The Japanese cover is both very 80s but also captures the feel of the game more. The NA cover is appealing more to arcade fans. I understand why they went with it. I played Victory Run decades ago, and only recently bought a copy for the Turbo.

Even though you don't drive that Mitsubishi in the game, I do actually think one just like it ran Dakar the same year the 959 you play as in the game did.