West African country Senegal remains one of the important routes for motorsports and has been fans' favorite for years, even though the famous Dakar Rally moved from Africa in 2009.
The country that enjoys political and economic stability in West Africa is considered one of the main stops for rallies and motorbike events with its almost 720 kilometers (447.3 miles) of coastline and dunes.
Although Senegal is best known for the Dakar Rally for motorsport fans, which was inaugurated in 1978, the country has been on the route of many other automobile and motorcycle races for around 45 years.
The Dakar Rally, an annual rally raid, was originally held between Paris and Dakar. However, the 2008 rally in Mauritania was canceled for terrorist threats, and the sporting contest was relocated then.
The contests from 2009 to 2019 were held in South America. The Dakar Rally has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, and the ongoing 2024 rally will end on Jan. 19 with Stage 12 in Yanbu.
Thanks to the Dakar Rally's fame, Senegal organizes yearly international races, such as the Africa Eco Race, Real Way To Dakar, Budapest-Bamako or the Great African Run, and Circuit de Dakar-Baobabs.
In addition, Senegal hosts "Trophee Mousso," where only female drivers race, and Lac Rose (the Pink Lake) Motocross Championship, an international competition.
The "London-Dakar, Dakar Enduro" rally in the classic category, which is not held every year, also attracts the attention of fans with its 22-day long route.
Although the starting points of the races change, almost all end at Lac Rose, 35 kilometers from Dakar, where the legendary Dakar Rally's final took place.
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