Menzies forced to pull out of 2017 Dakar Rally

The American, best known for his Trophy Truck exploits in SCORE and TORC, had been due to make his debut in the South American event at the wheel of a brand-new Mini John Cooper Works Rally.

However, the 29-year-old sustained a fractured shoulder in an off-road truck jump world record attempt (pictured below) in August, an injury on which he recently had surgery.

Menzies said that his shoulder had not recovered sufficiently to allow him to race in the Dakar at the required level.

“I am beyond disappointed to have to withdraw from starting this year’s Dakar," said Menzies. "It has been a lifelong goal of mine that will have to wait another year before I can attempt.

"I knew it would it be tough to get back to 100 percent after my injuries from the world record New Frontier jump and unfortunately I just couldn’t get to a point where I’d be both comfortable in the car for that long and technically able to compete at the level warranted to win.

"It also wasn’t worth re-injuring anything and then being out for the more races this season. I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of my Mini later this year as we put in the homework needed to get ready for 2018 Dakar."

Dakar veteran Orlando Terranova will replace Menzies in X-Raid's primary three-car line-up alongside former WRC winner Mikko Hirvonen and Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi.