Exol Lubricants and distributor Chemodex helps desert rally team prepare for Dakar Classic
Leading lubricants supplier, Exol Lubricants, and its distributor Chemodex are once again supporting off-road racers, Gazelles Offroad Team, as they prepare for the Dakar Classic Rally 2026 through a number of activities, including a charity rally in France, and a training course in Morocco.
Exol Lubricants is providing its high-end engine and transfer box oils to Gazelles Offroad Team as they spend 2025 gearing up to face the gruelling Dakar Classic, taking place from 3rd – 17th January 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
In order to be ready for the iconic automotive odyssey in 2026, Gazelles Offroad Team drivers Helen Tait Wright and Marcella Kirk are taking their Land Rover Defender 110, named Purdey, through a series of challenges this year.
The team has already completed the Santana Trophy in Morocco, finishing 5th in class and the Rallye des Dames de Coeur across the Burgundy region of France. This was the fourth time the team has taken part in this all-woman event, held in aid of Breast Cancer research.
The team then plan to head to Morocco this autumn for a Dakar Classic training course, before the full event in the New Year.
During their Dakar Classic project, the team is championing Wonder Foundation, a women led charity that is dedicated to transforming the lives of women, girls and their communities worldwide, through quality education.
As part of its activities, Gazelles Offroad Team is also supporting and promoting its own humanitarian cause, a learning centre in Talataste, Morocco being rebuilt due to earthquake damage during 2025.
This is the third time the team has benefitted from the support of Exol Lubricants. Helen Tait Wright, driver of the Gazelles Offroad Team Land Rover, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to once more be supported by Exol Lubricants’ and Chemodex. The Dakar Classic is an incredible challenge, so this kind of backing is crucial.”
Last year, the team competed in Rallye des Aventurières Solidaires which was held in the northern Sahara Desert, coming 2nd in class. In the inaugural rally held in 2022, Tait Wright and Kirk finished fourth.
The team will be making a number of appearances at UK motoring events in the run-up to 2026, including Land Rover Owner International Show at Belvoir Castle near Grantham on 6th-7th September.
Steve Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director at Exol Lubricants, commented: “Exol is very happy to again be supporting Gazelles Offroad Team’s activities through the supply of both engine and transfer box oils. With everything that will be thrown at Purdey and her drivers over the next few months, it really shows that our product range keeps vehicles running right in even the most challenging situations. We can’t wait to find out how they get on as they prepare for the Dakar Classic next year.”
To donate to Gazelles Offroad Team’s Dakar Classic project, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/1st-british-womens-team-at-dakar-classic-2026
To donate to Wonder Foundation, visit:
https://amgqpxpb.donorsupport.co/-/NVHCLCJX?member=SAPWCCSF
