Morocco Desert Challenge 10° édition Maroc du 03 au 12 avril 2025
MDC recruits international top navigator to validate the 2025 road books
Due to the increasing number of semi-professional race teams registering for the Morocco Desert Challenge and the rapid evolution in the development of race vehicles -resulting in higher average speeds- the MDC organization has decided to strengthen its road book validation team with a renowned French navigator Jean-Pierre Garcin.
Gert Duson, organizer of the MDC, states: “For nearly 10 years, we have received nothing but praise for the road books created by race director Jean-Claude Kaket. Every detail is included, and precision is key. The past two years, several large, professional, and semi-professional teams have found their way to the MDC. They naturally drive at average speeds significantly higher than those of amateur drivers who participate in only one or two races a year. Safety is our top priority, and 100% customer satisfaction is our goal. It is therefore Jean-Pierre Garcin’s task, alongside Jean-Marie Lurquin, to objectively test and validate our road books for this category of drivers.”
Who is Jean-Pierre Garcin?
This French navigator has an impressive track record of 26 Dakar rallies, achieving top 10 positions for drivers such as Gerlain Chicherit, Christian Lavieille, Carlos Sousa, and Jean-Jacques Ratet. Belgian driver Stephane Henrard and Chinese rising star Guoyu Zhang have also relied on his talents.
Due to his high-level navigation experience, Garcin has worked for ASO, the Merzouga Rally, the Silk Way Rally, and other FIA events, mostly as a road book validator.
Jean-Pierre says to enjoy life, gastronomy, and good wine. He describes the atmosphere of the MDC, in which he has already participated twice, as “unique.” No wonder he did not hesitate to accept the position of “road book validator” for the Morocco Desert Challenge 2025.
Gert Duson, organizer of the MDC, states: “For nearly 10 years, we have received nothing but praise for the road books created by race director Jean-Claude Kaket. Every detail is included, and precision is key. The past two years, several large, professional, and semi-professional teams have found their way to the MDC. They naturally drive at average speeds significantly higher than those of amateur drivers who participate in only one or two races a year. Safety is our top priority, and 100% customer satisfaction is our goal. It is therefore Jean-Pierre Garcin’s task, alongside Jean-Marie Lurquin, to objectively test and validate our road books for this category of drivers.”
Who is Jean-Pierre Garcin?
This French navigator has an impressive track record of 26 Dakar rallies, achieving top 10 positions for drivers such as Gerlain Chicherit, Christian Lavieille, Carlos Sousa, and Jean-Jacques Ratet. Belgian driver Stephane Henrard and Chinese rising star Guoyu Zhang have also relied on his talents.
Due to his high-level navigation experience, Garcin has worked for ASO, the Merzouga Rally, the Silk Way Rally, and other FIA events, mostly as a road book validator.
Jean-Pierre says to enjoy life, gastronomy, and good wine. He describes the atmosphere of the MDC, in which he has already participated twice, as “unique.” No wonder he did not hesitate to accept the position of “road book validator” for the Morocco Desert Challenge 2025.
AFTER 12 REGISTRATIONS, MDC CREATES THE "CENTURY CUP" WITH 10.000€ PRIZE MONEY
Does the double victory of Mathieu Serradori Rallye and Loic Minaudier during the MDC2023 and MDC2024 have something to do with it? Quite possibly. At this moment, five months before the start, no fewer than 12 Century race cars are registered for the Morocco Desert Challenge 2025.
At least five are from the Netherlands, two or three from South Africa -where they are built- two from France, and one from Italy. Half of the participating Century’s are CR6 models, the 2-wheel drive buggies; the other half are the new CR7 models, the T1+ 4x4 vehicles.
These high numbers did not go unnoticed by the Century Racing management, who soon followed up with an extra incentive for these drivers. Within the overall car category of the MDC2025, there will be a sponsored sub-category called the "Century Cup." The best Century drivers (both buggy and T1+ categories) will receive a €5,000 parts voucher at the finish, provided by the factory.
"The MDC has been a very good race for us in the past few years, and with the big number of Century cars entered for next year's edition, it was only natural to do something extra", says Julien Hardy, director of Century Racing. "This race is fast becoming a competitor's favourite, and we are humbled by our presence on this event. We wish Gert and his team all the best in the preparation months coming!"
We see this as a fantastic and commendable initiative from this manufacturer. Perhaps it could also inspire other companies like Overdrive, Red-Lined, MD Rallyesport, South-Racing, Bowler, etc.. to do something similar in the near future.
At least five are from the Netherlands, two or three from South Africa -where they are built- two from France, and one from Italy. Half of the participating Century’s are CR6 models, the 2-wheel drive buggies; the other half are the new CR7 models, the T1+ 4x4 vehicles.
