Robby Gordon - Dakar 2007

[Chase 2]

What is with all the crying from the Rubby fans??? Give me a break!! JL Schlesser won today as a privateer running a V-8 two wheel drive buggy under all the same restrictions the Hummmmmbuggy is under. The Protruck of the Frenchman Vigareoux is also a privateer running a big V-8 with no factory wind tunnel or hot shot factory motor guys. Oh yeah, they are all using the same gas too.

[LIL TUCKA]

He Should Race The Hummer That Thign Is Awesome

[Ferrari333SP]

What crying are you talking about Chase? I've read these posts over and over and I don't see crying. We're trying to understand all thats happening.

[Racer_C]

Chase 2, what do you expect from fans when the team is underperforming and sucking - cheering??? I don't think there is anything wrong with grumping and complaining, especially when it's very difficult to obtain information as to what is going on, or more accurately what isn't going on. It is extremely rare to get through the Dakar without any mistakes. It is more who has the least amount of mistakes. Gordon has had more mistakes, problems, whatever than he could afford. Not sure what he needs to do next year to improve, but off hand, I'd suggest a lighter Hummer.

[DUMP!]

I was wondering the same thing. Dunno, maybe clogged injectors caused those cylinders to run lean driving up plug temps and melting the plug ends????? It does seem to me they are having a lot of stupid problems that an experienced off road team should not be having. Slipping clutch first day out of the box stage 1, down on power stage 3 and today which was probably a carry over from 3, all over contaminated fuel???? Contaminated with what? Who on team is in charge of fuel purchases and handling? Who supplies it? How is it filtered prior to use in the race car? These questions, I am sure, Robby will address but this is the type of crap that should not be happening to them. Hobby racers playing in the sand hills yeah, but not pros.

Don't know where to start, clutch slipping?? OK I'll give them that one. Sticking it into a ditch??? Driving over your head, or a lack of consentration, Or maybe a tire was going flat. The only one who know's is RG. Down on power??? Clogged air filter, probable overlooked the night before do to some other crisis. Time penalty???? Most definetly driver error. Contaminated Fuel????? That's pushing it. I would find that more belivable if others had the same trouble. I think now they're looking for excusses. All the fuel is supplied by the ASO, so why didn't others have any problems?? I would bet there is some other kind of problem and the fuel is only expossing it. If RG is smart he will consintrate on just finishing the Dakar, But Robby never did learn to walk before he ran.

Good Luck on a finish RG, I would consider that an acheivment over last year and use it to build off of for next year.

Dump

[Rory]

Personally, I like the idea that Robby is having problems, that means he's gonna drive the piss out of the H3 because he is down so far, no team orders, no following the team car, no pulling over to wait for a team car, just good ol' fashioned RG driving like a mad man. Anybody ever see RG drive right after a couple flats trying to make up time.....a thing of beauty. Hopefully a couple stage wins in his future.

[Big Hock]

I just watched Eurosport's vid of todays stage, this was definitely(sp) Robby's stage to win. The way the rally cars were bouncing around in all those ruts and woops, the Monster TT should have eaten all that up and smoked the field. Too bad.

[Negrete 5-1600]

Personally, I like the idea that Robby is having problems, that means he's gonna drive the piss out of the H3 because he is down so far, no team orders, no following the team car, no pulling over to wait for a team car, just good ol' fashioned RG driving like a mad man. Anybody ever see RG drive right after a couple flats trying to make up time.....a thing of beauty. Hopefully a couple stage wins in his future.

I agree with Rory, I've seen him drive the crap out of his trucks when behind. It is a thing of beauty. Hopefully he can finish this race on a positive note.;)

[NIKAL]

I wonder if the fuel problem Robby's complaining about could be the fuel consistency not being the same. It could be that GM has the motor built so tight and the fuel mapping is set for a very spacific octane. Mayby the fuel that the ASO gets is not as consistent as the fuel here. I could see GM working on that motor to get the most power and mileage possible. I know my 1600 motor had to have 114 octane and we were give 110 by accident and it pinged until the #3 cylender blew. Also think about Score's attempt to have a spec fuel, and all the teams that complained saying they would have to have there computers re-mapped because of a differant brand of fuel. Just a thought!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Personally, I like the idea that Robby is having problems, that means he's gonna drive the piss out of the H3 because he is down so far, no team orders, no following the team car, no pulling over to wait for a team car, just good ol' fashioned RG driving like a mad man. Anybody ever see RG drive right after a couple flats trying to make up time.....a thing of beauty. Hopefully a couple stage wins in his future.


Yup... It ain't over till the Phat Monster sings.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

besides the obvious motor problems, it looks like he hit some pretty big holes today and the suspension sucked it up pretty good, if he can have a couple good stages he could make up a lot of time (I doubt 3 hours). Tomorrow will be interesting.


Hey Rory, you are just a little more famous... Check out The Dakar Spot... :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG off the line. Haul'n butt.

[EncLocal]

Fuel fault slows Gordon - Stage 4


Robby Gordon was left to rue his misfortune after contaminated petrol cost him nearly three hours on stage four. The American Hummer driver has fallen over three and a half hours behind race leader Carlos Sainz, but believes he can still compete for stage victories.


We have just been hit bad luck across the board. The latest one was fuel-related," said the NASCAR star, who spent much of the trip from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate crawling along due to clogged fuel injectors.

"We chased it with spark plug wires that got burned, and we didn't put two and two together, that the spark plug wires got burned because the injectors were clogged," he said on his webcast.

"I'm hugely disappointed, we have given up three and a half hours due to bad gas. Our goal was to come here and win. This race is tough.

"What you saw today was a very good special for our car, the Hummer would have been really good, because it is very similar to Jean-Louis Schlesser's car.

"And he beat those guys by 10 minutes, let's say we would have beaten them by 20, enough time to make a couple of mistakes. Hopefully we have got all our bogeys out of the way."

Eurosport - Alex Chick - 10/01/2007 11:16
http://www.eurosport.com/rallyraid/dakar/2007/sport_sto1050841.shtml

[FlyHiFlyLo]

52 cars though CP1 and 11 minute gap and no Mark Miller?

[EncLocal]

52 cars though CP1 and 11 minute gap and no Mark Miller?


According to dakar.com tracking, Miller is close behind Schlesser

Also
Robby is gaining on 384 FOJ who started in 60th position.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG closing in Fast!

[EncLocal]

52 cars though CP1 and 11 minute gap and no Mark Miller?

