Dakar Rally: Motor sporting event inspires speed passion

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02:55

In January of each year, more than 500 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads participate in one of the most dangerous sporting events in the world, the Dakar Rally. In an 9,000 long kilometer race across South America, drivers put their life on the line for a moment of glory. CGTN's Michelle Begue has more from Bogota on one driver who's route to the race has been far from easy.

34-year-old Christian Cajica has been riding motorcycles since he was eight-years-old.

CHRISTIAN CAJICA KTM RALLY TEAM RACER "My passion for motorcycles began at home. My dad was a motorcross national champion and in our home we always saw helmets and other motorcycle parts."

Cajica's lifelong passion and vocation for motorcycles is what led him to participate in what many consider, the most dangerous motor sporting event in the world, the Dakar Rally. The 9,000 kilometer race takes drivers across the mountains and deserts of South America.

CHRISTIAN CAJICA KTM RALLY TEAM RACER "You really challenge your body. You also have to work on your mental training, because through time your mind becomes just as important as your body."

For participants, a 14 -day brutal race and up to 1,000 kilometers daily while driving at high speeds. The unpaved and unmarked trails make it a treacherous and dangerous event for more than 350 participants. Since it began in 1978, 28 participants have died in the sporting event.

The other challenge is having the resources to participate in the event. It can cost a driver more than $75,000 dollars to participate due to entry fees, equipment, and mechanics. Cajica says it has also been possible thanks to support from his family, primarily his father and uncle.

HERNANDO PINTO UNCLE OF CHRISTIAN CAJICA "With our friends we tried to collect money, some help us with the groceries, others give us blankets, others a mattress, we have received a lot of help from friends and have even put together events to gather funds."

The effort paid off and in 2015, Christian was able to enter his first Dakar race and ranked 5th in 4x4 Quads category.

CHRISTIAN CAJICA KTM RALLY TEAM RACER "We Colombians have a lot of heart and that moves us, that motivation to do things right, to be the best, and I think that gives us an advantage against other drivers."

This Colombian driver's next challenge will be the 2019 Dakar Rally that will take place January 6th through the 17th in Peru. Michelle Begue, CGTN Colombia.