I am somebody that is nowhere close to knowing the in's and out's of Robby's Dakar dream. I am just a long time Planet member. There is many on this site that do not know the history/heartbreaks, so here is what i know:

I hope there is someone that can correct/confirm these statements:

History:
-RG started his Dakar dream driving for VW many years ago ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT. At least 1 year maybe 2yrs of efforts. He was the first american to win a stage. But something happened and he turned into a parts carrier (not RG's style).
- RG took his Baja experience and thought a 2WD would be very competitive for the AFRICAN DAKAR and started his own USA effort with his own chassis/engine combo.
- Year 1: On the AFRICAN contentment RG was completive but hit some camel grass and was out.
- Came back the next year with a new and improved package for the AFRICAN CONTINENT. Probably BET HIS MOTORSPORT LIFE ON DOING WELL (had a 2nd hummer with a guy that left him high and dry. Some security software guy???) The Event was canceled due to security, I guess it was the correct call but was devastating to RGM. I remember he said he would sign a waiver for his life just to run the event (it was still canceled). Also his support truck got stuck in the middle of the atlantic with a rudder malfunction. FUBAR.
-He then did the wimpy Dakar wannabe series that year in Europe (most likely for sponsor obligations). Did ok, but it was a World Rally Course event at best. BJ baldwin did ok in the 2nd hummer.

-The DAKAR moved to the South American content. Codo's for the ASO except……
- IT WAS NOT WHAT ROBBY MADE THE HUMMERS FOR!!!
- The ASO did the best it could in its first year OFF the African Content. At least it found somewhere else to race.!!! Pretty big achievement. It was a huge task I'm sure. Unfortunately it was not what Robby dreamed his machine would be participating in. Most was a lot of WRC miles. Lots of hard packed roads. But RG managed a podium 3rd place finish.
- Did I miss a year here?
- The next year RG had a hub malfunction and withdrew on a liaison. Very embarrassing.

-So here we are….
- Codos for the ASO returning to a more AFRICAN DAKAR course.
- RGM's Experience brought in a DAKAR champion with Nassar.
- RGM is participating for a win on any stage.
- 1st RGM vehicle winning a stage.
- Looks like a very possible 1-2 finish for RGM (I'm not going to say who will be 1 or 2, the team should be proud no matter what)!!
- No matter what happens the rest of the Dakar, Robby Gordon, you should be proud!!
- Robby Gordon is close to his Dakar Dream.

VERY FAR REACHING: Maybe VW found out early that the 2011 course was going to a traditional African sand route and bailed!!

TOG: Thanks for everything.

My Wishes:
- MORE VIDEO!!! ESPECIALLY BEHIND THE SCENES, even united footage. The Planet cannot get enough!!
-A race end video from RG to the planet about the DAKAR experience at the end of the rally (maybe 10 mins worth)? .... I have been waiting for this for year's.
-A Q and A would be even better. Actually, Planet Robby could do a Q and A with Robby. I would pay $25 easy to have a chat with Robby after the DAKAR. I'm sure I'm not the only one!!!!

-RG: I'll Se you in Sonoma next year. I'll be the guy that only wants to talk about DAKAR.

RGM ….. YOU ARE MAKING US PROUD!!!