RG will do "Dakar" if in April

[Combo]

From Foxsports.com

LAS VEGAS - If the 30th Annual Dakar Rally goes on, Robby Gordon will be there.

According to Gordon, owner and driver for one of the 570 teams entered in the January 5th event that was cancelled due to terrorist threats, the rally will relocate to Central Europe and is expected to be run beginning on April 19, a date which coincides with one of the scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series off weekends this season.

Although no official announcement has been made about a rescheduled running of the event, Dakar Rally officials will hold a press event on February 4th when it is expected they will publicized the change in dates and venue.

If the schedule goes like Gordon anticipates, he would miss qualifying for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. However, he expects to return to the United States in time for the race on Sunday, April 27. Brendan Gaughan or P.J. Jones would likely qualify the No. 7 Ford for the race.

"My manager for the off-road program Kyle (Robbins) just got back Friday from Dakar from when we left on December 27," Gordon said. "All of our equipment has been relocated and is currently in Paris, France. One of our race trucks is back in the country. The second will be back in the country on the seventh or tenth of February.

"We'll test until mid-March and then we'll ship the trucks back to Europe. Rumor has it, it will be in Hungary. I'm only going off rumors, but to have a make-up race will be good for us as a company."

Should the change take place, Gordon said the main difference in the truck's set up will stem from competing on gravel as opposed to the Moroccan Desert.

[hangten33]

We'll keep our fingers crossed this time!!:D :D

[Chase 2]

It might be good for the company, being able to make sponsor commitments and all but, IT AIN'T THE DAKAR.

[NIKAL]

It might be good for the company, being able to make sponsor commitments and all but, IT AIN'T THE DAKAR.


I would assume that would be the case for most teams. I'm sure VW, Mitsu and most other teams need to show something for the millions of dollars the factories have spent, and other sponsors like Red Bull have spent. Can you imagine having to be the guy at VW that has to go to a meeting and tell the board you need another 40 million for next year to prepare for a race that was canceled this year. Or go to a big time sponsor and say hey are you ready to pony up this year for a race that we did not run last year. Who knows maybe because its not the real Dakar, teams like Mitsu and VW might pull out. Who knows! The reason their there is the same as why RG and Hummer are there.

[bufeo]

It might be good for the company, being able to make sponsor commitments and all but, IT AIN'T THE DAKAR.

Those of us who remember the "Old" Sebring 12 Hr, the "Old" Daytona 500, the "Old" Watkins Glen, the "Erstwhile" Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach...the list goes on.

Things change.

Allen R

[derco]

Hello

Anyone knows if there is any chance of RG enter in any other race (after hungary) in Europe or Africa this year?

Helder
www.offroadphoto.com

[alan4s]

Hello

Anyone knows if there is any chance of RG enter in any other race (after hungary) in Europe or Africa this year?

Helder
www.offroadphoto.com

Probably not. Robby keeps busy with his NASCAR team, and offroad races here in the US when he can squeeze them into the NASCAR schedule. Dakar was ideal for him since it's run during the NASCAR off-season.

[RGFan]

It will be pretty cool to see how the new hummers do against the other teams, But it is a real bummer that it is not the Dakar. I wonder how they will do on the gravel roads vs. the 4 wheel drives. That has always been their weak point during the first few stages of the Dakar in the past.

[RacerX1]

Dakar: ASO announce new Dakar Series - Start in Hungary

Amaury Sport Organisation announces the creation of the Central Europe
Rally. This new rally organised under the "Dakar Series" certification will
take place from April 20th to the 26th in Hungary and Romania.
Scrutineering and administrative checks will take place on 19th of April in
Budapest.

Read full article: http://www.marathonrally.com/news/8835.0.html

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

Maybe we will get some better TV coverage, being that it is in Europe. That would be a positive for sponsors and all of us.

[bajafox]

It will be pretty cool to see how the new hummers do against the other teams, But it is a real bummer that it is not the Dakar. I wonder how they will do on the gravel roads vs. the 4 wheel drives. That has always been their weak point during the first few stages of the Dakar in the past.

I wouldn't count on there being 2 Hummers at this race, at least not with Ron Bailley behind the wheel of one of them

I spoke to Ron before the start of the new CODE race this passed weekend, real cool guy and straight forward. Got to talk about what happened before DAKAR, his future with RG and other stuff. He's planning to do the Transoriental (sp?) in his own vehicle and he told me he wasn't doing business with RG anymore.

