Keeping the compass pointed at Dakar - Jayden Els’ next chapter

For King Price Xtreme rally driver Jayden Els, the destination has never changed. The route, however, has become far more demanding.

Still only in his early twenties, Jayden has already built a motorsport résumé that many drivers spend decades chasing. From winning the 2017 Rotax Karting World Finals to claiming the Class T Championship in South African Rally Raid, his progression has been rapid. Yet the past two years have taught him that success in rally raid isn’t simply about speed. It’s about navigation, adaptation, and keeping your compass pointed firmly towards the horizon, even when the terrain becomes unpredictable.

Today, racing with the backing of King Price Xtreme, one of South Africa’s most recognised motorsport teams and his long-standing sponsor, Jayden is entering a new phase of his career. Having also secured a seat with the Century Racing Factory Team, his focus is shifting increasingly towards international competition, with ambitions that stretch far beyond South Africa’s borders.

Learning through international competition

“Gaining experience in the international field has definitely helped me learn as a driver,” he says. “I’ve become better at adapting to different terrains and understanding how the car changes in different conditions.”

These lessons weren’t always learned the easy way.

The 2024 and 2025 seasons delivered their share of setbacks, with several non-finishes preventing Jayden from achieving the championship result he had targeted. Rather than viewing the season as a disappointment, though, he sees it as one of the most important learning periods of his career.

“It was a huge character-building season,” he explains. “It helped me grow mentally, taught me to keep fighting, and reminded me to never give up.”

International racing also exposed him to some of rally’s toughest environments, including dunes and open desert racing. Those experiences sharpened both his technical abilities and his understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.

His time away from King Price Xtreme also broadened his perspective. Working alongside engineers, technicians and teams abroad provided valuable insight into different approaches to performance and preparation.

“I only took positive learnings from that experience,” says Jayden. “I’m excited and happy to be back in the King Price stable and grateful for the opportunity to continue our relationship.”

Training, work and the road ahead

Away from the driver’s seat, life has changed too. No longer studying, Jayden now works in the Netherlands while balancing a racing calendar that sees him travelling extensively. It’s a demanding lifestyle that requires discipline on and off the course.

Physical preparation has become a major focus. He trains between 12 and 15 hours a week, concentrating on cardio fitness and endurance to maintain focus during long, punishing stages.

Competition remains a powerful motivator. Among the drivers who’ve pushed him hardest is South African rally raid star Henk Lategan. “Henk is the current benchmark,” says Jayden. “I push myself to the limits to beat him because that’s how you improve.”

As for fear, Jayden has a straightforward philosophy: “The day I get scared of racing cars, I’ll stop racing.”

This confidence is underpinned by a clear vision of where he wants the road ahead to lead. With sights set on events such as the Rallye du Maroc and the Dakar Rally, every race, every kilometre, and every lesson is part of a much bigger journey.

Ask him what headline he’d like to read about himself five years from now, and his answer comes without hesitation: “Jayden Els: Dakar and World Rally Raid Championship winner!”

For now, the compass remains fixed on that destination. The route may still twist through deserts, setbacks and hard-earned lessons, but Jayden knows exactly where he’s headed. And with King Price Xtreme backing the journey, he’s determined to keep moving forward until he gets there.