Two-time Dakar Rally winner Kevin Benavides has officially announced his retirement from professional motorcycle racing, drawing the curtain on a remarkable era in rally-raid sport. His departure also signals the conclusion of an impressive five-year tenure with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, defined by landmark victories and historic achievements.
Benavides first joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team in 2021, following his initial Dakar Rally triumph earlier that same year. Wasting no time, he further cemented his legacy by capturing his second Dakar title in 2023 aboard the KTM 450 RALLY. His exceptional performance and unwavering determination made him a standout force in one of the most demanding motorsport disciplines.
Kevin’s final appearance at the Dakar Rally came in 2025, where he fulfilled a lifelong ambition—racing alongside his brother, Luciano Benavides, as teammates. The emotional milestone highlighted a career not only built on skill and resilience but also on shared dreams and family legacy.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extended heartfelt gratitude to Kevin for his dedication, sportsmanship, and impactful presence. His contributions have been instrumental in the team’s success, and he will forever remain a cherished member of the KTM racing family.
Kevin Benavides: “Today is not an easy day, but it’s definitely a special one. After so many years of racing – riding motorcycles since I was three, crossing the toughest terrains on Earth, experiencing victories, crashes, and life-changing lessons – I’ve made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to bring my professional motorcycle racing career to an end. Saying goodbye to the bike feels like letting go of a part of myself, but I do so with pride. From Salta, Argentina, to the world, becoming a factory rider, winning the Dakar twice, and making history in rally and Argentine sport – these were dreams that once seemed impossible. This isn’t how I imagined retiring, but my injury prevents me from competing at 100 percent, and I’ve always raced with everything I had. Still, I’m deeply grateful for all I’ve achieved. I want to thank my family, my team, the fans, and especially KTM – for believing in me and standing by me through everything. I hope to stay close to the KTM family, support my brother Luciano, and keep contributing to the sport in new ways. Dakar taught me that there are no limits when you love what you do and stay humble. Thank you all for being part of this journey.”
