominently across bodywork, fairings, and rider kit—making the bike one of the standout machines of the 2026 rally.



A Partnership Built on Performance
Whether you’re navigating Wadi Ad-Dawasir or blasting across endless sand at full throttle, equipment needs to be dialled, dependable, and battle-ready. Our involvement goes far beyond logos—we’ll be supporting Hillier with our full range of high-performance cleaning, protection, and lubrication products, designed to keep the Kove running smoothly even in the most hostile conditions on the planet.
“James taking on the Dakar is the ultimate test of rider and machine, and we knew we had to back him. We’ve supported him for over a decade — he’s part of the Muc-Off family. Seeing the Muc-Off livery charging across the dunes is going to be awesome, and knowing our products are helping keep that him running in the harshest conditions on the planet makes it even more special.” Alex Trimnell, CEO, Muc-Off.
A Huge Thank You to All Supporting Sponsors
James would like to extend his sincere thanks to the incredible sponsors who are backing his 2026 Dakar Rally effort:
- Boniface Engineering
- Cardo
- Dainese
- Eazy Grip
- Enduro Tyres
- Fitzgerald
- Keis Apparel UK
- Kove Moto
- Kove UK
- Lee Jackson Air Conditioning
- Malcom Rathmell’s Sport
- Muc-Off
- OMG Racing
- SBS Brakes
- Solo Classics Motorcycles
- Symes Wealth Management
- This Is Amped (Graphics)
-
TPI Mechanical
Their collective support ensures James has the tools, equipment, and resources needed to take on the Dakar in true privateer spirit.
James Hillier x Dakar x Muc-Off: Game On
As the countdown to January 2026 begins, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes content, bike prep insights, livery reveals, and updates straight from the desert.
Keep up with the full Dakar journey over on the Muc-Off Moto and James’ Instagram channels.

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