New "Dakar Series"

[alan4s]

Found this tidbit today via a google search:
(http://www.sportsya.com/english/news.php/Dakar_Rally_to_be_called_Dakar_Series_and_staged_i n_Argentina_and_Chile.htm l?id_estruc=283&id=169427)



Dakar to be staged in Argentina and Chile
The competence will be called Dakar Series and will be divided into three stages: the first in Hungary and Rumania, the second in Spain and Portugal, and the third in South America.

26-01 | 10:43 hs. The rumors of the last week were confirmed. Only the official announcement was missing, but it arrived on Friday: the traditional Dakar rally will be staged in Argentina and Chile.

It was also announced that its name will be Dakar Series and will be run in three stages. The last one, in the South American countries.

None of these three stages will be held in Africa. The first phase, beginning on April 11th, will be staged in Budapest, then in the rest of Hungary and Rumania. Then, in September, the second stage will begin in Portugal and then it will be raced through Spain.

Already in January 2009, it will reach Buenos Aires for the last stage, moving on to Chile, to return then to its starting point for the end of the competition.

The 2008 Dakar Rally was cancelled due to security concerns.


Not too clear on the particulars, but if the April 11 start from Budapest mentioned is supposed to be the makeup for this year, then Robby will either miss it, or would have to skip the Pheonix cup race.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Hummm... Interesting... I hope they find some huge dunes...

[dustyhusky]

My first thought is 'way to go ASO' for trying to do something big!

However--
Without Africa its just not the same to me.

[Bricoop]

Sounds like it is going to happen. And if Robby can't drive because of Nascar Andy will drive the car

[bufeo]

Sounds like it is going to happen. And if Robby can't drive because of Nascar Andy will drive the car

Wooo hooo! Way to go! http://expeditionportal.com/forum/images/smilies/wings.gif

Allen R

[Bricoop]

Wooo hooo! Way to go! http://expeditionportal.com/forum/images/smilies/wings.gif

Allen R

Expect the official announcement tomorrow.

[Bricoop]

That's Andy Grider for clarification.

[dlink]

Unfortunately, this new "Dakar Series" loses the whole idea behind the original Paris -Dakar; where amateur racers (albeit at a very expensive cost for the average participant) could particpate side by side with professional teams and take a shot at their dreams in the world's longest (maybe toughest, with deference to Baja) offroad race / raid. Where else could the Rally Pan Am Team with Charlie Rauseo leading the way, make it possible for the riders he has coached to make it to such an international level? Where else could you have the daughter of the President of Senegal (Sindjely Wade), compete in a Toyota Land Cruiser and 'rub elbows' with the likes of the world's elite of off road racing. Hey, even Mark Miller made his 'mark' in the Dakar driving a "Toyota Challenge" Land Cruiser to a 19th place finish before he got THE ride in a VW Touareg! How about all of the everyday 'joes' who have given their all, both financially and physically to compete in this event.
Now ASO wants to create a 3 event series whereby an entrant, in order to win, must compete in Europe in April, return and compete in Europe in Spain, and then go to South America to compete in Argentina & Chile, in the Fall?? Great for reading (and / or watching) for us arm chair drivers, but certainly not a possibility logistically or financially for the heart of what made the Dakar, THE Dakar!
I look forward to the organization who can create an event that is challenging for the world's professional teams, but also still make it possible (even on a stretch) for those of us who dream of just conquering our own Mt. Everest's!

[Desert Dog]

Unfortunately, this new "Dakar Series" loses the whole idea behind the original Paris -Dakar; where amateur racers (albeit at a very expensive cost for the average participant) could particpate side by side with professional teams and take a shot at their dreams in the world's longest (maybe toughest, with deference to Baja) offroad race / raid. Where else could the Rally Pan Am Team with Charlie Rauseo leading the way, make it possible for the riders he has coached to make it to such an international level? Where else could you have the daughter of the President of Senegal (Sindjely Wade), compete in a Toyota Land Cruiser and 'rub elbows' with the likes of the world's elite of off road racing. Hey, even Mark Miller made his 'mark' in the Dakar driving a "Toyota Challenge" Land Cruiser to a 19th place finish before he got THE ride in a VW Touareg! How about all of the everyday 'joes' who have given their all, both financially and physically to compete in this event.
Now ASO wants to create a 3 event series whereby an entrant, in order to win, must compete in Europe in April, return and compete in Europe in Spain, and then go to South America to compete in Argentina & Chile, in the Fall?? Great for reading (and / or watching) for us arm chair drivers, but certainly not a possibility logistically or financially for the heart of what made the Dakar, THE Dakar!
I look forward to the organization who can create an event that is challenging for the world's professional teams, but also still make it possible (even on a stretch) for those of us who dream of just conquering our own Mt. Everest's!

My sentiments entirely. I was talking to the people at the UAE Desert Challenge rally office this morning and they have had an incredible number of enquiries for the next event which will be held in October, due to the Dakar 'crisis'.

People with 'normal' jobs are not going to be able to get the time off for 3 events. The 'Series' would remain the arena for the professionals......

[Ryno]

That's Andy Grider for clarification.

Ha ha ha! The other one's been busy talking out of a body much bigger than his own.

Grider will do fine. That will ne neat, to break it up. More TV coverage that way as well. I hope this goes off. RG will get alot more exposure with the race covering 3 continents as well. Shipping and logistics just became a nightmare though.

[Bricoop]

Ha ha ha! The other one's been busy talking out of a body much bigger than his own.

Grider will do fine. That will ne neat, to break it up. More TV coverage that way as well. I hope this goes off. RG will get alot more exposure with the race covering 3 continents as well. Shipping and logistics just became a nightmare though.

most of his stuff is still over there thankfully.

[big oly P.J]

:confused: I do hope that ASO will eventually bring the event back to Africa. Please

[Gonzalo Bravo]

:confused: I do hope that ASO will eventually bring the event back to Africa. Please

No, just leave it down here !!! ;)

It is closer to you too

[RGFan]

:confused: I do hope that ASO will eventually bring the event back to Africa. Please

I think that depends on the terrorists:mad: