PDA

View Full Version : Why no shortened Dakar..



FlyHiFlyLo
January 8th, 2008, 12:34
Posted by Scott Hardin on another board.

Dear ADV Gang,

I was just as disappointed when I heard the news about the cancellation of the 08 Dakar but not at all surprised. I have known for close to two years now that Dakar was on borrowed time. The race orgainzers have been looking around(albeit secretly)for a potential new location for sometime and had made it clear to me(at least reading between the lines)that 08 or certainly 09 would be the end.

As to why it was cancelled totally with no attempt at a shortened version....the answer is pure and simple......event insurance. If they cancelled before the event their(ASO's) insurance coverage kicked in covering them from most of the loss. If they ran just one day and cancelled the event insurance became invalid.

My heart goes out to all the privateers who forked over so much dough and so much sweat to pursue the dream. The factories will all survive, no matter how much they voice their displeasure. Now turn your attention to Baja and what is going on south of the border. It could be next to fall. Its only a matter of time. We are all living on the edge of a dream.......and the edge draws closer day by day.
__________________
Roaring Horse

Alliturken
January 8th, 2008, 14:28
Well, that explains it.

ASO have said they will lose $35,000,000, which seems like a small amount of money all things considered about the size and scope of the event, so it must be one heck of a massive insurance policy to cover all but $35,000,000. I hope that amount is the expected loss AFTER refunding competitor entry fees....I figure (roughly) they must be now holding somewhere between $60,000,000 and $80,000,000 in entry fees alone, all of it should be refunded.

Good point he makes about Mexico, too.

Jack
January 8th, 2008, 16:08
How much did Wild Hog save by them not having a sidecar class?