When the sun sets over the desert, the real test of an off-road team begins.

At the Dakar Rally’s most demanding night stages, CR Racing didn’t just survive the dark—they thrived in it. In one of the most perilous and punishing events on the motorsport calendar, their success wasn’t just about horsepower or driver instinct. It was about vision—quite literally.

To conquer the pitch-black stretches of the Dakar, CR Racing partnered with Rugged USA Imports, equipping their vehicles with an array of high-performance lighting solutions from KC HiLiTES and Diode Dynamics. From wide-beam auxiliary setups to long-range light bars engineered for ultra-low visibility, every product was chosen with one purpose: make night feel like day.

“You can’t drive what you can’t see,” said Chris Rowe of CR Racing. “In Dakar, visibility isn't just convenience—it’s survival. Rugged USA’s lighting tech gave us clarity, depth perception and confidence at speeds where anything less would be fatal.”

The rally's night stages are notorious for catching even the most seasoned teams off guard. With shifting dunes, unpredictable terrain and navigation hazards, it's a crucible where most falter. But CR Racing, backed by Rugged USA’s curated lighting arsenal, maintained a steady pace and pinpoint accuracy, setting a new standard for what’s possible after dusk.

For Rugged USA Imports, this was more than a product endorsement. It was a demonstration of why serious racers and overlanders trust them. Their lighting range—drawn from America’s top manufacturers—is battle-tested in real-world conditions, not just on spec sheets. Every lens, housing and diode is selected for its ability to perform under extreme vibration, dust, and temperature swings.

The collaboration also reinforced Rugged USA’s role as a technical partner, not merely a parts supplier. From beam pattern selection to mounting hardware and vibration calibration, their team worked directly with CR Racing’s engineers to build a custom solution for Dakar’s unique demands.

As more Australian racers look to push into international competitions, and local adventurers extend their journeys into the night, this partnership serves as a blueprint. With the right visibility, your limits are no longer dictated by daylight.

From backroads to the bivouac, Rugged USA Imports lights the way.