Meet Big Boy
Big Boy is a MAN KAT1 8×8 hook loader truck, co-owned by Toby and Sandy, with a confirmed history as a Race2Recovery support vehicle during the team’s historic 2013 Dakar Rally campaign — the first team with members who had sustained injuries to complete the Dakar. Race2Recovery ran two 8×8 support trucks during that campaign, one MAN and one DAF; Big Boy was the MAN.
This site documents his history, his ongoing restoration and upkeep, and life on the road (and off it) as an 8×8 owner.
History
Before his rally-support days, Big Boy was born out of the MAN KAT1 programme — a family of high-mobility trucks developed for the German Bundeswehr from the 1960s onward, built to keep pace with tanks across terrain that would stop a conventional truck. You can read the full background here: The History of the MAN KAT1: From Cold War Workhorse to Rally Support Truck.
His confirmed service as a Race2Recovery Dakar support truck is covered in detail here: Big Boy’s Past Life: The Race2Recovery Story.
Specification
- Configuration: 8×8, four-wheel steer
- Body: Hook loader (T5 support truck)
- Gearbox: ZF-Transmatic automatic, torque converter with lock-up clutch
- Retarder: WSK 400/440 with EST 41 electronic control
- Differentials: Four diff locks
- Low range: Crawler gear fitted
Follow the Restoration
Recent posts and updates on Big Boy’s history, upkeep, and outings are listed in the sidebar, or browse the full Gallery for photos from shows, drives, and workshop sessions.
Got history, photos, or memories of Big Boy from his Race2Recovery days? Get in touch — we’re always looking to add to the record.
MAN 8x8 