After the stress of his Kove Rally 450 not clearing customs in time for a shakedown run, Mason Klein was able “relax” in the world’s toughest rally. He finished Top American in the Prologue in 10th overall and chased former Dakar winner Ricky Brabec to the finish line for Stage 1 as the two Americans went 2-3 in the first “real” day of Dakar 2024. Despite taking 10th, Klein opted to lead out on Stage 1 ahead of fellow American Skyler Howes who nearly crashed out of the Prologue.
“Stage 1 long day, P3 overall,” was his succinct social media post, preferring to let his results do the talking. “Really happy with my bike, let's see what happens tomorrow.”
Dakar Rally Provisional Results After Stage 1
Pos. Rider Nation Team Time/Gap
1 ROSS BRANCH BWA Hero Motorsports Team Rally 05H 13' 55"
2 RRICKY BRABEC USA Monster Energy Honda Team +11.54
3 MASON KLEIN USA Kove Rally +11.58
4 JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO CHI Monster Energy Honda Team +14.48
5 LORENZO SANTOLINO SPA Sherco TVS Rally Factory +15.08
6 KEVIN BENAVIDES ARG Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team +16.14