Robby Gordon To Compete In the 2013 Dakar Rally




Charlotte, N.C. (December 4, 2012) – With no desert too large and no mountain too tall, the SPEED Energy HUMMER on victory proven Toyo Tires will once again attempt to conquer the world’s most famous off-road event. The custom-built Dakar HUMMER driven by Robby Gordon and navigator Kellon Walch will tackle more than 8000 Km / 4970 Mi from Peru through Argentina and ending in Santiago, Chile making it the ultimate off-road adventure; the 35th Annual Dakar Rally.


Registration discussions between A.S.O and Team Gordon began back in the early summer months in preparation for the 2013 Dakar Rally, and on December 2 registration for the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires / MAPEI HUMMER became official. The A.S.O and the team agreed on a pre-check inspection of the Dakar HUMMER prior to being approved to race. Once the detailed inspection of the Dakar HUMMER and its air-inflation system by A.S.O. officials, the team was approved to officially race the 2013 Dakar Rally.


“I am excited to go back to race the prestigious Dakar Rally and show the world that we are ready to give it our best shot once again at an overall victory. Obviously our cars are good enough to compete for the win. Last year we had the fastest cars at the rally and led the most check points with the fastest times, with five wins as a team, two wins with the second HUMMER (which was also approved and is available to compete) and three wins for myself. It is now time for us to go back and capitalize on what we developed and worked on over the last seven years to put ourselves in position to compete for the overall win. “


For the first time in its history, the Dakar Rally will begin in Lima, Peru, sending upwards of 460 vehicles from 53 countries on a two-week, 14-stage endurance race through 3 Western South American countries, ultimately finishing in the Chilean capital of Santiago. This year’s Dakar will begin on January 5 and will travel on a new course featuring sections not seen to racing since the moving of the Dakar to South America in 2009, marking the most difficult course to date.


Gordon will be joined in the cockpit by his navigator, Kellon Walch, who served as team navigator for B.J. Baldwin in 2010 and for Gordon in 2011. Walch looks to bring back the experience and chemistry gained as the team’s navigator in previous rally races along with the focus and drive needed to guide the vehicle through the challenging navigation obstacles that Gordon will face.


The various aspects of Peru’s natural features will put a real test to the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires / MAPEI Dakar HUMMER in the early stages of the rally as Gordon will face gigantic dunes and rugged terrain requiring precise focus and skill to gain an early advantage. Entering Chile will set the stage for a fast pace duel through the desert before crossing the Andes Mountains into Argentina where record altitude and temperature will become a crucial factor for driver and navigator.


After a much needed day of rest on the eighth day, the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires team will set out for the longest and most technical stage of the Rally navigating through the narrow twists and turns of the forest. The rapid assistance vehicles will not have access to this stage, requiring precise driving to be a must. Entering Chile for the final stages of the Rally will once again bring dunes into the equation, testing the driver’s fatigue and equipment to the finish in Santiago.


Once reaching the Chilean capital, the small percent of the drivers who finish the 2013 Dakar Rally will partake in a short show course offering spectators and fans the chance to cheer on the new heroes who have successfully conquered the 2013 Dakar Rally. The following day the accomplishment of each of the drivers will be recognized with an elaborate ceremony planned on the Plaza de la Constituciόn.


To follow Gordon and the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires team as they try to rise above the competition at the legendary Dakar Rally, log onto www.speedenergy.com and www.toyotires.com for race team updates. Fans can also participate in the Dakar Rally experience by connecting on http://www.planetrobby.com and follow along with the team on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/thespeedenergydrink, and www.facebook.com/toyotires, http://twitter.com/SPEED_ENERGY, http://twitter.com/ToyoTires.


Daily highlights from each stage can be viewed on the NBC Sports Network (DIRECTV Channel 220 / Dish Network Channel 159 / AT&T U-Verse Channel 1640 / Verizon FiOS Channel 590) January 5th – the 20th. Please check your local listings for times & schedules on the NBC Sports Network.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on December 14, 2012 at 5:19pm

At this point, I would think no 2nd Hummer in the race. RG said it was available & approved, but I don't see any driver coming up with the funds to run it. I'm sure RG has an agreement with another team to carry parts he might need if he runs into trouble. Mean & lean!

Permalink Reply by Short Bus on December 14, 2012 at 6:36pm

I thought this might be the case. And Eric Vigouroux comes to mind. They already have a relationship, he will be competitive (they should be close on the course so you don't have to wait too long for support), it is possible they could share some parts (LS7s) and are single car teams (although Vigoroux has a T4 truck, but again, he has to wait along time for it if he needs it). It could be beneficial for both of them.

Permalink Reply by MTG on December 14, 2012 at 11:58pm

Yes, mean and lean. Best of luck to Robby and team! Big support on a race like this is a must for success! Every fan needs to back up and root for the team and support Robby has put together!

Permalink Reply by MerlotMax on December 14, 2012 at 5:38pm

Too bad, doesn't look like Mark Miller is up to much.

Permalink Reply by ROBERT SAVAGE on December 14, 2012 at 5:53pm

Seems that the Mexican Billionaire Carlos Slime would be interested in putting Juan Carlos Lopez in a Hummer and advertize one of his beverages. For Mexican pride.

Permalink Reply by eduardo on December 14, 2012 at 10:32pm

ojala que se interesara de verdad Carlos Slim, sobretodo en la bebida de RG, se hasta el cielo.

I hope that Carlos Slim really interested, especially in the beverage of RG, is to heaven.

Permalink Reply by Speed Freak 7 on December 15, 2012 at 1:44pm

I think if RG is gonna be solo this year if he can partner with someone like Vigouroux would be good. The Hummer Mini rivalry is a good pump up for the Dakar but I really hoping both teams and Vigouroux leave those Redbull buggies in the dust. I really want to see how Nasser reacts from having problems within his own team from overdriving his car.

Permalink Reply by TOG on December 15, 2012 at 1:55pm

RG has it all figured out. I remember the 2nd Hummer driving right by RG in the 2011 rally, so he will be fine with whatever he has worked out.

Permalink Reply by Speed Freak 7 on December 15, 2012 at 5:08pm

I don't think any of us will forget that moment or the look on his face when you told him!

Permalink Reply by Wheaton56 on December 15, 2012 at 4:58pm
I agree. We should have a poll on what stage he quits or blows up
Permalink Reply by Joe Parsons on December 17, 2012 at 3:18am
Permalink Reply by Mike/WC77 on December 19, 2012 at 1:29pm

Joe, I love that you still frequent this side of the "line in the sand". Tells me, you know where the real beast gets unleashed from. Good luck with those lil Mini's...They remind me of the Heini keg can commercial where the chick says "Their so wittle ittle." Maybe RG will bring an H3 trophy kart out to give your French whiner a fair shot...nah what fun would that be? Look at it this way, you can take your time going out to get pics of your boys. Just gotta wait til RG's roost has cleared them.

In all seriousness, have fun, be safe, & enjoy the battle. Oh, & tell Holowicz to hold that Polski flag high at the opener!

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