Stage 8 of the Taklimakan Rally pushed racers to their absolute limits on Friday as they navigated one of the toughest segments of this year’s event in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The grueling 338-kilometer stretch took competitors deep into the heart of the Taklimakan Desert, where they battled extreme heat, swirling sandstorms, and rapidly changing light conditions. For the motorcyclists, this stage was particularly punishing.
Shi Haoyu from the Hoto Factory Racing Team clocked the fastest time among the bikers, yet his teammate, Czech rider Martin Michek, maintained his position as the overall leader.
In the car category, driver Tao Yongming and navigator Shen Xin of the Hebei Qian’an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club claimed the top spot for the stage.
With only two days remaining, racers will continue to tackle the challenging terrains of the N39 Desert Scenic Area in Makit County, Kashgar Prefecture. The ultimate victory—or defeat—will hinge on who can endure these final, demanding stretches.
