"This year's 45th edition of the Dakar Rally was rightly considered one of the toughest in the history of this race. I am even more pleased with the achievements of the Czech rider David Pabiška, who is supported by our company. I congratulate David on his great performance at the Dakar and I believe that he will successfully build on it in the next races of the World Championship series," says Pavel Sovička, Panattoni General Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
"My 14th Dakar participation was great and fully compensated for my previous unlucky participation. I managed to meet my goal of finishing in the Top 5 unassisted category, and I also succeeded in the RALLY2 Veteran Trophy category, which I eventually won. This year's race was definitely one of the toughest, I dare say it was the toughest of all in Saudi Arabia. That's why I'm glad I didn't underestimate my preparation and all those hours on the orbitrek and in the gym paid off," adds David Pabiška, motorcycle racer and owner of the SP Moto Bohemia Racing Team.
The Dakar Rally was the first event in the World Championship series, which includes a total of five major rally events. Taking part in all the remaining rounds of the World Championship is one of David Pabiška's main goals for this season. The Czech Republic championship will be among the next races planned.
The Liberec native started his motorcycle career at the age of 14 and since 1996 has been collecting numerous trophies and awards in the Czech Republic and abroad. The turning point in his career was in 2007, when he took part for the first time in one of the most famous races, the Dakar Rally, where he placed 8th among the newcomers in the Malle Moto category (42nd place overall). Subsequently, he took part in the prestigious race in the next twelve editions. His most successful starts, apart from this year's participation, include the 2014 edition, in which he finished 18th and 5th in the amateur class. He also achieved success in the 2012 edition, in which as a navigator he took a respectable 12th place in the truck category.
David Pabiška is characterized by firm discipline, hard training and fair play. In 2000, he received the UNESCO World FAIR PLAY Award for saving a life. In 2022, he joined his name and experience with the Harley-Davidson brand. He became an ambassador for the Pan America machine. In addition to racing, David Pabiška also gives lectures, talks and private instruction.
