Name: Graeme Sharp
Age: 33
City and Country of Residence: Harare, Zimbabwe
Dakar 2020 Class: Moto
Race number: TBC
Single
First Dakar? Yes
My Racing Career
I got into rally racing in 2012 in the USA and tried to take part in as many events and training opportunities as possible every year that would help me gain a better understanding of rally. In 2013 I travelled to the 2013 Dakar as a “support crew/spectator” which was a telling moment in my own Dakar Journey. It made it real and I knew I’d be back one day on a bike – 2017 was the year I decided to get busy and make the dream a reality.
What made you want to do the Dakar?
A childhood dream, a desire to do something epic, test myself and live life to the full. Leave nothing on the table.
Lowlights
Racing injuries and trying to raise the funds and prepare for the Dakar based in Zimbabwe has been a huge additional struggle and added another level of stress to the mix – fuel issues, depressed business environment, (sponsorship) and the complete erosion of any economic foundation and ability to access forex.
Any significant achievements.
Despite the Zimbabwean challenge – I haven’t given up and I’m still here!
My biggest supporters
Family, friends and a few loyal sponsors and supporters – Gilly Dykes, David Reeve, Joey Evans have all been incredible in helping me along on this journey to date. Grant Mitchell (Coach) Kirsty Baxter (Training)
My Dakar 2020
Brand of bike – KTM 450 RR
Who will be your support at Dakar 2020. BAS KTM RACING TEAM
Main sponsor? Self/Autoworld Zimbabwe.
Other sponsors? (Clothing, helmets – anything goes) None yet.
Promotional events planned before Dakar 2020. Raffles, Golf Days,
What you will be doing for fitness, practice, seat time.
Gym 4 days a week – cardio, balance, strength work and then a lot of time on the rowing machine, assault bike. Running and of course as much seat time as possible.
Anything else of interest?
I am needing all the help I can get from a sponsorship perspective, I am desperate to carry this through to the end, however the situation in Zimbabwe is extremely challenging!