Johnny Campbell Co-Driver For Robby Gordon At Dakar

Charlotte, N.C. (December 8, 2011) – Robby Gordon and the SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team announce the addition of off-road legend, Johnny Campbell to the 2012 team. Johnny Campbell will serve as Gordon’s navigator during the 2012 edition of the infamous Dakar Rally. Campbell will be responsible for directing Gordon through the 6,000-mile pan-American journey that is different than years past, which will add to the allure of the grueling race. The 14-day racing event will starting on New Year’s Day in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, cross over the Andes of Chile and then finish in country of Peru. Both the route and terrain will be different than years’ past, making Campbell one of the most important team members.

The Southern Californian 2-wheel racer is most known for his multiple Baja 1000 victories. This will be his second entry in the Dakar Rally and his first on to the South American continent as a navigator. Campbell, age 40, finished 8th overall and1st as a privateer during the 2001 Dakar Rally, bringing an impressive resume to Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team. With a total of 16 Baja wins – 5 Baja 500 and 11 Baja 1000 – Campbell not only brings along a tradition of success but a great deal of experience when it comes to reading the desert terrain. Campbell’s ability will be key to Gordon’s success as the two look for their first Dakar Rally overall win in 2012.

“I have always said that I would return to conquer the Dakar Rally when the right opportunity presented itself. When I got the call from Robby, I knew that time had come. To be partnered with one of motorsports all-time legends, his great team and awesome equipment is a dream come true. I am very excited and looking forward to the challenge of navigating the Speed Energy / Toyo Tires team to the top of the podium,” commented Johnny Campbell.

“Having Johnny Campbell join our team is a real honor. Having 11 Baja 1000 victories and finishing the Dakar Rally in 2001 on a motorcycle, he understands what it takes to be successful and competitive. Not only will he be an asset on the car side, he also brings a level of professionalism to our team given his managerial background, which is only going to make our team that much stronger this year. He is a true champion, and I am excited to have him as part of this year’s Dakar Rally team,” commented Robby Gordon.

Johnny Campbell’s Career Highlights:

* Baja 1000, 1997-2005, 2007-08

* Baja 500, 1997-98, 2002-04

* San Felipe 250, 1998-2000, 2002-04, 08

* Vegas to Reno, 2001, 2004-05, 2007

* Terrible’s Town 250, 2001-03, 2005

* HYR 24 Hours of Glen Helen, 1999, 2006

* 2005–Henderson’s Terrible 400, Nevada 1000, Parker 250

* 2004–Henderson’s Terrible 300

* 2003–Laughlin U.S. Hare Scrambles

* 2001–8th overall/1st privateer, Paris-to-Dakar Rally

* 2000–Nevada 2000, Tonopah 300, Adelanto Grand Prix

* 1998–Silver State 300

* 1995–Nevada Rally

* 1992–HDRA Nevada 500, Rosarito Beach Grand Prix

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Permalink Reply by Team Maranello on December 9, 2011 at 4:01pm

Edwardo, Funny you mention Chaz Bono, I heard he dated your Boy Johnny Campbell.

You cliam to be from Barcelona, Spain. If you think getting older is only getting slower, then why is the old man from your country Carlos Sainz so brilliantly fast?

Permalink Reply by Edwardo on December 9, 2011 at 12:54pm

I never said Robby was old. Ole, doesn't translate to "old".

However, Robby is getting older. And we all slow down in our old age. Fact of life.

Still a hugh fan of Robby's and I'm excited that he has Campbell riding shotgun.

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Permalink Reply by ScottM on December 9, 2011 at 1:55pm

Ivan Stewart...

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Permalink Reply by randy engen on January 8, 2012 at 10:15pm

the " lame bikes" have been the fastest entry at over 90% of the Baja 1000 races....

are you interested in explaining your reason as to why the "big rides get all the glory" ??

I'm guessing Robby himself wishes that he had a better resume for his Moto X career....

if Robby didn't respect the bikes, I doubt he would have requested Campbell to be a teammate!!

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Permalink Reply by Edwardo on December 9, 2011 at 11:39am

Which is it? 5,000 lbs. or 6,000lbs?

And yes, I could do what Robby does. I used to do what Johnny Campbell does, and guess what? It's harder to throw around a "300lb" motorcycle over desert terrain, than driving a tricked-out trophy truck.

I'm really happy Robby has landed Johnny as his team member. I do believe it will help legitimize Robby Gordon.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on December 9, 2011 at 1:49pm

Help legitimize Robby,really!

And yes, I could do what Robby does. Really, as in the same way every motorist drives to work?

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Permalink Reply by pdxracefan on December 9, 2011 at 1:51pm

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Permalink Reply by J.R. Sands on December 9, 2011 at 1:54pm

Getting older = getting better....Two veterans is going to be great to watch....

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Permalink Reply by Wally Meier on December 9, 2011 at 3:49pm

The Hummer is smaller and lighter than the Trophy Truck, so both! And no I doubt you could do what Robby does or you would be out doing it and I really doubt that you ever did what Johnny did! you may have raced but If you ever rode at his level we'd all know who the hell you are! Mark Miller said it best over on RDC "do you want to be a competetive racer or do you want to be like a bunch of the rich guy's who buy rides and run the Baja". Just because their out there doing it doesn't mean they can do what Robby and Johnny are capable of. By the way Nasser is 40 and is a skeet shooter not the most physically taxing of events yet he's at the top of his field.

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Permalink Reply by Sean O'Neill on December 9, 2011 at 4:47pm

You could do what Robby does?........I guess that's why Robby entered a 2nd TT for you at Baja and built a 3rd Hummer for you this year's Dakar Rally. You are an Off-Road legend Edwardo. No offense to TOG, but this site needs a "stupid comment filter" embedded into it.