Why is Kamaz not in the Dakar?

Kamaz, a legendary name in the Dakar truck category, has been absent from the 2023 and 2024 editions. This temporary withdrawal is due to international sanctions imposed on Russia, leaving a noticeable gap in the competition. Without the Russian team’s presence, the category has lost part of its competitive level and the extra motivation that came with facing a rival of its caliber.

Kamaz: History and Dominance in the Dakar

Kamaz made its debut in the Dakar rally in 1990 and quickly established itself as the team to beat in the truck category. Since then, it has accumulated 19 victories, with particularly evident dominance since 2000. In fact, 18 of those victories were achieved since then, cementing Kamaz as the reference in the category.

The team’s most successful drivers include Vladimir Chagin, who holds seven victories and is the most decorated driver in the truck category, followed by Eduard Nikolaev with four, and Andrey Karginov with two. Kamaz dominated the category, often occupying all podium positions. In 2011 and 2013, they claimed the top three spots, demonstrating their consistency and dominance in the category.

Reasons for Kamaz's Absence from the Dakar

The sanctions imposed due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have been the main reason for Kamaz’s absence. The FIA required Russian competitors to sign a declaration condemning the invasion in order to participate, in addition to competing under a neutral flag and without displaying national symbols, as has been done in other international competitions and the Olympics. However, Kamaz, closely linked to the Russian government and the military sector, decided not to sign this document, leading to their exclusion. For Kamaz, signing this agreement would mean contradicting its relationship with the Russian state and the values it represents.

Kamaz is a brand recognized both in rally raid and in the Russian military industry. Their trucks are used for troop transport, as armored vehicles, and for various logistical and support functions on the battlefield. This relationship with the military is the main reason behind the team’s stance on the sanctions, prioritizing its role in the national context over international competition.

How the Truck Category Has Changed Without Kamaz

The absence of Kamaz in recent editions of the Dakar has had a significant impact on the truck category. Teams like IVECO took advantage of the opportunity in 2023, claiming the top positions. However, the category has been less balanced without the Russian team. Kamaz’s absence allowed other teams to stand out, but it also left the impression that a key reference point for assessing overall performance was missing.

Kamaz was a force that motivated other teams to continually improve. Without their presence, the truck category has been diminished in terms of the intensity and competitiveness that used to characterize it. Both the public and competitors have felt the absence of one of the teams that contributed the most to the Dakar’s spectacle.

Uncertainty About Kamaz's Future in the Dakar

With the conflict in Ukraine unresolved and international sanctions still in place, Kamaz's return to the Dakar remains uncertain. The current situation does not allow for a clear prediction of the team’s comeback, leaving any possibility of seeing Kamaz again in the competition up in the air.

Kamaz’s pause from the Dakar clearly reflects the impact of geopolitical events on sports. With the 2025 Dakar on the horizon and the confirmation that Kamaz will not be present, the truck category will move forward without their usual contribution. Although other teams have gained prominence, Kamaz’s absence still leaves a noticeable gap in the competition.