He said a few things of RG that would make Chase2 his biggest fan...

But he did say this "he's a hell of a driver"

He also told me his Hummer was never even tested before DAKAR and not even finished. Dont know if that's public info or not

Anyway, I'm now a fan of Ron Bailley and wish him the best in all his future racing endevours (sp?)

[Tipracer]

I wouldn't count on there being 2 Hummers at this race, at least not with Ron Bailley behind the wheel of one of them

I spoke to Ron before the start of the new CODE race this passed weekend, real cool guy and straight forward. Got to talk about what happened before DAKAR, his future with RG and other stuff. He's planning to do the Transoriental (sp?) in his own vehicle and he told me he wasn't doing business with RG anymore.

He said a few things of RG that would make Chase2 his biggest fan...

But he did say this "he's a hell of a driver"

He also told me his Hummer was never even tested before DAKAR and not even finished. Dont know if that's public info or not

Anyway, I'm now a fan of Ron Bailley and wish him the best in all his future racing endevours (sp?)

You trouble maker....JK btw how was the race??? And are you going to show up at the MDR race this weekend??

[bajafox]

You trouble maker....JK btw how was the race??? And are you going to show up at the MDR race this weekend??

Most of it was "off the record"...:D

Race was great, drank till 3am Friday night, woke up to the sound of a bike Saturday morning and drank till I had to stop before driving back home:)

[Chase 2]

He said a few things of RG that would make Chase2 his biggest fan...

I'm fairly sure that whatever he said would be preaching to the choir!! So much of what happens behind the scenes never becomes public. I think that he is better off playing the role of Sportsman/Hobby racer, without all of the pressure and BS that comes with teaming with Robby. I too which him all the luck in the upcoming Trans-Orental (sp?) event, it looks like epic fun!

[NIKAL]

If things went bad for RG and Ronn (it would'nt surprise me, Ronn has been through many shops and seems to never be satisfied IMO) But why would RG have been running the Ronn's Vangard logos on his TT at Laughlin and Parker? If they were done with each other RG would most likely have not have had Vangard on the rear fenders of the TT. Its not like that would make up for some of the Dakar issues. We know RG entered those races and the leap because of Monster and a few other companies.

So the question is then who really owns the 2nd Hummer and who would drive it for RGM in next years Dakar? And what happened to RG and Ronn's 3 year agreement?

[spalind]

If things went bad for RG and Ronn (it would'nt surprise me, Ronn has been through many shops and seems to never be satisfied IMO) But why would RG have been running the Ronn's Vangard logos on his TT at Laughlin and Parker? If they were done with each other RG would most likely have not have had Vangard on the rear fenders of the TT. Its not like that would make up for some of the Dakar issues. We know RG entered those races and the leap because of Monster and a few other companies.

So the question is then who really owns the 2nd Hummer and who would drive it for RGM in next years Dakar? And what happened to RG and Ronn's 3 year agreement?

Agreed...if Ron wants to pony up and keep up his end of the agreement (cash in as sponsor on vehicles) but doesn't want to race with RG anymore...so be it...not like RG won't have grade A drivers falling all over themselves to get into a contending Dakar effort...

[bajafox]

I'm fairly sure that whatever he said would be preaching to the choir!! So much of what happens behind the scenes never becomes public. I think that he is better off playing the role of Sportsman/Hobby racer, without all of the pressure and BS that comes with teaming with Robby. I too which him all the luck in the upcoming Trans-Orental (sp?) event, it looks like epic fun!

I'm still and forever will be a fan of Robby as I told Ronn when I spoke with him. But a few of the things he said didn't really surprise me as I do read about it from previous employees of RG. I dont want to speak for Ronn, I can only state my opinions on what he told me about him working with RG. From what I clearly understood is he was not happy with his partnership with RG and the whole DAKAR effort.




If things went bad for RG and Ronn (it would'nt surprise me, Ronn has been through many shops and seems to never be satisfied IMO) But why would RG have been running the Ronn's Vangard logos on his TT at Laughlin and Parker? If they were done with each other RG would most likely have not have had Vangard on the rear fenders of the TT. Its not like that would make up for some of the Dakar issues. We know RG entered those races and the leap because of Monster and a few other companies.