Checkpoint n°1
Driver Time Diff
1 S.Peterhansel (FRA) 00:19:38 00:19:38
2 G.de Villiers (RSA) 00:20:08 00:20:08
3 C.Sainz (ESP) 00:20:09 00:20:09
4 G.Chicherit (FRA) 00:20:24 00:20:24
5 C.Sousa (POR) 00:20:43 00:20:43
6 B.ROUSSELOT (FRA) 00:21:09 00:21:09
7 J.Schlesser (FRA) 00:21:12 00:21:12
8 M.BARBOSA (POR) 00:21:48 00:21:48
9 P.NOBRE (BRA) 00:21:55 00:21:55
10 H.Masuoka (JPN) 00:22:18 00:22:18
11 K.HOLOWCZYC (POL) 00:22:33 00:22:33
12 C.Lavieille (FRA) 00:22:51 00:22:51
13 S.HENRARD (BEL) 00:22:57 00:22:57
14 F.LOIX (BEL) 00:23:03 00:23:03
15 J.MONTERDE (ESP) 00:23:10 00:23:10
16 L.Alphand (FRA) 00:23:17 00:23:17
17 S.SHMAKOV (RUS) 00:23:17 00:23:17
18 N.Roma (ESP) 00:23:29 00:23:29
19 L.NOVITSKIY (RUS) 00:23:31 00:23:31
20 A.BERKUT (RUS) 00:23:37 00:23:37
21 R.GORDON (USA) 00:23:48 00:23:48

[EncLocal]

Checkpoint n°3 times at the moment
Driver Time Diff
1 G.Chicherit (FRA) 02:16:15
2 C.Sainz (ESP) 02:17:20 00:01:05
3 M.Miller (USA) 02:18:01 00:01:46
4 G.de Villiers (RSA) 02:18:24 00:02:09
5 S.Peterhansel (FRA) 02:18:45 00:02:30
6 N.Roma (ESP) 02:20:40 00:04:25
7 C.Sousa (POR) 02:21:15 00:05:00
8 B.ROUSSELOT (FRA) 02:21:58 00:05:43
9 L.Alphand (FRA) 02:24:42 00:08:27
10 M.BARBOSA (POR) 02:25:16 00:09:01
11 S.SHMAKOV (RUS) 02:25:30 00:09:15
12 N.Al Attiyah (QAT) 02:26:08 00:09:53
13 H.Masuoka (JPN) 02:26:48 00:10:33
14 R.GORDON (USA) 02:28:23 00:12:08

[AZBadseed]

According to dakar.com tracking, Miller is close behind Schlesser

Also
Robby is gaining on 384 FOJ who started in 60th position.

What position did he start in today? i know it was back there...sound like he's passed a lot of cars! good for RG after a rough day.
Any word on the 556 yet, i know it's early for them.:confused:

[EncLocal]

What position did he start in today? i know it was back there...sound like he's passed a lot of cars! good for RG after a rough day.
Any word on the 556 yet, i know it's early for them.:confused:


Robby started in 78th position 10:27:00, looks like he's passed a few cars today so far. :-)

According to dakar tracking, 556 has passed cp2, eurosport.com has not given any truck standings yet.

http://www.eurosport.com/rallyraid/dakar/2007/livefullpage_mtc172282.shtml

[FlyHiFlyLo]

showing RG +17:30 at 236KM

[FlyHiFlyLo]

J.Schlesser (FRA) 03:54:09 +00:17:30 finished 6th... RG might make up some more time on that... Wow!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

14:34 As reader Thom Wilder points out, we have had a huge performance today from Robby Gordon. The flamboyant American was 14th at CP3, having overcome a start position of 78th! He has picked his way through the field with ease, and it is probably fair to say his fuel problems are behind him.

[bufeo]

A much better day for certain.

Provisionally now in 32nd.

Allen R

[Alliturken]

14:34 As reader Thom Wilder points out, we have had a huge performance today from Robby Gordon. The flamboyant American was 14th at CP3, having overcome a start position of 78th! He has picked his way through the field with ease, and it is probably fair to say his fuel problems are behind him.

Hey I think I know that guy!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Hey I think I know that guy!


Millions must have read that.

[kaw500]

Now this is the morning news I was looking for.

Happy as a pig in slop.

[desertbull]

What position did he start in today? i know it was back there...sound like he's passed a lot of cars! good for RG after a rough day.
Any word on the 556 yet, i know it's early for them.:confused:

Tom, Will and Paul # 556 are about at the finish line of the special stage now---9:30 AM PST...

[tractoR]

what's up with bumping into that RAV4 ?
A bit of self-control wouldn't hurt !?

[ASITool]

Question for all of you Dakar experts from a Dakar novice.

I'm very happy to see RG rocking!

Could this climb in the ranks have been accomplished by one of the other top drivers (vw, mits, etc) if they had found themselves in a similar position so far behind?

Thanks!

[Offspring]

what's up with bumping into that RAV4 ?
A bit of self-control wouldn't hurt !?

Where'd you see that? Probably on your superior coverage over there. Places-to-go, people-to-see.

[Chase 2]

Question for all of you Dakar experts from a Dakar novice.

I'm very happy to see RG rocking!

Could this climb in the ranks have been accomplished by one of the other top drivers (vw, mits, etc) if they had found themselves in a similar position so far behind?

Thanks!

But he’s not rocking. He’s continuing to lose time to the competition (VW, Mits, Schlesser, BMW).

Working your way up from below the top 20 or so is not hard at all. There are only about a dozen cars(at the very most) that are really pushing hard, everyone else is just in it to finish. The attrition rate will continue to climb, so just hanging in there will move you into the top 15 if you just hold a strong pace. Top 10 is not impossible, Top 5 is another story. It’s exponentially more difficult the closer you get to the top.

[Bricoop]

what's up with bumping into that RAV4 ?
A bit of self-control wouldn't hurt !?

Thats desert racing right there. You get 1 chance to move out of the way. If you don't move out of the way, you get movED out of the way. Bet a lot of guys in Dakar have never seen it before and may take it as bad sportsmanship. But in reality its just the way that Robby's used to racing.

[bufeo]

... Bet a lot of guys in Dakar have never seen it before and may take it as bad sportsmanship. ...

I believe they ("guys in Dakar") have seen it before. There are several clips showing the cars bumping other competitors...an especially good video of one of the Trucks pushing a smaller car off track.

The highlight film of the 2006 Dakar Rally has quite a few shots of 'nerfing'.

Allen R

[Bricoop]

I believe they ("guys in Dakar") have seen it before. There are several clips showing the cars bumping other competitors...an especially good video of one of the Trucks pushing a smaller car off track.

The highlight film of the 2006 Dakar Rally has quite a few shots of 'nerfing'.

Allen R

I stand corrected.

[Alliturken]

But he’s not rocking. He’s continuing to lose time to the competition (VW, Mits, Schlesser, BMW).

Working your way up from below the top 20 or so is not hard at all. There are only about a dozen cars(at the very most) that are really pushing hard, everyone else is just in it to finish. The attrition rate will continue to climb, so just hanging in there will move you into the top 15 if you just hold a strong pace. Top 10 is not impossible, Top 5 is another story. It’s exponentially more difficult the closer you get to the top.

