HUMMER Racing In the Ha'il International Rally

Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi tops the provisional 35-car entry for this week’s "Ha’il International Rally", the Kingdom’s flagship FIA-sanctioned cross-country rally, which will run for nearly 1000 competitive kilometres through the north-central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March 24th-28th.

Al-Rajhi, who travels to the event straight from competing in the Kuwait International Rally, has taken charge of a powerful Hummer from Robby Gordon’s team in the United States of America and teams up with the experienced Portuguese co-driver Filipe Palmeiro, as he attempts to win the event for the fourth time in five years.

“The car reached Saudi last week and we have been making our final preparations since then," enthused Al-Rajhi. "I am in Kuwait now for the round of the Middle East Rally Championship, but I am looking forward to trying to win my home event again, especially now the rally has a longer and different format."

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on March 24, 2013 at 10:27am

@Jonathan,Marsthonrally.com has had the opening picture and TOYO as a site sponsor for the last two years. Pretty cool

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Permalink Reply by Chupakabras on March 24, 2013 at 5:19pm

vdo from day 1. http://youtu.be/ZTXYEmSZjsg

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Permalink Reply by WJM on March 24, 2013 at 5:53pm

Ha´il Saudi Rally: Al-Rajhi storms into Saudi Ha´il after super special stage.

Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi surged into a near 18-second lead after the opening timed five-kilometre super special of the Ha’il International Rally, Saudi Arabia’s flagship FIA-sanctioned cross-country rally, which is taking place through the north-central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the next four days.

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Permalink Reply by Bob on March 24, 2013 at 8:22pm

In the link it says second place is also a Hummer proto is this also a Robby machine? Couldn't find any info about it.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on March 24, 2013 at 9:27pm

@Bob,no it's not RGM equipment. I've not seen a picture of at,to try a figure it out.
I'm happy Yazeed is excited and enjoying the HUMMER,looks like Kyle and the guys get'n. it done

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Permalink Reply by WJM on March 25, 2013 at 11:44am

Here's some pics of the other Hummer in the Rally built and driven by Czech driver Miroslav Zapletal. Here's a short video clip.

It's powered by a 4-litre Toyota V6 with 6-speed sequential gearbox and mated to Mitsubishi 4WD transfer case and diffs.

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on March 24, 2013 at 6:16pm

So was the Hummer actually sold, or was it just leased to Yazeed? I noticed in the stage 1 video the two Dakar support trucks were there with the American crew. That makes me think this could the full packaged rental/lease deal? RGM had advertized that the 2nd car was for rent or to buy. Maybe this was a test to see if the RGM Dakar package was worthy of buying or maybe renting for the 2014 Dakar Rally?

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Permalink Reply by WJM on March 24, 2013 at 6:57pm

Sold. Both of them plus support vehicles. Time to build new stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Trooper Blue on March 24, 2013 at 9:49pm

Were the support guys wearing Speed/Mapei shirts sold as well? Just kidding of course... I'm assuming they're just helping with the transition???

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on March 25, 2013 at 12:17pm

So if the whole program was sold, then I will bet we will not see a new program ready for 2014. If he chooses to build new, it will take some time and I dont know if all that can be done in time to be ready & competitive for the 2014 Dakar. Also why sell the two support trucks? Those were works of art and a real asset to the team. I guess if you are offered enough money right? Also they will not be cheap to replace.

I assume the 3rd support truck that is in Cali for the off-road stuff was kept?