So the question is then who really owns the 2nd Hummer and who would drive it for RGM in next years Dakar? And what happened to RG and Ronn's 3 year agreement?

He told me he was not doing business with RG anymore so I'm assuming that the 3 year agreement they had is no more, which was what I had specifically asked him about. It's going to be interesting what does happen to the 2nd Hummer and who pilots it, if anyone, in the upcoming "make-up" race.

Ron also told me that Robby was the most vocal of the cancelation of the DAKAR and there was some things Robby said he did not agree with. He said the threat was very serious and that he had purchased safety equipment for he and his team as posted in another thread.

[NIKAL]

Just saw a picture of RG at Daytona talking with Tony Stewert and on the sleave of RG's Jim Beam driving suit is the "Think Security Think Vangard" logo. So is part of Ron Bailey's deal with RG to be on the Cup apparel too?

[RGFan]

Crazy, not suprising though. Will be interesting to see how it all goes down. Maybe Ronn Bailey leaving is part of what screwed RGM financially after the Dakar BS. Sorry but that H3 ride was probably Ronn Bailey's best chance of being competetive at Dakar or what ever it is called now. With that said, he seems like a good guy, hope he does well down the road. I thought RG was keeping all of the support vehicles at Ronns shop in France pending the April race in Hungary/Romania.

[OffroadExit]

Just saw a picture of RG at Daytona talking with Tony Stewert and on the sleave of RG's Jim Beam driving suit is the "Think Security Think Vangard" logo. So is part of Ron Bailey's deal with RG to be on the Cup apparel too?

he's got it on the Trophy Truck too.

[b-makk]

Sounds like RGM and RGO don't have the manpower to remove a few decals. Guess they're still busy picking their noses. ...dodge noses ...tumbleweed...

Doesn't surprise me one bit about RG and Ronn. I don't know either of them but I can just imagine that RG is a tyrant of a boss. That being said, I cheer for the driver and not the boss.

If RG and Evernham make it 1/2 way through the season together I'll be surprised.

[dfmcse]

I don't add my two cents very often on these boards . . . (though I follow them religiously) and my Rep Power is non-existent you may not care what I have to say. But I'll tell you two no three things.

1. Robby doesn't know when to shut his mouth.

2. Ronn doesn't know when to shut his mouth.

3. GAS ON!!!!!!!!!

Doug a RGM Fan.

[RGFan]

I don't add my two cents very often on these boards . . . (though I follow them religiously) and my Rep Power is non-existent you may not care what I have to say. But I'll tell you two no three things.

1. Robby doesn't know when to shut his mouth.

2. Ronn doesn't know when to shut his mouth.

3. GAS ON!!!!!!!!!

Doug a RGM Fan.


Wow. Simple and to the point:D

[JRod]

Yeah, there is a reason you don't see two alpha-males running around in packs in the wild... it just don't work for very long.

[RGFan]

I have got to say, that H3 is probably the nicest car that Ronn ever came close to ALMOST racing

[attikus]

he sucks at nascar racer

[randy s]

he sucks at nascar racer

i don't know about that. if his decision making improves and does'nt get in wrecks that are'nt his own fault, he will prolly be one of dodges top two or three drivers. i think if he gets cars that can run up front, then that's where he'll spend alot of his time. to many natural skills to suck in any form of racing. if you've won in indy cars, trans am, sportscar races, off road, and nascar races you have one heluva resume. could be his year. i hope so.

[b-makk]

he sucks at nascar racer

If attikus gives us negative feedback will we get positive 14 points? -(-14)?

[spalind]

I saw an interview (on Speed) with RG today while he was at Daytona discussing the makeup Dakar race in Hungary/Romania in which he very clearly said that he is going to run in the race and looks forward to running his "Hummers" against the competition...very specifically he used the plural for of Hummer so I do believe you will see two Hummers there with or without Ronn....

[Combo]

Saw that too!! You beat me to it!! He did clearly say HummerS!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

If attikus gives us negative feedback will we get positive 14 points? -(-14)?

Make that -27. LOL

[Bricoop]

My guess is that Grider or Baja Bob will drive the other hummer.

