Watch Ducati’s DesertX Rally Battle for a Rally Win

Alexander Smith is off-road royalty—not just because his father, Malcolm Smith, is the most famous desert racer of all time. He’s raced professionally in multiple disciplines: off-road, rally, and Pikes Peak, just to name a few. But his philanthropy in Baja, Mexico, is what makes him one of the kings of the peninsula to those who live there.

Now he’s added another peg to hang his hero hat on: nearly winning the 2024 NORRA Mexican 1000 on a Ducati DesertX Rally. To put that in perspective, winner Matt Sutherland was on a KTM 450 RR rally racebike. In fact, only two ADVs crossed the finish line in San José del Cabo: Smith’s DesertX Rally and our Suzuki V-Strom 800 Project (15th overall).

Smith actually won three stages of the rally on the DesertX, surprising the heck out of everyone, including Sutherland. It seems Ducati and Smith aren’t done with this project, teasing that they will be back next year to take the win.

Ducati just released its film documenting Smith’s massive effort at the Mexican 1000. It’s absolutely worth a watch on a Friday afternoon to get you in the mood for some epic weekend adventures. Enjoy.