Did you happen to watch parts of the latest Dakar Rally?
Auto123.com covered the event, obviously, although it was modest coverage. To tell you the truth, while I understand the fascination, this type of auto racing never managed to excite me. Driving at crazy speeds over sand dunes without proper safety measures seems pretty reckless and foolhardy.
Of course, moving the Dakar Rally from Africa to South America took some of the luster off of the competition. Serious threats by rebel groups in some African countries urged the organizers to change continents three years ago. Crossing politically unstable regions had become way too risky for the explorers who enter the most prominent rally on the planet. Ironically, the name has stayed.
The participants claim that South American roads are even more beautiful and exotic than Africa's, which is probably true. Still, a number of dangers remain.
On the very first day of the 2012 edition, Argentinean rider Jorge Boreo, 38, died after a fall. The tragic news took the wind out of the Rally's sails and reminded everyone how perilous this challenge is.
Normal rallies have roads. At the Dakar, there are no roads! It's nothing but sand, mountains, and huge stretches of open land.
Many other crashes were reported throughout the 14-stage run. Even a desert veteran like Robby Gordon (of NASCAR fame) couldn't avoid rolling over in his Hummer.
On Sunday in Lima, Peru, France's Stephane Peterhansel came out on top behind the wheel of a MINI All4 Racing and earned his 10th career title at the Dakar. Did you know that?
Auto123.com covered the event, obviously, although it was modest coverage. To tell you the truth, while I understand the fascination, this type of auto racing never managed to excite me. Driving at crazy speeds over sand dunes without proper safety measures seems pretty reckless and foolhardy.
Of course, moving the Dakar Rally from Africa to South America took some of the luster off of the competition. Serious threats by rebel groups in some African countries urged the organizers to change continents three years ago. Crossing politically unstable regions had become way too risky for the explorers who enter the most prominent rally on the planet. Ironically, the name has stayed.
 |
| Photo: All4 MINI |
The participants claim that South American roads are even more beautiful and exotic than Africa's, which is probably true. Still, a number of dangers remain.
On the very first day of the 2012 edition, Argentinean rider Jorge Boreo, 38, died after a fall. The tragic news took the wind out of the Rally's sails and reminded everyone how perilous this challenge is.
Normal rallies have roads. At the Dakar, there are no roads! It's nothing but sand, mountains, and huge stretches of open land.
Many other crashes were reported throughout the 14-stage run. Even a desert veteran like Robby Gordon (of NASCAR fame) couldn't avoid rolling over in his Hummer.
On Sunday in Lima, Peru, France's Stephane Peterhansel came out on top behind the wheel of a MINI All4 Racing and earned his 10th career title at the Dakar. Did you know that?