Jean-Jacques Rey, founding father of the Désertours journey company and the mastermind behind rallies just like the 4L Trophy and Trophée Roses des Sables, handed away Wednesday on the age of 79.
A motorbike fanatic, he received into rally raids when he was 25 years previous after competing primarily in enduro. He tried races such because the Tunisia Rally and the Rallye des Pharaons earlier than getting into the 1986 Paris–Dakar Rally in a Mitsubishi Pajero. He ran the Dakar three extra occasions after that.
Impressed by his efforts, he and Désertours, which he opened in 1986, organised the Biarritz–Dakar in 1990 that ran from France via Morocco earlier than ending Senegal.
In 1997, Rey launched the 4L Trophy. Meant for drivers underneath the age of thirty, the rally pits them in Renault 4 vehicles via Morocco with faculty provides which can be then donated to schoolchildren within the nation. After solely 4 groups entered the inaugural race, the rally now sees almost 1,500 entries every year whereas 1,150 crews raced the newest version in February. Rey’s daughter Géraldine at the moment oversees the occasion.
Rey additionally created the Trophée Roses des Sables, an all-women’s rally raid in Morocco that started in 2001. The 2024 version will happen on 15–27 October.
“It’s with deep unhappiness that we are saying goodbye to Jean-Jacques Rey, father of the legendary 4L Trophy,” reads a press release from the race. “His love for the desert, his ardour for rally raid, and his adventurous spirit formed this unbelievable expertise, making him greater than only a creator however a real icon for all ‘Trophistes’.
“Along with his charisma and contagious power, Jean-Jacques managed to create an occasion that touched hundreds of lives, providing younger individuals an unforgettable journey crammed with solidarity and self-transcendence. For all of your dedication, THANK YOU.
“Immediately, we honour his reminiscence and legacy that can proceed to shine via each kilometre traveled through the 4L Trophy.
“Relaxation in peace Jean-Jacques and joyful trails.”
