TEAM HUMMER: BEHIND THE SCENES



Charlotte, NC (December 23, 2010) – Behind every successful race team is a group of experienced, dedicated personnel. For this year’s Dakar Rally, Team HUMMER consists of a twelve-person support team: one team manager, seven crew members, two engineers, and two media professionals. All are highly skilled and accomplished in the world of motorsports and off-road racing.


“Each year we continue to bring together a strong, cohesive group of individuals that are passionate about our racing program, which is a key ingredient to our success in the Dakar Rally. I feel that we have one of the strongest teams gathered this year, and I hope that everyone’s hard work and dedication translates into a podium finish,” commented Robby Gordon, driver of the No. 303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires Hummer.


As the drivers and navigators of Team HUMMER leave the starting line to commence the 2011 Dakar Rally on January 1st, the support vehicles transporting the crew members are not far behind. While most people think that these guys are on vacation, little do they know that long days and even longer nights are what the crew has to look forward to on their attempt to win the infamous Dakar Rally.


By day, the team members travel from stage to stage in the custom-built Freightliner support vehicles. Though rough terrain and extreme conditions take a toll on the race vehicles, the Freightliners were purposefully built to provide the team with a comfortable ride. Comfort is a must during the 15-day event since most days the only time that the crew gets to sleep is during the trip to bivouacs.


At the end of each day, racers and their crews gather in the bivouacs to recap the day and plan the strategy for the next leg of the rally. The bivouacs are encampment style set ups that serve as pit area, lodging and meal quarters. Once the HUMMER race vehicles reach the bivouac, the crew goes to work on their daily assignments to “rebuild” them. Each individual has a list of tasks that must be marked off before they can even think of setting up their tent. Due to the extreme punishment that the HUMMERs face during each stage, the crew must work as quickly and efficiently as possible to perfect the race cars prior to the start of the next day’s stage. They understand that they work all night that it is just part of what it takes to be a member of this elite team and have a chance at the coveted prize at the end – the overall Dakar Rally win.


When asked to describe what the Dakar Rally is like from a crew member standpoint, three-time rally veteran, Randy Rodriguez, says, “The rally is an adventure. The route changes every year so what you saw last year you might not see again. Driving from town to town is a lot of fun. The native people in the small, rural towns we race through are so happy to see us…they run out in the streets and kiss the trucks. It is a pretty amazing experience in which I am honored to be a part.”


For an off-road team member, the Dakar Rally is the ultimate experience. Being a part of the greatest test of man and machine is what they have aspired to in crafting their skills and expertise. The quest for multiple stage wins and a podium finish begins in their hands. Making up the 2011 Team HUMMER crew for the Dakar Rally are the following:

• Name: Position: Experience:

• Jamie Campbell Mechanic/Fabricator 1st year
• Miles Stanley Engineer 1st year
• Randy Rodriguez Support Vehicle Driver 3rd year
• Ryan Wagoner Mechanic/Fabricator 2nd year
• Johnny Miller Mechanic/Fabricator 3rd year
• Daniel Boissy Mechanic/Fabricator 1st year
• Daniel Denoncourt Mechanic/Fabricator 1st year
• Roger Willis Support Vehicle Driver 5th year
• Kevin Wilson Press 2nd year
• Adrian Puente Press 1st year
• James Lin Electrical Engineer 4th year
• Kyle Robbins Team Manager 6th year

About SPEED Energy – SPEED Energy is available in three flavors: Unleaded, Fuel, and Octane, which provides the human machine with the fuel it needs to keep up with the SPEED of life. Each drink contains a potent energy blend of B-vitamins, caffeine, taurine and ginseng. SPEED is packaged in 12 ounce sleek cans that have a stylish black top and sexy body and are available in singles, four-packs, and cases. SPEED Energy is available in the United States in major retailers, convenience stores, grocery stores, bars and nightclubs. For more information, please visit speedenergy.com.


Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit speedenergy.com, planetrobby.com, dakar.com along with Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. The team will also be doing a preview daily leading up to the Rally that details their Dakar program and what it takes to get the team ready to participate in the 14-stage event. The Versus Channel will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. Check your local listing for exact show times.



www.youtube.com/user/thespeedenergydrink - DAILY VIDEO UPDATES

www.facebook.com/pages/Speed-Energy-Drink/171315372883715 -OFFICAL FACEBOOK PAGE

www.twitter.com/speed_energy - OFFICAL TWITTER FEED



NEW for 2011 – The SPEED Energy APP featuring exclusive updates of Robby Gordon and his SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER during the 2011 Dakar Rally. Follow Robby as he competes in the world's toughest race through Argentina and Chile. Be the first to hear updates from the driver himself and get exclusive videos and photos during the team's quest to win the coveted Dakar Rally. You'll be able to keep up with Robby during the rally from your iPhone or iPad!



Robby Gordon and Team HUMMER Dakar Statistics



2005

· First American to win a stage in Dakar Rally while driving for the VW Touareg Factory team

· Two stage victories

· Overall 12th place in a field of more than 460 competitors



2006

· Gordon began his own Dakar effort with the creation of Team HUMMER

· Campaigned a purpose built Hummer H3 in conjunction with General Motors

· Ran as high as fifth in a field of more than 500 competitors before a hole in the radiator led to mechanical failure



2007

· Returned to Dakar with new sponsor and greater factory engineering support from General Motors

· Won one stage (longest stage overall)

· Overall 8th place finish



2008

· The Dakar Rally was cancelled due to security threats in Mauritana, but Gordon ran in the replacement Rally, the Central European Rally, which took place through Hungary, Romania and Budapest

· Campaigned as a two-race vehicle team and both vehicles finished in overall top-10 (7th and 10th)



2009

· The Dakar Rally was moved to South American and took place in Argentina and Chile

· Campaigned again as a two-race vehicle team

· Robby Gordon finished 3rd overall and the second team Hummer finished 13th overall



2010

· Campaigned as a three-race vehicle team throughout Argentina and Chile

· Robby Gordon finished 8th overall, the Vanguard Hummer finished 20th and the Chile Hummer ended on Stage 3 after the transmission expired