2013 Pre-Dakar Rally Discussion

As of 12-4-12, there has been NO ANNOUNCEMENT from RGM about it's plans for the upcoming 2013 Dakar Rally. The entry list at Dakar.com is NOT the final entry list. With the rally starting in Peru ( instead of Argentina ), it's almost 3,000 miles closer than past rallies for shipping the vehicles. I believe we should hear something official very soon. Keep in mind some of Robby's 2012 Dakar plans didn't take shape until late November / early December 2011.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BAD on November 30, 2012 at 12:09pm

HUMMINA HUMMINA HUMMINA HUMMINA.....

c'mon Billy... don't be leading us astray...

Permalink Reply by TOG on November 30, 2012 at 12:39pm

patience...lol...

Permalink Reply by TOG on November 30, 2012 at 2:42pm

Scratch #333 off the list.

#333 SPATARO EMILIANO (ARG)
LOZADA BENJAMIN

So 315 & 329 still unattached.

Permalink Reply by Team Maranello on November 30, 2012 at 3:48pm

The only way way Robby is going to run Dakar is if it is cost nuetral for him. I am sure all his money in tied into SST. Now he just needs to find a rich Arab who is willing to pay for both the rides, just like last year.

For my sake, I hope he has a big fat bank balance and will just run it any way.

Permalink Reply by Glen Sensenig on November 30, 2012 at 11:52pm

I see that Alejandro Patronelli isn't on the competitors list for quad. Could that mean anything?

Permalink Reply by WJM on December 1, 2012 at 1:25am

He's taking care of the family business

Permalink Reply by MTG on December 1, 2012 at 12:29am

That he isn't competing on a quad?

Permalink Reply by MTG on December 1, 2012 at 12:35am

Kidding? I don't know...

Permalink Reply by MTG on December 1, 2012 at 12:37am

Maybe he has other plans?

Permalink Reply by Christopher Lutz on December 1, 2012 at 9:53am

Whew - this thread is starving for facts. The best thing about the Dakar is the format and the competition...the worst thing about the Dakar is ASO.

I don't want to derail the whole thread here - but it's hard to comment on ASO without commenting on the Lance Armstrong decisions. ASO has revoked all his titles, despite the fact the man has still NEVER tested positive for drugs.

Did he take banned substances - I certainly wouldn't bet against it. HOWEVER, he (technically) hasn't tested positive - ever. In fact, to the contrary, he's the most tested athlete of all time and still hasn't rung the bell.

I see some similarity in this ruling with the Tire Inflation ruling RG had to put up with.

We have rules, you passed them - but, now we're going to evaluate the situation subjectively. Maybe we decide to change the rules retroactively - now...if someone "says" you did drugs, it's good enough. WTF? If someone "says" it's a 'boost' advantage and we didn't catch it....well, that's good enough for disqualification.

Enough rant - I just hope another sanctioning body takes over or starts a competitive series. Would be nice to see all this R&D be applied to more than one race a year.

Permalink Reply by Carl Abrams on December 2, 2012 at 3:07pm

Well Said.

Permalink Reply by redlinetech on December 2, 2012 at 8:06pm

Talking about facts.. The ASO had nothing to do in the decision to revoke Armstrong's titles. They simply had to follow up on the UCI judgement, which again were bound by USADA's ( US Gov Agency) decisions. Werent RG's penalties decided by the FIA ( UCI alike), where ASO had to go by on and subsequently DQ'd RG?

By the way. LA got screwed by his fellow team members cq countrymen. Id had to happen sooner or later. The UCI was said to have looked the other way, which the FIA should have done in RG's case? Makes the LA case even more interesting.

Besides the facts, I hope Rg is doing Dakar, it aint the Dakar without the US Hummers flying!