In the second round of the 2026 Dakar Rally, LJS Racing’s KZJ90 diesel Toyota Land Cruiser encountered significant failure on the race track. A crucial suspension connection broke, dropping a piece into the sand like a weight. However, the courageous drivers managed to repair it in the dunes using cargo straps, and the drone captured some amazing footage of the vehicle struggling to reach the end of the stage.
This car, designated Number 777, features a 4.2-liter turbodiesel engine. It’s competing in the Dakar Classics division, with two Spaniards, Lorenzo Fluxa and Sergi Fernandez, named as the drivers. Fluxa gives a short interview in the video below, expressing uncertainty about how the vehicle broke. Nonetheless, despite a clearly tough Stage 2, they got the car back in action, and it remains in the running as of this moment (10 stages completed, three remaining).
Such makeshift repairs are not unusual in off-road and rally competitions, yet it’s always exciting to see footage of these moments. Anyone can send a vehicle towards the horizon and accelerate—having the courage and creativity to replace a trailing arm bushing with cargo straps to escape the Saudi desert is on a whole different level.
It appears they merely lost a trailing arm bushing, which is significant since it plays a crucial role in securing the rear axle. Resorting to securing that rear suspension arm with ratchet straps, attached to, I presume, the roll cage, is quite astonishing to contemplate.
The video below should start at the correct moment, but if it doesn’t, the relevant timestamp is 45:55.
Dakar 2026 – Stage 2 – The day’s footage
The primary sponsor visible on the vehicle, Serra de Tramuntana, is a natural park located in Mallorca, in case you were curious. Here’s some insight on Fluxa, from the interview he conducted prior to the event (translated from Spanish):
“Last year, we were positioned fifth during the rally, but we faced a mechanical issue, which has been our significant challenge over the past three years. Now, we handle the preparation in-house, with the aim of completing this Dakar without any problems using this prototype that Jacky Ickx raced with his daughter. It is true that in the Classic category, the level of preparation is increasing, but with Sergi, who is a fantastic co-driver, and I feel fortunate to race alongside him, we should do quite well.”
“One day, I mentioned I would compete with my daughter Lisabel, and that goal remains. But her focus has shifted to university (laughs). She excels in sailing, and I believe we will perform excellently when everything aligns. Last year, I experienced a severe health crisis. A vein burst within my spinal cord cavity, and within an hour, I was a quadriplegic. After three hours, I underwent surgery, but I still have some lingering effects. Now, I feel stronger than in the Dakar 2025, and I think I will arrive at this edition in better shape. I have fought against all the odds to return to the Dakar, but I’ve had to minimize my number of rallies this year to avoid overexertion. I will feel content on January 17th if we finish in the top three. The realistic target is to place between 5th and 10th, but we dream of being on the podium.”
Dakar Digest
Explore Inside the Dakar Rally: Field Notes From the World’s Most Extreme Off-Road Race to grasp how this thrilling event operates.
Have a lead? Get in touch at [email protected].
**Toyota Land Cruiser Uses Ratchet Strap for Suspension to Cross Finish Line in Diesel Challenge**
In a stunning demonstration of creativity and perseverance, a Toyota Land Cruiser recently garnered attention during a competitive Diesel Challenge by employing a ratchet strap for suspension modifications. This inventive approach not only exhibited the vehicle’s adaptability but also emphasized the innovative problem-solving abilities of its team.
The Diesel Challenge is a yearly event that assesses the capability and durability of diesel vehicles through various terrains and challenges. Participants must showcase their vehicles’ abilities in towing, speed, and endurance, marking it as a true evaluation of engineering prowess and driver expertise.
During this year’s competition, the Toyota Land Cruiser encountered unforeseen suspension complications that jeopardized its participation. With time dwindling and tension high, the crew quickly concocted a solution using a ratchet strap to temporarily bolster the suspension system. This clever fix allowed the vehicle to preserve stability and maneuverability, thus effectively tackling the demanding course.
The application of a ratchet strap in this scenario reflects the Land Cruiser’s tough design and the team’s ingenuity. Ratchet straps are typically utilized in various settings for load securing, but their use in automotive suspension is relatively unusual. By strategically positioning the strap for added support, the team compensated for the suspension’s deficiencies, enabling the Land Cruiser to continue its performance.
As the contest unfolded, the Land Cruiser, equipped with its makeshift suspension enhancement, displayed remarkable results. The vehicle conquered steep slopes, rugged terrains, and challenging obstacles, ultimately crossing the finish line and earning admiration from competitors and onlookers alike.
This episode not only highlights the Land Cruiser’s reputation for toughness and reliability but also acts as an inspiration for automotive aficionados and competitors. It demonstrates that sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge from thinking creatively and utilizing available resources resourcefully.
In summary, the Toyota Land Cruiser’s use of a ratchet strap for suspension during the Diesel Challenge embodies the spirit of innovation and determination in the automotive industry. It serves as a reminder that with a bit of creativity, even the toughest challenges can be surmounted, and that the journey often holds as much importance as the destination.