Well, that was rocking enough for me. :) Starts 78th, passes 50 cars on the day....hey that's a pretty cool performance considering the previous problems. With that kind of starting position, of course you are not going to make up overall time on the frontrunner. It was a good day as seen by anyone without an axe to grind.

[desertbull]

I just spoke with the #556 Truck as they completed their Special and were in a long liason stage.

Other than a flat, it was another good day for Turbo, Will and Paul. They changed the flat on a split rim in 15-20 minutes and got back to rockin'- They never saw RG and haven't talked to them as of today, but are looking forward to getting to camp.

They were in the liason section of today's stages traveling through a small town about 2 hours from tonight's camp when they called approximately 30 minutes ago.

They all said, "Hey to the RDC fans and thanks for chasing along."

Turbo said he wants to take Chase 2 for a pre-run ride at the 500 and see if he can hang --

They also mentioned that although "Bloomberg News" reported them as lost in city of Seville, it was actually one of the support Hummers driven by one of the chase teams and not the #556 truck. Will explained that they actually were on a different boat and went to a different port than the race cars, but when he read RDC & Dirtnewz on his Blackberry they all thought it was pretty funny.

They were all very upbeat and ready for some "In N Out" very soon.

[Chase 2]

They all said, "Hey to the RDC fans and thanks for chasing along."

Turbo said he wants to take Chase 2 for a pre-run ride at the 500 and see if he can hang



I have the utmost respect for what those three are doing, and I hope to be in the same position as soon as possible. Tell Turbo if we both happen to be down pre-running at the same time I'd be glad to ride with and see what lines he uses. Better yet have him bring the Mann down, I'd love to see what it will do!

[Icewalker]

But he’s not rocking. He’s continuing to lose time to the competition (VW, Mits, Schlesser, BMW).

Working your way up from below the top 20 or so is not hard at all. There are only about a dozen cars(at the very most) that are really pushing hard, everyone else is just in it to finish. The attrition rate will continue to climb, so just hanging in there will move you into the top 15 if you just hold a strong pace. Top 10 is not impossible, Top 5 is another story. It’s exponentially more difficult the closer you get to the top.

Yep - being as he's ~ 4 hours back overall - some hustling and some serious attrition would have to take place. If there was no attrition from now till stage 15 RG would have to average ~ + 0:24:00 each day for the rest of the Dakar to get a podium at the end. So that would be not just winning each of the next 10 stages but finishing ~ 24 minutes ahead of the top 3.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

The deal is this. Mark Miller is 10th after 5 stages 3 of which are short. Mark is one hour back. So everybody 11th on back to 36th are hours down. Get stranded or lost, clip a tree... You could lose 2 hours in a heart beat. If RG does what he did today for the rest of the rally 7th place is very doable. We will lose 2 of the top ten for sure. That is fact it just happens. When this is all said and done there will only be 80 cars left in Dakar.

It will be a thing of beauty!

Hell there is a great chance if Turbo keeps doing his swell job he may walk out of here with a Dakar top ten of his very own just from bringing it home everyday.

Oh, Chase I don't think Tom said IN the car... He PMed me and told me to pick out some ratchet straps at Harbor Frieght so we could hold your body to the roof rack.

[desertbull]

Oh, Chase I don't think Tom said IN the car... He PMed me and told me to pick out some ratchet straps at Harbor Frieght so we could hold your body to the roof rack.

The connection on the phone was crackly--but I think he said the skinny ratchet straps so it hurts more.

For sure he didn't mean inside the prerunner--he definitely meant like dragged behind with a tow rope or perhaps racheted to the front of the Cooley Pre-Runner so when he hit stuff it would be painful...Turbo and I have been on many preruns together in the same vehicle and from experience I can tell you its ugly... :)

[RacerX1]

Here's a short clip of Robby/Andy. They look so calm even for rolling!
http://www.blaisracing.com/videos/Robbie_Clip.wmv

[Chase 2]

The connection on the phone was crackly--but I think he said the skinny ratchet straps so it hurts more.

For sure he didn't mean inside the prerunner--he definitely meant like dragged behind with a tow rope or perhaps racheted to the front of the Cooley Pre-Runner so when he hit stuff it would be painful...Turbo and I have been on many preruns together in the same vehicle and from experience I can tell you its ugly... :)


Ja, Ja, Ja! That paints a pretty funny pic, me strapped to the front and then just add Fly running behind barking at the tires! LOL!!

[Bricoop]

Here's a short clip of Robby/Andy. They look so calm even for rolling!
http://www.blaisracing.com/videos/Robbie_Clip.wmv

I don't believe they rolled it completly, just into a ditch.

[Rory]

But he’s not rocking. He’s continuing to lose time to the competition (VW, Mits, Schlesser, BMW).

Working your way up from below the top 20 or so is not hard at all. There are only about a dozen cars(at the very most) that are really pushing hard, everyone else is just in it to finish. The attrition rate will continue to climb, so just hanging in there will move you into the top 15 if you just hold a strong pace. Top 10 is not impossible, Top 5 is another story. It’s exponentially more difficult the closer you get to the top.

Chase, you have to remember that the leaders are not dealing with slower vehicle dust, meaning he is fighting through it to pass, losing valuble time. Then after passing one, then another, and another (50 total)...etc. Mark Miller could hang back just out of the dust from one of the leading cars and not lose much time at all. Example, I lost 2 minutes one lap at Laughlin last year due to the dust of slower vehicles, and that was in 8 miles. Hopefully he will get a little open air tomorrow and no problems..HOPEFULLY

[INI]

Here's a short clip of Robby/Andy. They look so calm even for rolling!
http://www.blaisracing.com/videos/Robbie_Clip.wmv

video no workie

[Big Hock]

Out of curiousity, how are the Toyo's doing out there? I haven't heard about him getting any flats or anything.

[spalind]

Out of curiousity, how are the Toyo's doing out there? I haven't heard about him getting any flats or anything.

Hmmm...you might wanna check his stage 5 update just posted...

http://www.robbygordon.com/cms/publish/article_828.shtml

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Ja, Ja, Ja! That paints a pretty funny pic, me strapped to the front and then just add Fly running behind barking at the tires! LOL!!

That's a big Dawg, better hope I don't catch the car. LOL

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I can say this much to all the RG bashers out there. When Robby's YouTube director is the 15th most watched this week, I can garownteee ya many of mainstream folk are clicking on all that Baja footage too. It's a big plus for dezert race'n.

[RacingOne]

Video of Stage 5 today

This one shows Robby passing alot of cars.
http://www.eurosport.com/rallyraid/dakar/2007/mc_vid32272.shtml

[JRod]

Where is the Stage 5 dakar video? I don't want to have to watch the nano-second clip of Robby on VS tomorrow before I get to see the good stuff. What? No internet cafe in Morocco along the special?

[RacerX1]

Are all you guys asleep? GET UP GET UP!!!

