David Knight claimed an excellent top-20 finish on stage nine of this year’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The Ballaugh ace has been steadily moving up the rankings in recent days as he gets to grips with his first attempt at the prestigious race.

After finishing 25th on Monday’s stage from Sakaka to Neom, the 42-year-old broke into the top-20 for the first time thanks to an impressive ride on stage eight, a 579-kilometre trek around Neom.

Riding for HT Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing, the Manxman completed the distance in five hours 31 minutes and 56 seconds, 42m41s behind stage winner Kevin Benavides of the Monster Energy Honda Team.

As such, he was the second highest rookie on the day and moved up to 27th overall (fifth rookie) ahead of the rally finishing in Jeddah this Friday.

Knighter is being supported by UGGLY & CO, a clothing brand created and woven from a passion for extreme sports including skiing, skateboarding, motorsports and downhill mountain biking.

After his title sponsor pulled out, the company approached him with one aim in mind, helping Knighter get to the Dakar.

Continue to support David Knight’s Dakar bid through www.ugglyandco.com

More in Thursday’s Manx Independent.