Music met motorsport in unforgettable fashion today as Sam Ryder made a dramatic entrance at CarFest 2025 aboard The Dacia Sandrider, the brand’s formidable rally-raid machine. The fusion of soaring vocals and roaring engines set the tone for a day of high-octane excitement and world-class entertainment.
Festival-goers were treated to a rare close-up of the Sandrider before it returns to competition on the global stage. Built to dominate some of the harshest terrains on Earth, the rally-raid contender proved an inspired choice for Ryder’s arrival.
“Stoked to take one of these to CarFest!” said the BRIT and Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter. “The festival’s all about new and innovative vehicles, so this definitely hits the mark. Nothing like getting the adrenaline racing right before a show!”
A Machine Built for the Extreme
The Dacia Sandrider is more than just a showpiece—it is a purpose-built warrior of endurance. Beneath its muscular frame lies a V6 twin-turbo engine running on sustainable fuel, encapsulating Dacia’s commitment to both robust performance and environmental responsibility.
Since its unveiling in 2024, the Sandrider has made waves in international motorsport. It has claimed victories at both the Rallye du Maroc and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, while its debut at the Dakar Rally—the sport’s most gruelling test—saw it secure five top-three stage finishes with legends such as Sébastien Loeb, Cristina Gutiérrez Herrero, and Nasser Al-Attiyah behind the wheel.
Where Motorsport Meets Music
CarFest, famed for blending high-octane machinery with live performances, provided the perfect stage for the Sandrider. Festival attendees had the rare chance to experience the rally-raid machine up close, connecting the thrill of motorsport with the joy of music in a uniquely celebratory atmosphere.
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, summed up the moment: “We’re pleased to have Sam Ryder in a Sandrider! CarFest is all about celebrating the joy of driving, great music and good times with family and friends. It’s everything Dacia stands for. Having Sam arrive in our car is the perfect pairing of all those things, and a fitting way to show-off our adventurous spirit.”
A Shared Spirit of Adventure
Both Ryder and the Sandrider embody an adventurous ethos—one through fearless musical expression, the other through relentless pursuit of motorsport glory. Together, they captured the very essence of CarFest: energy, innovation, and a love of experiences that push the boundaries.
As Ryder took to the stage and the Sandrider prepared to return to its next challenge, the crowd was left with a lasting memory—a festival entrance that truly bridged the worlds of music and motorsport in spectacular style.