15:48 - auto
Gordon in provisional 2nd place at CP1
No. 320, GORDON/GRIDER - HUMMER, SUPER PRODUCTION
American Robby Gordon arrived in 2nd position at CP1, 21’56" behind the virtual leader, Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I'm up... I'm up...

[Icewalker]

Ya missed the moment RG/AG pulled past Schlesser - they're up + 18 seconds and climbing - leading the stage.

[spalind]

And Sainz is going SLOOOOOOWW...He will make up lots of ground on the leader...

[xtremedad]

Are all you guys asleep? GET UP GET UP!!!

15:48 - auto
Gordon in provisional 2nd place at CP1
No. 320, GORDON/GRIDER - HUMMER, SUPER PRODUCTION
American Robby Gordon arrived in 2nd position at CP1, 21’56" behind the virtual leader, Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Hey Patty, You're right. It's great to see RG & AG wash the Gremlin off and kick it like Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble through the sand, but your mac daddy Chris is doing an outstanding job!!!

May the force be with Cris Blais for a fantastic finish!

[bufeo]

This from the Brits at Eurosport :)

16:55 Peterhansel and Al Attiyah follow them around seven minutes in arrears of Gordon. What a moment for Nascar legend Gordon. His Hummer had to drop out during stage 9 last year in Mauritania due to a radiator problem that led to disqualification. Team USA come through against the odds to make their mark.
16:51 If Gordon can pull this off, it will be one of the biggest moments in Dakar history. The latest figures suggest a lead of over a minute on Schlesser and over six on De Villiers.

Allen R

[RacerX1]

Hey Patty, You're right. It's great to see RG & AG wash the Gremlin off and kick it like Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble through the sand, but your mac daddy Chris is doing an outstanding job!!!

May the force be with Cris Blais for a fantastic finish!I just got a visual of Andy being Barney! HA!!! YABBA DABBA DOOOOOO!!!

Thanks for rooting on Chris! He did so awesome today and took 3rd in the stage and is now 4th overall. He's right where he needs to be. I started to not care after hearing about the death of our very good friend, Elmer. I told Chris to ride in his honor from now on!

[JRod]

Third in the stage? I am looking at Eurosport right now which shows him leading by 17 seconds over Schlesser...Are we waiting for something else?...

[Chase 2]

Well done today team Gordon! Stay relaxed tomorrow Andy and have fun.

Remember, the experienced guys say the "race" starts in Tichit in a couple of days. That's when the teams will start sending out wrabbits.

Unlike last night, I’m betting there will be video tonight.

[dfmcse]

http://www.eurosport.com/rallyraid/dakar/2007/sport_sto1052237.shtml

Obviously eurosport doesn't read "The Dakar Spot".

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Yup... This extends Robby's Dakar Record to the only US Driver to win Three Stages in the famous rally.

(stewie from the family guy.) Anybody else with any stages wins? Yes... No? com'on anybody else? Nooo? Well Then... Another record? no stage wins? no? well then...

[JRod]

Rabbit stew at the bivouac for dinner tonight!

[RGFan]

Well done today team Gordon! Stay relaxed tomorrow Andy and have fun.

Remember, the experienced guys say the "race" starts in Tichit in a couple of days. That's when the teams will start sending out wrabbits.

Unlike last night, I’m betting there will be video tonight.



I just read in Eurosport.com that Carlos Sainz, the current car leader said that the true Dakar began at stage 6. Way to go RGM!!!!!!!

[Ferrari333SP]

The reason there wasn't a Stage 5 video on Youtube last night was because Youtube the site was down, so nobody was able to access the site for many hours. Sometime we'll get 5 and 6.

[Racer_C]

Yea, RG finally off the schneid and racing like he should be. Congrats to him and the team!

[Chase 2]

I just read in Eurosport.com that Carlos Sainz, the current car leader said that the true Dakar began at stage 6. Way to go RGM!!!!!!!

Why yes the current leader did say that, but the experienced guys say the RACE starts in Tichit. Remember, Calros, like Rubbs are newbs compaired to many others. I'm thinking it's tomorrow that's going to be one of the biggest days this year. The rabbits may soon be released, but the good part of that is you can let the Rabbits find the fastest way.

[Alliturken]

OK, I see that someone from here has been over at Helge Seims blog in Germany, leaving stupid, gloating comments, trashing up her blog. Why do that? Helge is a good person, is close friends with RG's ex co-driver Dirk, and works hard to give people good info about Dakar. She's a long-time RG supporter from back in the VW days. Whoever did that, you make us all look like total idiots.

[Bricoop]

OK, I see that someone from here has been over at Helge Seims blog in Germany, leaving stupid, gloating comments, trashing up her blog. Why do that? Helge is a good person, is close friends with RG's ex co-driver Dirk, and works hard to give people good info about Dakar. She's a long-time RG supporter from back in the VW days. Whoever did that, you make us all look like total idiots.

link please?

[Ferrari333SP]

View of Dakar from the Vatican's view:

http://www.marathonrally.com/news/dakar_2007_vatican_says_dakar_rally_irresponsible. 5871.0.html

[ASITool]

Their words demonstrate their irrelevance.

[CharlieIII]

A quick question. I scanned the other threads but didn't see anything. Has Robby got any flats yet on the Toyos?

[Bricoop]

A quick question. I scanned the other threads but didn't see anything. Has Robby got any flats yet on the Toyos?

none reported as of yet, and they have basically been through the terrain that is the hardest on tires.

[CharlieIII]

none reported as of yet, and they have basically been through the terrain that is the hardest on tires.

Thanks. I bet the marketing and pr guys at Toyo are probably lickin' their chops. Great exposure for Toyo. A Baja Mil win and hopefully a strong finish in Dakar.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

A quick question. I scanned the other threads but didn't see anything. Has Robby got any flats yet on the Toyos?

Toyo Tires + Robby Gordon driving in a race = Zero Flats ever!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Poll- How many more RG stage wins?

[kaw500]

Poll- How many more RG stage wins?

That's a tough call, I go with 4 but all I know for sure is the PIG loves the taste of Rabbit.

[PeterT]

At this point, after a solid performance in Stage 6, how far down on time is he from the leader? Statistically, what is the likelihood of RG making that time up? In other words, how much time would he need to put on the leader in each of the remaining stages to win the event? I know it is unlikely, I'm just curious.

PT

[Icewalker]

At this point, after a solid performance in Stage 6, how far down on time is he from the leader? Statistically, what is the likelihood of RG making that time up? In other words, how much time would he need to put on the leader in each of the remaining stages to win the event? I know it is unlikely, I'm just curious.

PT

~ RG and AG need roughly +24 minutes on the leader for each of the next 9 stages. Being that they're 3H 49 back at the moment. Today they did a + 7 minute day on the leader.

