About Me

My name is Neil Hawker

Father. Off-road coach. Firefighter. British Enduro Championship manager. Passionate about everything motorcycles.

I’ve been riding since I was 7 years old, and motorcycles have taken me all over the world—from local enduro and trials to some of the toughest races on earth. My proudest moment came in 2021, when I crossed the finish line of the Dakar Rally in the unsupported Malle Moto class. That feeling was like no other—unforgettable, addictive—and it’s what keeps me coming back for more.

When I’m not racing, I’m still living bikes every day: coaching riders, managing the British Enduro Championship, or balancing it all with my career as a firefighter. Most importantly, I’m a dad, and my biggest motivation is making my family proud.

For me, motorcycling isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life.

The Dakar Rally Back for more

Why I’m Going Back.

Crossing the finish line of Dakar 2021 was one of the proudest moments of my life. After years of dreaming, training, and sacrificing, I had finally completed the toughest race on the planet in the toughest class of all. It's a feeling that will stay with me forever.

Five years later, I returned to Dakar in 2026. I went back wondering if the challenge would still have the same pull, the same magic. The answer came quickly – I absolutely loved it. The adventure, the struggle, the camaraderie, and the privilege of racing across some of the most incredible terrain on earth reminded me exactly why Dakar gets under your skin.

For me, Dakar has never been just about racing motorcycles. It's about pushing beyond your limits, solving problems when you're exhausted, and sharing an experience that few people ever get to understand. Most importantly, it's about the people you meet along the way and the incredible support that makes the journey possible.

Now I'm setting my sights on Dakar 2027.

The challenge is bigger than ever, but so is my determination. As I prepare for another journey into the unknown, I want to bring everyone along for the ride – sharing the highs, the lows, the preparation, the setbacks, and hopefully another finish line.

Dakar 2027 starts now.

What I'll be riding

THE BIKE CHOICE

With less than six months to go until Dakar 2027, one of the biggest questions is still unanswered – what bike am I going to ride?

The bike I rode previously has served me well, but to take it back to Dakar I'd need to invest at least £8,000 in parts and preparation, alongside a huge amount of time in the workshop. Even then, I'd be lining up on a machine with over 130 hours on it, and mentally I don't think I'd have the confidence to tackle another Dakar on a bike with that amount of mileage.

For Dakar, confidence in your machine is everything. When you're racing across deserts, mountains, and endless kilometres of rough terrain, you need to trust every component beneath you.

That means the plan is to find a new bike.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what that could be. Part of me loves the idea of becoming a British Dakar finisher on a British motorcycle. Unfortunately, neither Triumph nor Royal Enfield currently produce a purpose-built rally bike, and with the clock ticking towards January 2027, building a competitive Dakar machine from scratch would be a huge challenge.

At the moment, the most realistic options are either a KTM rally bike or, if I can get my hands on one, a Sherco Rally. Both are proven platforms with strong Dakar pedigree, and either would give me the confidence and reliability needed to take on the world's toughest race once again.

The search is on, and over the coming months I'll be sharing the journey as I work out which bike will carry me to the start line of Dakar 2027.

How you can help

Join The Team

Dakar is often described as the toughest race on earth, but the truth is nobody gets there alone.

Behind every rider on the start line is a team of people who believed in the dream and helped make it happen. For Dakar 2027, I'm inviting you to be part of that team.

Whether you've followed my racing for years, watched my Dakar journey from afar, or simply love motorcycles and adventure, there are several ways you can get involved and come along for the ride.

Become a supporter through my you tube and gain access to updates throughout my preparation, training, testing and racing. You'll see the reality of Dakar from the inside, not just the highlights.

Every supporter will also be invited to join my private Dakar WhatsApp group, where I'll share regular personal updates, photos, videos, behind-the-scenes stories and daily insights from the build-up to the rally and, when possible, directly from the bivouac itself.

For businesses looking to get involved, sponsorship packages can be tailored to suit your goals. From logo placement and content creation to coaching days, appearances and ongoing brand exposure, there are plenty of opportunities to become part of the journey.

There will also be Dakar 2027 merchandise available, allowing you to wear your support with pride and help fuel the adventure.

And for those wanting the chance to own an incredible motorcycle, I'll be running a raffle for my Honda enduro bike, with every ticket helping me take another step towards the Dakar start line.

Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of this story.

When I roll onto that start podium in Saudi Arabia, you'll know that you helped put me there.

Let's do Dakar 2027 together.