This is the biography of Ash Thixton, a Zimbabwean motorbike rider who made his debut appearance at the 2024 Dakar Rally, the most challenging and prestigious motor rallying event in the world. He is the second Zimbabwean motorbike rider to compete in the Dakar Rally, after Graeme Sharp, who finished the race in 2020.
Early Life and Career
Thixton was born in 1993 and grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. He developed a passion for motorbikes at a young age and started racing in local events. Back in school, he also played rugby. Thixton began riding the bike in kindergarten and started his national career at 6.
Thixton competed in various regional and continental races, including the Zimbabwe National Enduro Championship, the Roof of Africa, and the Africa Eco Race. He also participated in international events, such as the Merzouga Rally and the Rallye du Maroc, where he gained valuable experience and exposure to the rally raid format.
Thixton has raced at the highest level in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya and Namibia. He has won 17 National Championship titles, 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze at the FIM – All Africa Championships. He is also the only Zimbabwean ever to win a championship in every class available, an achievement that was rewarded with national colours in 2016.
Ash Thixton Biography [Image: @dakar_263_zimbabwe/Instagram]
Ash Thixton At The Dakar Rally 2024
Thixton’s dream of competing in the Dakar Rally came true in 2024 when he secured a spot in the Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing team, along with eight other riders from different countries. He rode a Husqvarna 450R bike in the Rally2 category of the bikes section, which was designed for amateur riders who wanted to challenge themselves in the desert.
Thixton said that he was nervous and excited to take on the challenge of the Dakar Rally, which spanned 12 stages and almost 8,000 kilometres across the Saudi Arabian dunes. He said his main goal was to finish every day and reach the finish line in Yanbu on January 19. He also said he was proud to represent his country and carry the Zimbabwean flag further through the Dakar scene.
Thixton performed well in the prologue stage, ranking 67th out of 137 riders. He then faced various difficulties and dangers in the subsequent stages, such as navigation errors, mechanical issues, crashes, and fatigue. However, he showed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles and continue the race. He also received support and encouragement from his teammates, fellow riders, and fans back home.
Thixton achieved his goal of completing the Dakar Rally 2024, becoming the second Zimbabwean motorbike rider to do so. He finished 76th overall in the bikes section and 13th in the Rally2 category. Thixton said that he was thrilled and relieved to cross the finish line and that it was his life’s most rewarding and satisfying experience. He also thanked his sponsors, family, friends, and supporters for making his dream possible.
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Ash Thixton Personal Life
Ash Thixton Biography [Image: @ashthixto/Instagram]
Thixton married Savanna in 2019, and they welcomed their child in 2020. Ash’s brother, Cameron Thixton, is also a motorbike rider.
References
- Thixton more than ready to tackle Dakar Rally – ZTN Prime
- Thixton Chases History At Dakar Rally – Herald
- Ash Thixton – About – SA Dakar Supporters Group
