Fearing accusations of favouritism the French based Dakar A.S.O. racing organization has taken swift action in dealing with their fellow French countryman and racer. " Stephane Peterhansel" . In a statement issued today race official Etienne Lavigne stated that racer safety is their number one top priority and that they will not tolerate any exceptions to this high standard.

Stephane Peterhansel and Team Monster Minis are shocked and dissappointed by the interim decision by the ASO race organizers of the 2012 Dakar Rally, the decision has now been appealed to the governing body. The appeal will be decided several weeks from now, so Stephane Peterhansel and the Team will continue to participate in the Dakar Rally pending final determination of the appeal.

The issue centers on the failure of Stephane Peterhansel's and Team Monsters Mini's race car's "Sentinel System" the Sentinel System when working properly sends a signal from one race car to another, so that the cars can safely pass each other without incident. Race officials discovered that Peterhansel's Sentinel System was not working properly. After they were alerted that there was a issue earlier in the race with a race car that was trying to courteously send a signal and perform a safe pass. But it appears that there was no signal being received because Peterhansel never yielded to the racer that was trying to safely pass. The ASO has stated that the racers safety is their top priority and that there would be no exception to this standard.

The other issue centers around racer Stephane Peterhansel's running into a stationary motorcycle rider who was waste deep in a running river while in distress. Stephane Peterhansel ran his race car into the motorcycle racer knocking the racer and the racers motorcycle into the water. Stephane Peterhansel then sped off with a total disregard for his fellow racers safety. ASO race official Etienne Lavigne stated that in all his years as a ASO official he had never seen such a blatant disregard for one racer's safety to another. And that the rules are rules and that they apply to everyone even those racers from his own country. In fact Etienne went on to say that he holds his fellow countryman to even a higher standard and that he is personally embarrassed by the entire incident.rivergate-5.jpg

Stepahne Peterhansel and Team Monster Mini intend to complete the 2012 Dakar Rally and do their best to achieve a podium finish. The Team will put these alleged infractions behind them and hopes to celebrate as one of the top teams of the 2012 Dakar Rally.

When asked about his thoughts on this matter fellow Dakar racer Robby Gordon stated that he would rather just see the ASO deal with the matter. Rather then resort to any name calling or unfounded accusations of his fellow racers.

FILE PHOTO; Stephane " THE CHEATER" Peterhansel

peterweasel-stage-7-588x388.jpg

fyi; this news report was brought to you by the 24hr Sarcastic News Service. gas on Robby !!!!!!