[RGFan]

I just added my -9........Does not make sense to have Andy drive does it, with he being the navigator and all. I am not doubting his talent. BUt if they are serious about winning, you would think they would want RG and Andy together, so they are at 100%. Now if this is just a dirt road and the first guy to the finish wins, no navigation necessary, then I would say yeah, that would be a nice fit.

[Mary Kay]

he sucks at nascar racer


mr. negativity at his finest!

even though i am not a big robby fan, i still like to see him do well:)
not sure where your post puts you at??????????

[GRIDERRACING]

I know that both Hummers will be in hungry. If Ron choose not to race I will stay with Robby. I would love to drive but it would not make sence. Hopefully i will drive a Hummer in the future.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Andy thanks for the response... A win in the co-dawg seat would be more fun.

[kaw500]

Forgive me I gave our hero ATTIKUS pos reps. Does anyone know a way I can reverse this or do I have to go forward knowing I'm a bonehead?

[b-makk]

Forgive me I gave our hero ATTIKUS pos reps. Does anyone know a way I can reverse this or do I have to go forward knowing I'm a bonehead?

HAHAHA, you told him he deserved that and all the others too and then you gave him positive. Too funny!!:D

[bajafox]

Make that -27. LOL

haha -30

Andy, thanks for chiming in. From what Ron told me he will not be in a Hummer this year or in the near future. Hope the second Hummer gets someone good to get her to the finish, maybe Pistola?:D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Ryan Arceiro... Ba Ha Ha!!! What about Jerry Welchel???????

[desertbull]

Howabout...Rob Mac? Credentials speak for themselves.

[NIKAL]

Is'nt Rob Mac tied to Ford and BFG some how? I cant see him running a GM / Toyo truck.

[MALABANAN]

What about Tim Lawrence of TLR, he can drive, fab, repair and dodge bullets! One FAST Motha hu hu!!!

[Combo]

How bout Jesse Jones or Scott Steinberger? Team Toyo Off-Road drivers.

[randy s]

scott would be a great choice for a driver and prolly even a better choice as a navigator. what about pastrana? he can fly in that environment. he's young, fearless, smart albiet a bit out of control [sound like anyone we know bout 10 or 15 years ago?] and has the temperment to deal with rg. he is also familiar with the whole rally concept. that is, of course, in case rob mac can't make it. there's alot of great drivers out there. will higman would be a great choice as well. or turbo.

[Offspring]

Will gets my vote!!!

[Ferrari333SP]

scott would be a great choice for a driver and prolly even a better choice as a navigator. what about pastrana? he can fly in that environment. he's young, fearless, smart albiet a bit out of control [sound like anyone we know bout 10 or 15 years ago?] and has the temperment to deal with rg. he is also familiar with the whole rally concept. that is, of course, in case rob mac can't make it. there's alot of great drivers out there. will higman would be a great choice as well. or turbo.


Would there be a problem with the Monster sponsorship, with Pastrana being attached to Red Bull?

[Combo]

Would there be a problem with the Monster sponsorship, with Pastrana being attached to Red Bull?

And BFGoodrich.

[RGFan]

scott would be a great choice for a driver and prolly even a better choice as a navigator. what about pastrana? he can fly in that environment. he's young, fearless, smart albiet a bit out of control [sound like anyone we know bout 10 or 15 years ago?] and has the temperment to deal with rg. he is also familiar with the whole rally concept. that is, of course, in case rob mac can't make it. there's alot of great drivers out there. will higman would be a great choice as well. or turbo.

Yeah, I posted Pastrana earlier........RG said he wanted a World Class Rally Driver, that is American.........IMO, Travis is the closest thing to fitting that bill. As far as the sponsor conflicts.....This is not in his regular series which he races and to be honest this is a big time race with all involved. Maybe he goes to the sponsors and asks them to either provide a ride in the race or to be allowed to run this one race. His sponsorship is for an American series......This is an international race. I do not see Volkswagon punting one of their drivers to make room for Travis. Maybe Travis races the Pro-Comp, Menards or Jim Beam colors.

[Chase 2]

Besides Travis being sponsored by Subaru & Red Bull & BFG in his Rally Car, he is signed to Red Bull as a Red Bull Athlete. Red Bull backs everything Travis does. There is no way he would be part of some Monster related GM program. Red Bull already has a cross country rally team with the top drivers in the world on contract. RG is right, for this race you need a rally guy, not some heavy handed desert guy that will stuff the Hummer in a tree.

