Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tufftimes on February 25, 2009 at 12:00pm

The race was good this year. They will need to do more organizing though. Sainz going off a 20 foot cliff and a few other almost doing the same. That is not acceptable. If Robby pushes hard from the start he will have a chance there.
It will never have the same mystique as Africa though. But it was good. A difficult rally. But the television coverage will need major improvement. Too bad we have to wait until next January.

Permalink Reply by TOG on February 25, 2009 at 12:28pm

2010 will be much better.

Permalink Reply by David Neth on February 25, 2009 at 12:54pm

That is great to hear. those countries hosted an awesome rally. The scenery was spectacular and the fan turnout seemed to be great as well. Although South America doesn't have the same "mystique" as Africa, you are also less likely to be murdered by terrorists in South America. A safer race in a good location is a great deal for 2010.

Permalink Reply by Tufftimes on February 25, 2009 at 2:09pm

We will have to see which teams show up. Without the factory teams it will be a completely different race. Will there be other teams like Robby with custom made race machines? Will they have hand me downs form previous factory efforts? Who knows.
Is there enough money in the Dakar rally to attract more "big budget" teams. With the economic times the way they are around the world it could be difficult finding quality competition. But, if that happens it will be more of a privateers adventure as the race was intended to be. It will be great I'm sure.

Permalink Reply by Miffles on February 25, 2009 at 9:08pm

Dakar Rally to remain in South America in 2010


SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)—The Dakar Rally will return to Argentina and Chile in 2010.

A spokesman for the Chilean government said Tuesday that organizers confirmed the race will be held in South America for the second straight year. In 2009, the race was moved from Africa for the first time in 31 years due to terrorist threats in Mauritania.

Presidential spokesman Francisco Vidal said dates and routes of the 2010 race will be announced later. Vidal added that Chile will get more than the five stages it had this year. Nine stages were held in Argentina.

The January race through the Argentine pampas and the Chilean desert, including two crosses of the Andes mountains, was won by South African driver Giniel de Villiers.

Dakar Rally to remain in South America in 2010 - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports

Permalink Reply by Kevin Meyer on March 2, 2009 at 1:57pm

From the Dakar site today

On the occasion of the two presentations in Buenos Aires and Santiago, the organisers of the Dakar have unveiled the main parts of the course of the 32nd edition that will take off on the 2nd of January in Buenos Aires. After a first experience in South America, the variety of the territories and terrain, the intensity of the challenge taken on by the competitors and the enthusiasm of the crowd have convinced both the authorities of the two countries and the head of the rally to renew the adventure.
In 2010, Argentina and Chile will jointly celebrate the bicentenary of their independence: the Dakar will have the honour of starting these celebrations.

The tracks discovered in Argentina and Chile during the 2009 edition represent for the teams of the rally an invitation to continue exploring. In terms of sport, the potential of these territories offer exalting perspectives: by heading to new regions, the 2010 Dakar will offer an intense and renewed challenge.

The experience of a first edition in South America having revealed some constraints in terms of terrain, several changes have been decided in order to ensure security and equity between the competitors. With more dune crossings and off-piste navigation as well as stages and mileage shared between the two countries, this 2010 event will seduce the amateurs of difficulty.

Permalink Reply by will on September 5, 2009 at 3:58pm

Cool video Bill! In non Robby Dakar news' it looks like us bike guys will have some of our local buddys to root for. It seems that Team Honda Europe has been in contact with "top American desert racers" at Johnny Cambell Racing. These guys own Baja with their 450's, so the new rules and long desert sections should put our guys in good shape. It's just a damn shame that KTM pulled their best guys out. Photo from Quin Cody's web site.

Permalink Reply by alan4s on September 8, 2009 at 9:22pm

Good summary Bill, thanks. Team Dakar USA has new Freightliner race truck(s?) for support. This will be real cool to see. It'd be really great if Robby and Andy could sign up a couple of Baja bike riders to represent the team too.

Permalink Reply by Capt. Allen "Pez Loco" on September 8, 2009 at 10:04pm

Thanks Bill, How are the US drivers coming along. Can they tear a car down and rebuild it after running a Marathon, can they deal with hours of no sleep, can they fix a car with what they have avail. to get to the next pit., Are they as driven as RG and Eric...,/#$%$^&*(

Permalink Reply by Capt. Allen "Pez Loco" on September 8, 2009 at 11:23pm

Yeh, but can Elasio fix a car in 105 degre. weather, use sand plate until his arms burn and hold it wide open in a fume of dust. Basically drive by the seat of his pants and make to every pit, Eric was amazing for his first year inthe hummer ( Knowing he had driven a pro truck ) soming-it-up we need more withthat kind of drive.