2016 Dakar - Prelude To Stage 1

Once again, it's getting close to the start of greatest race in the world, the 2016 Dakar Rally! In the days leading up to the start of stage 1, there will be many events taking place. Robby Gordon is already in Argentina, has picked up the support vehicles and will retrieve the race cars from the airport today (Dec.30). The 2nd team driver, Sheldon Creed, will arrive today as well.

The #TeamSPEED compound will be setup, and work on the vehicles leading up to Scrutineering (Tech inspection). Scrutineering takes place from Dec. 31st to Jan 1st in Buenos Aires. On Jan 2nd, the teams will parade to the 'opening ceremonies ramp' and all the drivers will be introduced. There will be links to the "LIVE TV FEED" available on Jan. 2nd.

Also taking place on Jan. 2nd is "The 15 Minute Warmup" - Buenos Aires to Rosario. This will set the lineup for stage 1.

The competitors are timed over a distance which is long enough to separate them into a logical starting order for the next day, but not really long enough to talk about a first day of competition. The mini-special section and the liaison section to the light bivouac of Rosario should not cause any damage... unless drivers are really unlucky and/or reckless!

Stage 1 begins on Jan. 3rd, 2015. As always, we will have live raceday chat, stage threads, in-action updates, photos, videos, etc. The guys on the crew will also be sending us updates from the frontline.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Duerr on December 30, 2015 at 6:40pm

Suprised RG didn't put a Stadium Super Trucks on the rear quarter panel to promote the series internationally.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Hartwick on December 30, 2015 at 7:20pm

Hey TOG ask Robby if we can put a RIP small sticker for my pal Jeff Eshlman on the car. Jeff and myself were going to try to make Dakar but cancer had other plans. I know hes watching. Thx.

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Permalink Reply by Bricoop on December 30, 2015 at 7:54pm

Hi Brian, I grew up about 4 doors from the Eshlmans. I moved away in 2005 when I left for college. Steve, Jeff and I used to ride bikes to the back bay regularly. Really a great man.