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To Dakar and Back
Lawrence Hacking with Wil De Clercq 2008 ISBN 978-1-550-22808-3
Lawrence Hacking’ s To Dakar and Back, co-written with Wil De Clercq, is an intimate, boots-on-the-ground account of the Dakar Rally told not from the press room but from the saddle and the service truck. Hacking isn’ t a journalist observing from a distance; he’ s a competitor and privateer living every high and low, funding the dream himself, fixing what breaks and repeatedly testing his limits against the most punishing off-road race on earth.
That first-hand perspective gives the book its authenticity. The story is steeped in the realities of rally raid life: late nights in the bivouac, the constant hunt for parts and sponsors, the fatigue that creeps in after days of navigation and punishment, and the quiet camaraderie that forms between riders who know they’ re all just trying to survive the next stage. With De Clercq shaping the material into a cohesive narrative, Hacking’ s voice comes through as honest and reflective, capturing both the stubborn determination and the vulnerability that come with chasing Dakar year after year.
One of the book’ s most enjoyable
elements is Hacking’ s eye for the world beyond the racecourse. He lingers on the vastness of the landscapes— endless African dunes, rocky pistes, remote villages and wide, empty horizons that make the rally feel as much expedition as competition. His observations of the people encountered along the route, from curious children at time controls to local mechanics and volunteers, add warmth and context, reminding readers that Dakar isn’ t just a sporting event but a moving caravan passing through diverse cultures and communities. The contrasts between environments and customs give the journey a travelogue quality that broadens the story beyond lap times and liaison kilometres.
Where the book occasionally falters is in its pacing. The narrative can lose momentum under the weight of redundant information, particularly repeated stage results and detailed finishing positions that read like official timing sheets. Likewise, the frequent and sometimes excessive mentions of brand names and equipment can feel distracting,
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cluttering the prose and pulling focus away from the human drama. When Hacking steps back from the numbers and sponsor lists and concentrates on the emotional and sensory experience, the writing is far more engaging.
Even so, To Dakar and Back remains a heartfelt and grounded portrait of Dakar from the privateer perspective. It’ s less about podiums and more about perseverance, curiosity and the sheer love of adventure riding. For anyone who has ever wondered what it truly takes to chase the rally dream— and what you see and learn about the world along the way— Hacking and De Clercq deliver a story that feels dusty, demanding and unmistakably real.