ALBIXON becomes part of the legend, partner of the 2026 Dakar Rally

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, ALBIXON welcomed distinguished guests from the media, motorsport enthusiasts, representatives of partners, and racing teams to its congress hall in Hořovice. Together, we ceremoniously renewed our partnership with the BUGGYRA ZM Racing team and unveiled two unique racing vehicles that Czech crews will use in the legendary 2026 Dakar Rally. The event was not only a celebration of technical innovation and determination, but also a new milestone in the partnership between two Czech brands that share precision, performance, and a daring spirit.

 

Conference introduction

 

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., the festive program began. Presenters Martin Pouva and Hana Mašlíková invited the audience to the upcoming program. "Tonight, we will take a look under the hood of the Dakar specials, introduce a new car, a new partner, and, of course, our crews," said Hana. Martin added: "Dakar 2026 starts on January 3 and will be the 47th edition – and the Czechs have a special relationship with it. The moderated introduction dynamically opened the ceremony, which offered the excitement of motorsport and corporate connections. This was followed by the screening of the first video on the theme of "The Atmosphere of Dakar," which got everyone in the mood for the evening program and reminded them why the Dakar Rally is considered the pinnacle of endurance racing.

 

 

ALBIXON & BUGGYRA partnership

 

After the screening, a key moment arrived: Jan Kalivoda, head of communications for the BUGGYRA ZM Racing team, took to the stage. He reminded the audience that 2026 will mark BUGGYRA's thirteenth participation in the legendary Dakar Rally. Attention then turned to the symbol of the partnership – ALBIXON, Europe's largest manufacturer of swimming pools, pool covers, and accessories, with more than 35 years of tradition and exports to more than 70 countries around the world. Jaroslav Smetana, CEO of ALBIXON, took the floor: according to him, the connection with the world of rallying, especially with a team like BUGGYRA, means more than just marketing. It means sharing the values of quality, innovation, and team spirit. The partnership was then symbolically confirmed by the presentation of the BUGGYRA Dakar 2026 jersey, which was met with applause and a flurry of camera flashes. This act sealed the renewal of cooperation between ALBIXON and the BUGGYRA ZM Racing team—a step that underscores the ambition of both parties to grow together, not only domestically but also on the international stage.

This was followed by another video presentation entitled "Best of Dakar 2025 – BUGGYRA Highlights," which reminded those present of last year's successes and challenges in the team's history, and in that atmosphere, the tension was already growing before the crews and cars were revealed.

 

 

Presentation of the Tatra EVO 3 car – crew members Karel Poslední, Petr Schweiner, Filip Škrobánek

 

At 6 p.m., the crew entered with pilot Karel Poslední, navigator Petr Schweiner, and flight engineer Filip Škrobánek. Martin and Hana engaged in a dialogue with the crew: Karel mentioned the transition from the previous model to EVO 3 and expressed his first impressions of the car: new cabin, new technical solutions, expectations for Dakar 2026. According to articles, EVO 3 already represents a "new era" in Tatra/BUGGYRA Dakar trucks. Navigator Petr talked about teamwork, and mechanic Filip added technical aspects of preparedness for rocky and sandy stages, with an emphasis on reliability. After these interviews, the car was unveiled, a ceremonial moment with music, lights, applause, and photos taken next to the Tatra EVO 3. The audience was able to see the car up close. This moment showed that the team and its partner are betting on technology prepared for the extreme conditions of Dakar.

 

Presentation of the donation check

 

After the presentation of the first truck, there was a heartfelt social moment. ALBIXON Vice-Chairman Pavel Smetana, MBA, presented Deputy Mayor Věra Eschnerová with a check for CZK 100,000 for the 2nd Elementary School in Hořovice. This added a charitable element to the event: partnership, sport, and racing are not just about winning, but also about responsibility towards the community and the place hosting the event. This symbolic act also deepened ALBIXON's relationship with the region and municipal cooperation.

 

 

Presentation of the BUGGYRA INVICTUS car – crew: Martin Šoltys, Vlastimil Miksch, Tomáš Šikola.

 

Attention then turned to the second special: BUGGYRA INVICTUS. First, a video presentation of the car, filmed last Friday, was shown, capturing the details and gestures of the team. Then Martin Šoltys, Vlastimil Miksch, and Tomáš Šikola took the stage. Hana focused on the name "INVICTUS" (Latin for "unconquerable") and asked Martin about his motivation: why this name, what does it symbolize? The answer was clear: the car is meant to be an icon of determination.

Ready to face the extreme conditions of the Dakar Rally. The conversation then turned to last year's series. Martin admitted that last year's edition was challenging and showed that even top crews can encounter technical or terrain limitations. The starting number "603", just behind top driver Aleš Loprais, reflects numerical symbolism and prestige. That moment culminated in the presentation of the car.

The BUGGYRA ZM Racing team is exhibiting two special vehicles: the Tatra EVO 3 and the BUGGYRA INVICTUS, with ALBIXON standing alongside them as a partner that believes in the values of technical excellence, teamwork, and strong performance.

 

Conclusion and sporting prospects

 

The presentation of both cars was followed by closing remarks and an invitation to a reception, where guests had the opportunity to personally inspect the cars, obtain autographs, compare technology, and discuss face-to-face with the crews.

 

The organizers reminded us that Dakar 2026 starts on January 3 in Saudi Arabia and will last 14 days. Starting position and technical readiness are key. The Czech audience can watch the entire race on the NOVA ACTION channel and the BUGGYRA team's online channels, where exclusive behind-the-scenes footage will be available. ALBIXON thus confirms that its racing spirit does not end with swimming pool structures and roofing. The partnership with BUGGYRA is a clear manifestation of the brand's desire to be seen in the world of extremes, technical challenges, and international sports competitions.