Rokas Baciuška to Race in the 2023 Dakar Under the RED BULL CAN-AM FACTORY TEAM Banner

2023 brings new developments to the rally world as two giants in their fields – RED BULL and CAN-AM – have signed a long-term partnership. The new teams, RED BULL CAN-AM FACTORY TEAM and RED BULL OFF-ROAD JUNIOR TEAM USA, will start the year with new vehicles and new drivers, including the only Lithuanian, Rokas Baciuška. 

The young racer Rokas won over the hearts of many rally fans in last year’s Dakar when he finished his debut race in third place in the T4 (buggy) class. A significant achievement for a 22-year-old, this success earned him an invitation to join the RED BULL OFF-ROAD FACTORY TEAM. 

CAN-AM has already won the Dakar Rally five times. The RED BULL brand has long adorned the winning teams and logos. The partnership between these two giants will not only foster rally talent but also strengthen the RED BULL OFF-ROAD JUNIOR program, which aims to help young drivers, engineers, mechanics, and even marketing professionals gain experience, achieve victories, and fulfill their dreams.  

"You know, in 2023, I’m hoping to win," says Rokas enthusiastically. "Especially since I’ll be driving the CAN-AM MAVERICK X3, which I’ve already tested in the BAJA Rally in Spain. Everything was impressive – from the buggy to the team. It’s truly the best buggy in the world, which you can drive anywhere – on sand or snow. It’s hard to describe the feeling of driving it; it’s pure power." 

In 2023, the team expands from four to six drivers, divided between two teams – RED BULL CAN-AM FACTORY TEAM and RED BULL OFF-ROAD JUNIOR TEAM USA. The latter will feature Seth Quintero, a 20-year-old considered a potential future Dakar winner, AJ Jones, a 26-year-old Dakar winner, and Mitch Guthrie, a winner of multiple races. 

Meanwhile, the RED BULL CAN-AM FACTORY TEAM will include Rokas and Spanish driver Cristina Gutierrez, who also finished third in the 2022 Dakar. She is the second woman in history to win at least one Dakar stage. 

For more technical details: Red Bull Content Pool https://www.redbullcontentpool.com/motorsports/CP-A-22081