These high numbers did not go unnoticed by the Century Racing management, who soon followed up with an extra incentive for these drivers. Within the overall car category of the MDC2025, there will be a sponsored sub-category called the "Century Cup." The best Century drivers (both buggy and T1+ categories) will receive a €5,000 parts voucher at the finish, provided by the factory.
"The MDC has been a very good race for us in the past few years, and with the big number of Century cars entered for next year's edition, it was only natural to do something extra", says Julien Hardy, director of Century Racing. "This race is fast becoming a competitor's favourite, and we are humbled by our presence on this event. We wish Gert and his team all the best in the preparation months coming!"
We see this as a fantastic and commendable initiative from this manufacturer. Perhaps it could also inspire other companies like Overdrive, Red-Lined, MD Rallyesport, South-Racing, Bowler, etc.. to do something similar in the near future.
The MDC2025 Adventure Raid: no chrono, just adventure
After the succes of the previous editions, also for 2025 we’re happy to see a lot of teams registering in the “Adventure Raid” category. The Raid is a spin-off of the MDC race, allowing participants to join the event, without the pressure of the chrono. The teams run on a track which is parallel to the race track and get as a consequence a completely separate road book; this to avoid collissions with the fast vehicles of the race.
This category is open to beginners, as well as experienced off-road drivers. The experienced ones can drive the stage alone, at the speed of their choice. The novices can, especially the first 2 days, choose to be accompanied by one of the crew members of the organisation.
Tuning your car is not a requirement; there is even no need to bring your own car! You can rent a standard Toyota Landcruiser in Morocco via the organisation for about 150€/day.
Seen the fact that the 10th edition of the MDC will also be a big celebration, -something you don’t want to miss-, a participation in this category is a good option if you want to bring friends and family to share the experience with them.
This category is open to beginners, as well as experienced off-road drivers. The experienced ones can drive the stage alone, at the speed of their choice. The novices can, especially the first 2 days, choose to be accompanied by one of the crew members of the organisation.
Tuning your car is not a requirement; there is even no need to bring your own car! You can rent a standard Toyota Landcruiser in Morocco via the organisation for about 150€/day.
Seen the fact that the 10th edition of the MDC will also be a big celebration, -something you don’t want to miss-, a participation in this category is a good option if you want to bring friends and family to share the experience with them.
A new race category for vintage cars & trucks
Do you still have your first rally-raid car, covered in dust, in your workshop, waiting for one last adventure? Or doesn’t your budget allow you to buy a state-of-the-art T1 or T1+ but rather an old ex-Dakar Bowler, Desert Warrior, Landcruiser 80 or a legendary Mitsubishi Pajero Mivec? If this is the case … keep on reading!
Because it’s the 10th anniversary of the Morocco Desert Challenge, we’ll pay a special tribute to teams participating with one of those legendary classic cars or trucks. Participants in our new “Vintage category” will no longer have to compare themselves with the modern rally-raid cars, but only with other vehicles of 20 years and older.
Our race director, together with specialists from the “classic car rally world” are currently working on a special set of race rules, to allow the “vintage category” to have its own competition, it’s own ranking.
More information will soon be made available on our website and during the national presentations, but you can start cleaning your beauty and changing the oil already!
Because it’s the 10th anniversary of the Morocco Desert Challenge, we’ll pay a special tribute to teams participating with one of those legendary classic cars or trucks. Participants in our new “Vintage category” will no longer have to compare themselves with the modern rally-raid cars, but only with other vehicles of 20 years and older.
Our race director, together with specialists from the “classic car rally world” are currently working on a special set of race rules, to allow the “vintage category” to have its own competition, it’s own ranking.
More information will soon be made available on our website and during the national presentations, but you can start cleaning your beauty and changing the oil already!
Parcours
Contact
Morocco Desert Challenge
Gert Duson
Tel: +32/14.22.95.85
Mobile: +32/(0)475 50 36 50
gert@morocco-desert-challenge.com
Le Morocco Desert Challenge est organisé sous license du Tour Opérateur Jowi Voyages, 29 Avenue Prince Albert, 3800 Saint-Trond, Belgique
https://www.moroccodesertchallenge.com/fr
https://www.facebook.com/moroccodesertchallenge
Gert Duson
Tel: +32/14.22.95.85
Mobile: +32/(0)475 50 36 50
gert@morocco-desert-challenge.com
Le Morocco Desert Challenge est organisé sous license du Tour Opérateur Jowi Voyages, 29 Avenue Prince Albert, 3800 Saint-Trond, Belgique
https://www.moroccodesertchallenge.com/fr
https://www.facebook.com/moroccodesertchallenge