[bufeo]

SIDEBAR NOTE:

RG/Ag videos from today's Stage 6 may be the last you'll see of AG's facial hair. :)

(So my source tells me. :D)

Allen R

[FlyHiFlyLo]

~ RG and AG need roughly +24 minutes on the leader for each of the next 9 stages. Being that they're 3H 49 back at the moment. Today they did a + 7 minute day on the leader.

If Robby can win 4 of the next 9 by 30 minutes it may be enough to do it. Because there is bound to be 5-6 more teams in the top 20 to lose over 3 hours or DNF. RG will need some bad luck to strick the front runners. It's a 2% chance he can win this thing. 7th place is more realistic.

[RacingOne]

Just go for Stage Wins and see where you end up, you get more press for winning satges than you do for leading the rally right now. Hey Fly I say 3 more stages as long as he stays away from Morrocco gas.

[bufeo]

I just caught the video on YouTube of Stage 5. Pretty good stuff. As an "armchair racer" I don't see how you guys do it, really. I know. That sounds patronizing, but I'm amazed every time I see on-board video footage from any competitor. I've driven fast on closed courses (including Sebring, Laguna Seca, Road America, and a few others) but this high-speed desert stuff is something else. Whoa!

Allen R

[Big Hock]

Running along that ridge at the 25 sec mark was pretty wicked wasn't it?

[bufeo]

Running along that ridge at the 25 sec mark was pretty wicked wasn't it?

That's precisely the section to which I was referring. Wonder what it felt like in the navigator's seat.

Allen R

[Sideways]

From the Dakar website today:

Interviews
Robby Gordon (USA – Hummer – Winner)

I really went flat out today. I’m delighted with my day. The car was perfect. A year ago, on the same special stage, we lost 20 minutes, but this year we won. I was a bit worried about the petrol level so I slowed down at the end… At one moment, we were battling with Schlesser in the dunes, but I let him go. He was driving faster than us. As regards the general rankings, we had problems with bad petrol in Morocco. On the Dakar, that can become costly in no time. Yesterday, I got a warning for how I overtook. I was pushing the vehicles in front of me. Back home, that’s what we do in the Bajas, because we don’t have an overtaking warning system. But it’s true that when you set off in 71st position, like I did yesterday, you really see the difference between the professionals and amateurs. Whilst some people slow down, I throw it into sixth gear. Today, when I overtook, I was careful to take a wide berth on one side or the other.

[mattb]

From the Dakar website today:

Interviews
Robby Gordon (USA – Hummer – Winner)

I really went flat out today. I’m delighted with my day. The car was perfect. A year ago, on the same special stage, we lost 20 minutes, but this year we won. I was a bit worried about the petrol level so I slowed down at the end… At one moment, we were battling with Schlesser in the dunes, but I let him go. He was driving faster than us. As regards the general rankings, we had problems with bad petrol in Morocco. On the Dakar, that can become costly in no time. Yesterday, I got a warning for how I overtook. I was pushing the vehicles in front of me. Back home, that’s what we do in the Bajas, because we don’t have an overtaking warning system. But it’s true that when you set off in 71st position, like I did yesterday, you really see the difference between the professionals and amateurs. Whilst some people slow down, I throw it into sixth gear. Today, when I overtook, I was careful to take a wide berth on one side or the other.

Now come on Robby... Don't be a punk. Be patient.

[dfmcse]

That's precisely the section to which I was referring. Wonder what it felt like in the navigator's seat.

Allen R

Based on how AG sounded in the video, I bet he loved it. He was probably yelling GAS ON MAN!

OK . . . may be not quiet so energetically. :D

[bufeo]

Re: the interview on the Dakar site.

Can't you just hear Robby saying 'petrol' and 'whilst'..... :)

Allen R

[spalind]

Whoa...in his latest video (stage 5) he says "rust in the fuel injectors"?? I thought it was bad gas?

[Sideways]

I can't hear RG saying "PETROL ON"

It just doesn't get it like "GAS ON" does

Tea anyone?

[ASITool]

What if the fuel was stored in containers with rust, could that cause the problem? (or could h2o in fuel cause rust?)

[PeterT]

Can someone post a link to the Stage 5 video? I am having trouble locating it.

PT

[steveG]

Re: the interview on the Dakar site.

Can't you just hear Robby saying 'petrol' and 'whilst'..... :)

Allen R


It was Robby's European twin brother.

[EncLocal]

Can someone post a link to the Stage 5 video? I am having trouble locating it.

PT

http://www.eurosport.com/rallyraid/mc_vid32281.shtml

click on stage 5 cars

stage 6 cars has been posted there as well :-)

[bufeo]

Can someone post a link to the Stage 5 video? I am having trouble locating it.

PT

Try this link (http://www.youtube.com/rgm7) .

Allen R

[PeterT]

THATS the one I was looking for. That ridge run looked pretty gnarly. Reminds me of the goat trail section in the BITD Pahrump race (2005).

PT

[RacerX]

Anyone remeber when Robby was racing the VW and McCrea was leading and rolled the car bad at one of the last few stages. Anything can happen to the front runners still. Carlo Sainz said he isnt as experienced as others in the dunes. He could develop a problem.

[NIKAL]

Whoa...in his latest video (stage 5) he says "rust in the fuel injectors"?? I thought it was bad gas?

I had mentioned earlier that I don't think there fuel quality is as good as we have over here. Also I wonder how consistent their fuel is. If the quality / grade of fuel is always fluctuating then it can also play havoc on the fuel mapping. I'm sure Total fuels are transported in drums. If they are reusing the drums or if the drums are left open or moister is getting in it will cause rust. If there is rust in the fuel cell you can have big problems, as just draining the fuel wont help. You will have to remove all the foam from the cell and rinse it out. Hopfully they have taken every precaution to clean the whole system so that there will be no future problems. Stage 7 Pin to Win!

[Chris_Wilson]

Does rust pass though the fuel filters?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Does rust pass though the fuel filters?

No it don't. Did he say rust or crust?

[DEZERTBOUND]

One is on top, one is on the bottom....I vote crust, My Napa inline stops rust

[Yumaoffroad]

1 day ago everyone was saying that the monster was a "PIG" not everyone doesnt really think that do they? THis guys has 1thru 4 stages of dakar coverage on you tube
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. "LOSCARFUNKY"

[DUMP!]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great recovery from a few days ago. It will be interesting to see tomorrow how well RG does. It will be very special if he is able to actually back today's victory up with a second straight. I was talking to Larry Roeseler today, himself a past competitor at the Dakar. He said it will be tuff to win on consecutive days only because in the open desert, as they are now, everyone behind has the benifit of RG's tracks to key off of. It will depend largely on the navigation of AG and on how good RG is able to read the terrain.

Great recovery RGM!!!!!!!!!!,,,, Congradulations from everyone here at Terrible Herbst Motorsports!!!!!!!!


BTW,,,, Fly,,,, I can't believe you missed this.

First American to win a stage at Dakar in a Self built / American built car!!!!!!!!!

