Could they do it ?

How many NASCAR drivers could run Dakar and who would they be ?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on January 3, 2012 at 5:46pm

He would make through the first 5 turns then wad the damned thing up. This racing is total unknown. They would be about as fast as my wife in a rain storm.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel on January 3, 2012 at 8:00pm

FlyHi - love the fast as my wife in a rain storm !!

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Permalink Reply by ROBERT SAVAGE on January 3, 2012 at 5:44pm

Jimmy Johnson has off-road experience he could do it.

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Permalink Reply by mj on January 3, 2012 at 5:49pm

Jimmie is too much of a pretty boy the heat would kill his hair lmao

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on January 3, 2012 at 6:00pm

All who think Jimmie Johnson could do it, well sure he could just as I could. And I have way more desert racing experience compared to Jimmie. Jimmie has clearly said he has no desire to race Baja or off-road again, He said he would consider short course again, but that it would be a one off deal and no commitment sort of deal.

What most dont realize is these Dakar teams, drivers included are sleeping in tents, eating meals in makeshift buffet style tents, and unless your on a top factory team you are probably helping work on the equipment between stages.

So the fact is many NASCAR drivers might have the ability to drive and do this sort of racing, the fact is the pay sucks and your living conditions are nothing like they are used too, and they will have to work after getting out of the drivers seat. This alone would keep 98% of the current NASCAR drivers from competing in a Dakar race.

So could they do it? Sure, but I am sure we will never one of the current NASCAR Cup driver attempt Dakar.

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Permalink Reply by pdxracefan on January 3, 2012 at 11:19pm

Well stated NIKAL

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Permalink Reply by Wheaton56 on January 4, 2012 at 12:31am

That's why we like Robby

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Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on January 4, 2012 at 3:31am

Jimmy was a turd in the dezert.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Cartwright on January 3, 2012 at 5:47pm

can you imagine if Princess Danica tried Dakar? she'd quit after breaking a finger nail.

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Permalink Reply by J.R Ramirez on January 3, 2012 at 5:47pm

I think Boris Said! He's raced off-road short course.

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Permalink Reply by Josh Fisher on January 3, 2012 at 5:50pm

JJ48, Biffle, Mears, Smoke, Harvick, Carmichael & Pastrana I think are the only ones today that at this point in time would attempt (or seriously think about attempting) it. Maybe Shrub but I don't really see him wanting to do anything longer/harder then the Shortcourse stuff.

A younger Joe Nemechek maybe as wasn't he a pretty accomplished Motocross rider back in his teens/early 20s?

While I wouldn't classify him really as a NASCAR driver, but Boris Said I think would try it if he could get a ride with a good team. He wouldn't end up doing anything results wise but he'd give it a try l0l

I think a bigger question is "Why don't they?" and I'm not referring to NASCAR guys but to the modern "Rally Superstars" (use of the word Superstars in relation to popularity not necessarily talent/accomplishments).
Block, Foust, Pastrana, Mirra, Degan, Caswell, Grönholm, Rhys Millen, Stephan Verdier, etc... Nowhere to be found.