Meet The Isle of Man TT Star Tackling One Of World Motorsport’s Toughest Challenges

TT regular James Hillier keeps ‘chipping away’ on what he admits has been a ‘brutal’ Dakar Rally campaign.

The 39 year old, who has claimed 14 podium finishes on the Mountain Course, has swapped the tarmac of the Mountain Course for the sand of the iconic endurance event which traverses the dunes of Saudi Arabia for a second time, having first contested the event two years ago.

Hillier finished 60th of the Rally2 class competitors on the 357km stage between Riaydh and Haradh on Tuesday despite being delayed for an hour by a problem with his bike’s electrics.

The Hampshire man’s times have been improving steadily since he resumed the gruelling event last Tuesday following an heavy crash on last Saturday’s opening stage which saw him break his nose, forcing him to sit out the event’s next two days.

Since then Hillier has upped the pace on his 450 Kove moving up to 89th place overall of those contesting the bike race.

Prior to starting Monday’s 487km stage, Hillier said: ‘The event seems to get tougher as it goes on, but we fight on.

‘Thanks for all the messages and comments [on social media] of support.

‘I can honestly say it has been really tough this year. They [the organisers] have really upped their game and its brutal, but we’ll crack on and keep chipping away.’

James Hillier at last year’s TT (Photo: Dave Kneale)

Hillier also quipped in the video update that he posted on his Facebook page that his wife was going to have to get better at talking him out his ‘silly ideas’ like competing in the event.

Aside from his opening stage off, Hillier has also had flu which he said on Sunday he finally seemed to be getting over.

The marathon event continues until Friday when a 307km stage brings it to a close.

Hillier has been competing with the same WTF Racing team that he rides for at the TT.

It is the second time Hillier has contested the Dakar, finishing 70th on his 450 Gas Gas in a time of 70 hours 5 minutes and 40 seconds in 2023.

That year he rode the ‘malle moto’ class which means the rider has little support aside from a box of tools and a tent to get them through the event.

This year the involvement of the WTF team has provided him with a truck, mechanics and the luxury of a bed.

Ahead of the event Hillier said: ‘Finishing is the priority. Last time I was going quite conservatively to save energy and give myself a bit of a cushion.

‘The biggest thing is just to keep the wheels turning and look after the bike.

‘At the TT there’s pressure on me to perform, but I’m never going to win the Dakar so there’s no real pressure.’

James Hillier after breaking his nose on the opening stage of the Dakar Rally