There are names inextricably linked to the history of the Dakar Rally in Spain and to that of Jose Manuel Salinero is one of them. Recognized by the organization as a “legendary driver”, the Madrid native announced his return for the 2026 edition in the … Classic category, marking a moving anniversary: 25 years since the historic entry of the Civil Guard into the toughest competition in the world.
After more than twelve participations which guarantee a life dedicated to the engine, Salinero faces this year an unprecedented technical challenge in his career.
For the first time, he will be at the controls of a 6×6 truck from the 90s, abandoning light vehicles to start in the truck category and in regular mode.
Unlike his first forays, this adventure was born without institutional support. Salinero will compete under its registered brand “Guardia Civil Rally Raid”, supported exclusively by sponsors and private collaborators, keeping alive the spirit of this team that amazed the world in the early 2000s.
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Salinero with his co-driver Xavier Huete and mechanical co-driver Sergio Molina, during the preparation of the project in Barcelona
The news of his return inevitably evokes the project that Salinero led a quarter of a century ago. As a Civil Guard Air Service officer and helicopter pilot, he became the face of a pioneering initiative authorized by then Director General Santiago López Valdivielso.
This team, which competed with a Nissan Patrol GR provided it was entirely privately funded – thanks to the support of Daniel Young, president of Nissan Motor Ibérica—, has reached memorable milestones. In 2004, they managed to place among the top 15 in the general classification, being the best private Nissan team in the world before a change in institutional direction put an end to the official project.
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The 6×6 truck from the 90s with which the Guardia Civil Rally Raid team will participate in the 2026 Dakar
Beyond the competition, Salinero’s participation in 2026 has a deep emotional charge. The pilot seeks to pay tribute to the two key men of his career who have already passed away: Lopez Valdivielso and Daniel Young. “It is a gesture of gratitude and memory,” they emphasize from those around them, emphasizing that the Dakar is above all a test of human values.
For this trip, Salinero will not be alone in the 6×6 cabin. He will be accompanied by Xavier Huete (Barcelona businessman and expert navigator) and Sergio Molina (mechanical co-pilot in charge of the robustness of the classic truck).
The team will share a camp with the experienced Pedregá teama strategic alliance so that the historic truck crosses the finish line and the legend of Salinero continues to grow in the dunes of Saudi Arabia.
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