What the F,,,,,,, Dude you need to pick up your game!!!!!!!!!

Dump

[Big Hock]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

He said it will be tuff to win on consecutive days only because in the open desert, as they are now, everyone behind has the benifit of RG's tracks to key off of. It will depend largely on the navigation of AG and on how good RG is able to read the terrain.




I'm hoping, as was said earlier, that RG/AG pick the absolute roughest lines they can so the H3's suspension can eat that $#it up while all the rally-raid cars that follow them lose a ton of time.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!



BTW,,,, Fly,,,, I can't believe you missed this.

First American to win a stage at Dakar in a Self built / American built car!!!!!!!!!

What the F,,,,,,, Dude you need to pick up your game!!!!!!!!!

Dump

Did you see the blog? I got it Big Dawg...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I'm hoping, as was said earlier, that RG/AG pick the absolute roughest lines they can so the H3's suspension can eat that $#it up while all the rally-raid cars that follow them lose a ton of time.

There are benifits to being the rabbit. Lead them off a 50 foot drop off.:D

[Big Hock]

There are benifits to being the rabbit. Lead them off a 50 foot drop off.:D

Wile E. Coyote never did get the Roadrunner did he?

[DUMP!]

Did you see the blog? I got it Big Dawg...


NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DUMP :D :D :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Wile E. Coyote never did get the Roadrunner did he?


Yeah! The second place car -> Ahhhhhh! -> (((Poof)))

[Ryno]

Wile E. Coyote never did get the Roadrunner did he?

You need to re-watch Dust to Glory when they are interviewing Jimmy Vasser. The part about the patch on his jacket.

[Big Hock]

You need to re-watch Dust to Glory when they are interviewing Jimmy Vasser. The part about the patch on his jacket.

Yea he had him by the throat huh? "I need to meet this guy".

[FlyHiFlyLo]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DUMP :D :D :D


10-4... Mr. God of Fab

[aquafreer]

RG & AG definately will start with the hammer down making chasers take risks if they decide to go after the Monster , Andy's navigation will be critical for success , with the many 'hidden' check points , also the Toyos have proven very durable !! with the on the fly air adjust - a favorable set up with stg 7's varried terrain ...also the best of luck to Chris Blais 'makin it happen' tomorrow ! All fired up for the throw down !

[Sideways]

Are there any more stories coming from the guys in the BIG Monster truck?

I'm sure they'll have stories to tell for years to come!

[spalind]

So I keep hearing mention of "bigwigs" and VIPs being flown in for meet-n-greets with teams like VW and Mitsu....RG having any VIPs flown in for a visit?? some hob-nobbing? some kanoodling?? Yeah...I didn't think so...

[JRod]

Did you see the blog? I got it Big Dawg...

BTW, Nice work on the compilation of the records- Robby's mad skills are even more impressive when they are all put together.

Next he'll be training to be a cage fighter...

[obr184]

http://www.robbygordon.com/Imagefolio31_file/gallery/03_OFF-ROAD/05_RALLY_RACING/DAKAR_2007/004a_Scrutineering/Dakar_Scrutineering_24.jpg

Are these BFG projects in the spare carrier??

[FlyHiFlyLo]

So I keep hearing mention of "bigwigs" and VIPs being flown in for meet-n-greets with teams like VW and Mitsu....RG having any VIPs flown in for a visit?? some hob-nobbing? some kanoodling?? Yeah...I didn't think so...

Yeah, Speaking of hob-nobbing, they are Flying in Jeff Gordon's wife.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

http://www.robbygordon.com/Imagefolio31_file/gallery/03_OFF-ROAD/05_RALLY_RACING/DAKAR_2007/004a_Scrutineering/Dakar_Scrutineering_24.jpg

Are these BFG projects in the spare carrier??

No they are cut down Toyos on spun aluminum wheels so they are super light.

[Kartman]

sure look like projects, need bigger pics to be sure

[E&S Racing]

I heard from one of the wives (Husband works for Robby and is at the Dakar) that his team thinks someone might have messed with the gas the night prior to Robby having the fuel issues. Anyone know anything about this?? Fly have you heard anything..

[FlyHiFlyLo]

That would be a hard one to prove. (messing with the fuel)

[E&S Racing]

I know it would be hard to prove, but I was just curious if you had heard anything..

[RacingOne]

Robby had a flat on Stage 7 today, in the video on todays stage it should Robby and Andy changing the Toyo Tire that was flat. Pretty impressive, there first flat all rally, considering how Robby drives.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

sure look like projects, need bigger pics to be sure

T O Y O

[spalind]

Yeah, Speaking of hob-nobbing, they are Flying in Jeff Gordon's wife.

Hmmm...thought she'd be better for the kanoodling part...but hey, thats just me...

[tneve22]

Hmmm...thought she'd be better for the kanoodling part...but hey, thats just me...

Isn't she with child?

[Kartman]

T O Y O

so you say but credibility counts.

[Rufrider]

B..f....g......

[JRod]

Sure seems like a lot of Enquirer and Weekly World News Readers around...Just itching to get that out on the netPapaRazzi snapshot out on the net that shows "American Bad Boy" Robby using something other than he get's sponsored by...

[Yumaoffroad]

http://www.robbygordon.com/Imagefolio31_file/gallery/03_OFF-ROAD/05_RALLY_RACING/DAKAR_2007/004a_Scrutineering/Dakar_Scrutineering_24.jpg maybe the toyos dont fit on the rack mount because they toyos do look bigger

[Hemp]

well we already saw one photo of robby drinking some redbull, maybe he just fells like supporting some of his old time sponsors

the tread does look like the project tread, but the sidewall doesnt

[JRod]

With the minimal number of flats he has had, perhaps he is just using them as counter-balance weight anyway...

[Bricoop]

stage 7 now up.

YouTube - Stage 7 Report: Zouerat -- Atar

[spalind]

stage 7 now up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP0myrSlC3o

That was awesome!! Love the sand coming over the front of the hood...like hitting a giant mud puddle or pond--yet no water!! Fantastic!!

[E&S Racing]

The H3, Robby and Andy are awesome.... That in car footage is sweet of the railroad crossing. Looks like Robby is taking on some of the Andy Grider facial fair look.... Keep it up guys your doing great...

[Samco Fab]

Stage 7 video was cool for sure, that double Vdub pass on the railroad tracks:cool:

The engine sounds sweet, wish it sounded that good a few days ago, and it looks fast. I hope they keep it up!

Anyone know why they dont have support mechanics that fly from bivuac (sp?) to bivuac? Seems like putting all your support guys on the dirt would tire them out quickly, and that a couple of well rested guys to set up camp at the finish would save precious time and energy for the team.