Speaking of Red Bull & rally, look for Carlos Sainz to win, IF VW decides to join in the "Dakar" replacement race. He's got more rally experience (and wins for that matter) than anyone on the Mitzu or Beemer teams.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Closet Freak!

[Racerinside]

Ken Block should get the other drivers seat, he is a great driver, has a bunch of rally experience, and he can fly.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Besides Travis being sponsored by Subaru & Red Bull & BFG in his Rally Car, he is signed to Red Bull as a Red Bull Athlete. Red Bull backs everything Travis does. There is no way he would be part of some Monster related GM program. Red Bull already has a cross country rally team with the top drivers in the world on contract. RG is right, for this race you need a rally guy, not some heavy handed desert guy that will stuff the Hummer in a tree.

Speaking of Red Bull & rally, look for Carlos Sainz to win, IF VW decides to join in the "Dakar" replacement race. He's got more rally experience (and wins for that matter) than anyone on the Mitzu or Beemer teams.

I'm surprized you didn't talk highly of Mark Miller... After all he and Volkswagon are Pike's Peak Champs.

[Will_Higman]

there's alot of great drivers out there. will higman would be a great choice as well.



Will gets my vote!!!

Hey Guys

Thanks for the vote of confidence and even to be mentioned as a driver in the same thread as RG is humbling in itself…

I have already let it be known to Robby that I would make one heck of a “good drafting partner” and I truly believe it. Dakar style racing is something that I know I could excel at if given or creating the opportunity for myself. There are also a lot of other good drivers out there and many of them bring more to the table then I do. Not just driving skills and smarts but the whole package including sponsorship.

Believe me my wheels have been turning the last few years especially after being on the rally last year.

I am not part of the team this year and I haven’t been keeping up with the ins and outs regarding anything. I hope to be back in the future and time will tell…

Thanks again for the tip of the hat!

:)

[Combo]

I just read somewhere that Garron Cadiente was sponsored by Toyo Tires. Did I miss something. Is this old news? But anyway. I think Garron would be a perfect choice! I would love to see him in a Monster hat talking about the Dakar!! That guy flys everytime I see him!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Ken Block should get the other drivers seat, he is a great driver, has a bunch of rally experience, and he can fly.

Good call.... ;)

[buggyracer1677]

The way I see it the driver of the 2nd hummer would be brinning money to the table, otherwise why would have Robby picked up Baliey, money is the name of the game and I am sure Andy knows what hes talkin about.

[GRIDERRACING]

The way I see it the driver of the 2nd hummer would be brinning money to the table, otherwise why would have Robby picked up Baliey, money is the name of the game and I am sure Andy knows what hes talkin about.

I would love to drive my self and feel that I can produce some good results. So dont count me out. Maybe 2009. If money was not the issue I would drive this year. Keep your fingers crossed for Andy in 2009. :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Ronn better show up... He could do good, the seat time will prepare him well for 2009. I hope he doesn't quit.

[RGFan]

The way I see it the driver of the 2nd hummer would be brinning money to the table, otherwise why would have Robby picked up Baliey, money is the name of the game and I am sure Andy knows what hes talkin about.

While Ronn and his money helped out, that is for sure, having a second car there helps make RG that much more competetive in the big scheme of things. All of the big teams are multi car teams and the cars that fall back on time can be used to support the contender when the going gets tough.

[b-makk]

If Robby lost $4.5mil, how much did Ronn lose? Will Robby recoup any of that 4.5 when he races in the make-up Dakar?

[RGFan]

If Robby lost $4.5mil, how much did Ronn lose? Will Robby recoup any of that 4.5 when he races in the make-up Dakar?

That is an excellent question. It would be easy to assume so, but who knows?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

If Robby lost $4.5mil, how much did Ronn lose? Will Robby recoup any of that 4.5 when he races in the make-up Dakar?

Ronn's portion was tied into that... If he showed up in Lisbon with his own gig like last year he still would have lost the $$$... I hope he isn't trying to be a Wenzel.

[Bricoop]

If Robby lost $4.5mil, how much did Ronn lose? Will Robby recoup any of that 4.5 when he races in the make-up Dakar?

Yes it does. per RG, this will satisfy the agreement.