SAM SUNDERLAND RETIRES

GASGAS has announced a bittersweet moment as rally hero Sam Sunderland decides to retire from professional motorcycle racing. Sunderland’s career includes two world championships and two Dakar wins.

Joining Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2022 season, Sunderland made an impressive debut on the RX450F by winning the 2022 Dakar Rally, marking GASGAS’s first victory at the world’s toughest rally-raid. This was just the beginning, as Sunderland continued to perform brilliantly at each FIM World Rally-Raid Championship round in 2022, ultimately securing his second world championship title. It was an extraordinary year!

Sunderland first joined the company in 2014, and during his time with the team, he achieved two world championships and two Dakar victories, along with multiple stage and event wins. Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing is deeply grateful for Sunderland’s passion, dedication, and the exceptional performance he brought to every race. Although he is retiring from racing, Sunderland will remain with the team in a support and development role, leveraging his extensive experience.

Sam Sunderland: “It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness, but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time. From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories, it’s been an incredible run. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I’m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing, but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years. Beyond being a phenomenal racer, Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive, motivating, and a true team player. He is a huge part of the GASGAS family, and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future.”

Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director: “Sam joined the company back in 2014, and since then his passion, dedication, and results have been exceptional. He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories, but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team. Over the years, our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger, and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022, he continued to make history. While it’s tough to see Sam go, we respect his decision. I’d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future.”