[RacingOne]

The support team does not run on the same special stage as the races, they are like chase crews that jump ahead to the next pit stop for the night. They usually are on paved or dirt roads if possible. But when it rained, the roads became mud and you see one of the team get stuck.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Stage 7 video was cool for sure, that double Vdub pass on the railroad tracks:cool:

The engine sounds sweet, wish it sounded that good a few days ago, and it looks fast. I hope they keep it up!

Anyone know why they dont have support mechanics that fly from bivuac (sp?) to bivuac? Seems like putting all your support guys on the dirt would tire them out quickly, and that a couple of well rested guys to set up camp at the finish would save precious time and energy for the team.

Any air support is forbiddin. Even planes are not allowed to get near the cars if they find out a plane was with a team it is instant DQ.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

The support team does not run on the same special stage as the races, they are like chase crews that jump ahead to the next pit stop for the night. They usually are on paved or dirt roads if possible. But when it rained, the roads became mud and you see one of the team get stuck.

Yeah I got a report on that earlier, they got stuck in that river bed. The river bed looked dry there.

[Samco Fab]

Any air support is forbiddin. Even planes are not allowed to get near the cars if they find out a plane was with a team it is instant DQ.

I dont mean air support like in Baja, my understanding is that most of the teams mechanics fly from one bivuac to another in a huge plane supplied by the race orginization, and then wait for thier team to come in? In the past that is how it was done, with only a part of the team running in assistance trucks.

From what I heard, Robby opted out of using the plane transported mechanics, and decidied to transport them on the ground. I heard last year all his support was transported by plane, and that did not give him the support needed, so he put all his men on the ground. I would think a balance between both types of support would be easier on the crew.

[Hog Wild]

I dont mean air support like in Baja, my understanding is that most of the teams mechanics fly from one bivuac to another in a huge plane supplied by the race orginization, and then wait for thier team to come in? In the past that is how it was done, with only a part of the team running in assistance trucks. I haven't heard of this in recent years. I think EVERY crew member moves by truck or SUV, from bivouac to bivouac. Certainly the moto guys have no such option to have crew fly into each bivouac. They won’t even fly a DNF competitor OUT unless he’s injured.

There is an ASO associated "tour" service that flies a limited number of people into a FEW locations along the rally, such as the rest day, and the finish.

[bufeo]

There's another video, "Scenes from 2007 Dakar Rally" now up on RG's YouTube.

Allen R

[Sideways]

In case you need something to keep you awake tonight while you're waiting for the High Tech Tracking System to update.

Download the attacked .pdf file.

I found it on http://www.racepaper.de/

First one to complete assembly needs to post a picture!

[bufeo]

Maybe this question (or comment) has already been addressed, but I read through both the Stage 9 thread and this one and I haven't seen anything about it, so here goes.

All the RG talk has been about Stage wins, finishing in the Top 10, etc., etc., but in the Summaries of each Stage on the Dakar site, the "Category" winners are announced.

RG has won SIX of the nine Open Category Stages. Vigouroux won three before he withdrew in Stage 8.

Now I don't know about anyone else, but I see a First Place in the Open Category, regardless of where that classification stands in the whole sceme of things, as a very marketable success.

This means that a FINISH for RG, especially in the Top Ten, is just as marketable as a Class win in the Baja 1000, BITD's V2R, or you name it. How many times have I seen in the vitae of drivers/riders the "Baja 1000 Champion" with no clarification of the fact that the "Champion" was driving an XYZ-Sport and there were only three in the Class?

In our re-hash of each Dakar Rally Stage, and Monday-morning quarterbacking ad nauseum we are overlooking the fact that RG is leading in the Open Category and stands to pick up that prize money as well as the bragging rights.

As I wrote in my opening paragraph maybe this item has already been mentioned, and, if so, someone point it out to me and I'll delete this post.

Allen R

[JRod]

Maybe this question (or comment) has already been addressed, but I read through both the Stage 9 thread and this one and I haven't seen anything about it, so here goes.

All the RG talk has been about Stage wins, finishing in the Top 10, etc., etc., but in the Summaries of each Stage on the Dakar site, the "Category" winners are announced.

RG has won SIX of the nine Open Category Stages. Vigouroux won three before he withdrew in Stage 8.

Now I don't know about anyone else, but I see a First Place in the Open Category, regardless of where that classification stands in the whole sceme of things, as a very marketable success.

This means that a FINISH for RG, especially in the Top Ten, is just as marketable as a Class win in the Baja 1000, BITD's V2R, or you name it. How many times have I seen in the vitae of drivers/riders the "Baja 1000 Champion" with no clarification of the fact that the "Champion" was driving an XYZ-Sport and there were only three in the Class?

In our re-hash of each Dakar Rally Stage, and Monday-morning quarterbacking ad nauseum we are overlooking the fact that RG is leading in the Open Category and stands to pick up that prize money as well as the bragging rights.

As I wrote in my opening paragraph maybe this item has already been mentioned, and, if so, someone point it out to me and I'll delete this post.

Allen R

Excellent point- That is the first I had heard of it from that perspective.

[Sideways]

Nice work bufeo.

Now we're looking at the real picture. RG first in the Open class.

I just noticed that today when I read this on the Dakar.com site

19:46 - car
Stage 9 summary

Pending validation, Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser (Buggy Schlesser) won first-placed scratch time in 4h00’46, and got his 15th stage victory in the Dakar, also winning at the same time this ninth special stage in the two-wheel drive category, 13" ahead of his countryman Luc Alphand (Mitsu). Ranking 3rd in today’s special stage at 4’14 is Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsu) who benefited from the mechanical ordeal of Volkswagen in this stage and became first in the overall rankings where he now has a 7’50 lead over his teammate Alphand. In the open category, US driver Robby Gordon (Hummer) wins with the 11th-placed scratch time. Finally, in the production category, Frenchman Ronan Chabot (Toyota) is the day’s winner.


Let's F-I-N-I-S-H this thing!

[bufeo]

On another front (RG/AG), I just heard that the air compressor for the on-board air supply system went out today. They had a flat and had to nurse the beast to the finish.

Allen R

[EncLocal]

Now we're looking at the real picture. RG first in the Open class.

In the open category, US driver Robby Gordon (Hummer) wins with the 11th-placed scratch time. .




Now that I've been reading a little more about the different categories that race DAKAR, I don't think there's a conspiracy against RG. He is racing in class that does not get as much coverage as other classes. For example, the VW's, Mitsus and Schlesser all race in the "Super production" class and RG races in the OPEN class. If you watch many of the televised Baja races, they typically show TT and CL1's, not so much of the other classes like 1\2 1600. I'd guess its the same thing when it comes to coverage at the Dakar, they only show the big teams unless a small team makes some news.


With that said, I wonder who else is racing the DAKAR in the OPEN class besides RG?

See page 7 of the technical regulations for a description of classes
http://www.dakar.com/2007/DAK/presentation/docs/reglement_auto_camion_us.pdf

[Hog Wild]

I didn't realize that Robby is in the OPEN category, I thought he was in the same class as the VW's, Mitsus, and Schlesser. Three cars started in OPEN class:
1 320 GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER
2 328 VIGOUROUX (FRA) WINOCQ (FRA) CHEVROLET
3 350 BAILEY (USA) HEATH (USA) BUGGY

[EncLocal]

Three cars started in OPEN class:
1 320 GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER
2 328 VIGOUROUX (FRA) WINOCQ (FRA) CHEVROLET
3 350 BAILEY (USA) HEATH (USA) BUGGY


Thanks for info :-)

[Sideways]

Something to think about while we're waiting for the start !

Group Open
The organising committee reserve the right to refuse any crew in this category.

Groupe OP.1 : All vehicles conforming to Score Regulations.
Groupe OP.2 : 4 wheel drive vehicles more than 2.8 tonnes and less than 2.20 metres wide.
(see details in the technical regulations appendix of the current regulations.)

Also in regard to the T4 vehicles being late to a bivouac;

12P5:
Respect of the itinerary for T4 vehicles

If a T4 vehicle has carried out assistance on another vehicle in the race and reaches the bivouac out of time and by a parallel itinerary (marked piste or tarmac),
a fixed penalty of 50 hours will be awarded and will be taken into account for the start order of the following leg, whatever the possible priority of the crew. The T4 vehicle
concerned must indicate its leaving of the itinerary to race control via the Iritrack telephone.

T4 vehicles concerned must respect the rules governing speed limits imposed on assistance category vehicles.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

While waiting for the start.. Dakar Spot updated.

[acecoman01]

Three cars started in OPEN class:
1 320 GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER
2 328 VIGOUROUX (FRA) WINOCQ (FRA) CHEVROLET
3 350 BAILEY (USA) HEATH (USA) BUGGY

This is a class for SCORE legal vehicles. (listed as Scoring regulations)
ASO allows these vehicles to compete in Dakar under SCORE rules as they would not pass the FIA rules. All other classes have to comply to FIA regulations.

[RacingOne]

Stage 9 from Robby Gordon is up on his you tube website, notice the small right front tire toward the end of the video.

[JRod]

Watching the Stage 9 highlights on VS- RG got plenty of airtime, and took advantage of it by dropping the S-Bomb...which after watching him and AG get doused in the flour like sand, showed great restraint to limit it to one S-bomb.

Good footage of the Monster Hummer's power too though.

[Jack]

Wondering from the pics I've seen the refueling they do is very low tech, hand pumps or 5 gal dump cans with small diameter hose. With all the fuel Robby uses, I'm sure it takes him extra time to put more fuel back in. Or is this inroute refuel only for the bikes, and the cars go the full stage on one tank?

[Chase 2]

When there is refueling on the stage, everyone gets 15 min "free" to fuel and work on your equip.

[xtremedad]

Yesterday on the way home I was listening to Sirius Nascar radio. They were taliking on a topic of drivers doing other forms of racing. I wanted to call in and give the due respect to RG for racing in the Dakar, and doing well to boot. Some one else called in to say what I had wanted to. Well, the hosts of the show pretty much said "yeah, he's over there racing" . That was the extent of it :mad: I don't think they can stand the fact that RG is the most rounded of drivers in the sport today.

Keep it real Robby Gordon!

Your whole team is rockin!!

[Yumaoffroad]

RG stuck in sand video

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[JRod]

RG stuck in sand video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98qxPaj6z_U

"No bleeps in this video... Maybe we should have spotted that one..."

That video gives you half the idea I'll bet of the difficulties of Dakar... Good find.

[Bricoop]

RG stuck in sand video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98qxPaj6z_U

that sand looks like hell. Amazing anyone can make it through. Makes mexico's silt Beds look like a sand box.

[Bricoop]

don't know if this is a repost, but 12 is up. Robby seems a bit dissapointed.

YouTube - Stage 12 Report Ayoun -- Kayes

[AZBadseed]

Just thinking out loud....Robby ought to have all the Americans that raced and supported the American effort in this years Dakar Rally as guests or something like that for Daytona next month. A big Dakar Team USA type thing. I think it would help the effort for next years Rally. And get the rest of the guys (and himself) some cred. in a big venue like that.

[xtremedad]

Just thinking out loud....Robby ought to have all the Americans that raced and supported the American effort in this years Dakar Rally as guests or something like that for Daytona next month. A big Dakar Team USA type thing. I think it would help the effort for next years Rally. And get the rest of the guys (and himself) some cred. in a big venue like that.


That's a great idea. All competitors in attendance. I was also wondering on the plans for return to the US. Some of you locals should meet them at the airport?:) Who knows where they plan to return to?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Top 10 second year out! Great Job! Year 3... 3 is a charm!

Time for the beach tomorow.

[Ferrari333SP]

Hey, is the Monster Hummer eligible for any offroad racing series in the USA? Or is it only eligible for the Dakar?

[RGFan]

Stage 14 is up on youtube

[RGFan]

Hey, is the Monster Hummer eligible for any offroad racing series in the USA? Or is it only eligible for the Dakar?

It was eligible for Score Sanctioned events last year, Robby's dad raced it at the Baja 500, but they had some issues with it. Robby also raced and won the Trick Truck Class at the Parker 425 in the BITD Series. I believe he raced it right off of the plane from Dakar as is for the Parker Race last year.

[Ferrari333SP]

Stage 14 is a sweet vid. Hopefully they make one big video for the end thats like 10 minutes long.

[RGFan]

Stage 14 is a sweet vid. Hopefully they make one big video for the end thats like 10 minutes long.

I hear they are going to do a DVD of the entire race and include alot of footage not shown on youtube.

[swiftracing5]

It was eligible for Score Sanctioned events last year, Robby's dad raced it at the Baja 500, but they had some issues with it. Robby also raced and won the Trick Truck Class at the Parker 425 in the BITD Series. I believe he raced it right off of the plane from Dakar as is for the Parker Race last year.

Ya, he did win at Parker.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I hear they are going to do a DVD of the entire race and include alot of footage not shown on youtube.


Yup... confirmed

[RGFan]

Yup... confirmed


I got that tidbit from you Fly:)

[xtremedad]

I hear they are going to do a DVD of the entire race and include alot of footage not shown on youtube.

Now that will be "Must see" DVD. I can't wait to buy a copy.

[DrtSmplr]

Anyone know if the Hummer will be at Parker this year, along with the #77 TT ?

[Ferrari333SP]

Yup... confirmed

I'll definitely be buying one!

[aquafreer]

Yeah definately would buy a copy ( or 2 ) of the RG/AG Monster Dakar Team DVD .... it would be cool to have footage from the T4 truck and bivouac goings on , and interviews of all the team .... and if anyone knows if the H3 will run @ Parker or any other races please post .... can't wait for next years DAKAR .... and thanks to all DAKAR junkies & RDC for this forum ....