Central Europe Rally Race MAIN THREAD

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Well it's time to start the main thread for this race.

Being that we will probally get no sleep for 7 days it's time we focus. :D

http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/img/parcours.jpg


BUDAPEST > BALATON LAKE - from 19 to 26 April 2008 Date
2008, April

Saturday 19 Checks in Budapest - L / S / L

Sunday 20 Budapest Baia Mare - 63 / 468 / 531

Monday 21 Baia Mare Baia Mare - 152 / 140 / 292

Tuesday 22 Baia Mare Debrecen - 152 / 285 / 437

Wednesday 23 Debrecen Veszprem - 150 / 430 / 580

Thursday 24 Veszprem Veszprem - 210 / 107 / 317

Friday 25 Veszprem Veszprem - 210 / 107 / 317

Saturday 26 Veszprem Balatonfüred - 155 / 42 / 197

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Carlos Sainz
'After what happened in January, it's good to be able to get back to competing, in a new race and on a new terrain.
I'm really happy to be with the team again and I can't wait to get back in the car. Of course, we don't really know what type of terrain or conditions awaits us.

However, the 7 km that I drove last week during the trials were extremely tough and I hope it isn't going to be like that throughout the rally, otherwise I'm going to have a very sore neck and back. We'll see what happens, but one sure thing is that the terrain will be very similar to how it is in the Baja rallies, like the Transiberico or Baja Espana, although the competition is much tougher, which means that the race for overall victory is going to be very closely fought”.

Translation: Robby is going to smoke our butts if we don't get on smoooth girly roads.

[RGFan]

Lets light this candle

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Stage 1:
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/SpottedCow7/Start_Stage_1.jpg

[gootjr]

When is the start? Are those estimated times?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Right now it is 7:18PM or 19:18

Basically time is 10 hours faster. Than PST

The start of the special is at 11:45 PM tonight.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

All the Monsters are through tech one hour ago.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Has anyone found tracking site????

Maybe here-> http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/120/posis_Mtime/1.html

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Links


http://www.robbysuprising.com/ (Linked to RGM and TDUSA Site as well)

http://www.marathonrally.com/en/

http://www.centraleuroperally.com/

http://www.rally-live.com/

http://www.toyo.com/centraleuroperally/

http://www.raid-live.com/dakar/en/index.shtml

http://www.motorsport.com/news/series.asp?S=DAKAR&Y=0

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/motorsport/central-europe-rally/

http://zitzewitz.com/dakar/wp-content/plugins/translator.php?l=en&u=http://zitzewitz.com/dakar/

[FlyHiFlyLo]

19-04-2008 - Luc Alphand – MITSUBISHI – N° 202
“I believe that everyone left Lisbon disappointed and frustrated, so we’re really happy to see each other again here in Hungary and Romania, to get back behind the wheel after almost a 5-month break and to take part in a different type of race that’s shorter and more suited to WRC where the gaps aren’t in minutes but in seconds. It’s going to be an almighty battle, because all the favourites are here, with all the factory teams, but also Robby Gordon and many others, so it’s going to be interesting in sporting terms. As far as we’re concerned, we aren’t really WRC specialists so Carlos Sainz might have a small advantage over us. Mind you, we came here to win and we’ll try our best to do so. It’s very likely that we will have to push ourselves just that bit further in terms of driving. Personally, I’m a little bit stressed because it’s not really my speciality: there are no wide open spaces. It’s driving in a pure sense, but we have to be able to accept new challenges and adapt to them as best as possible. It’s also a chance to discover a new country that I didn’t know before: we’ll be going through the Carpathian Mountains, which is a mythical and fabulous region. There might be bears, some of the roads may need to be cleared by snow ploughs, lots of things like that… So, there you have it, these are different countries but they are worth discovering”.

Translation: Robby is going to kick our Butts.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

19-04-2008 - Stephane Peterhansel – MITSUBISHI- N° 200
“We’ve been kicking our heels waiting to race for a while now, so we’re over the moon to meet up with the rest of the Dakar’s participants. What’s more, it’s a new adventure: we’re discovering a new country and a new type of race with specials that we will have to cover several times. That means it’s going to be rather strange. We’ll see what happens. Perhaps we aren’t the best equipped to win on this specific type of terrain, but in any case we are going to fight as hard as we can and make sure we have a chance, bearing in mind that our cars are mainly designed for speed in wide open spaces. However, we’ll have to try and adapt. We’ve done a 100-km trial on tracks similar to what we are likely to come across here. We’ve modified the car accordingly, but in any case, the terrain will vary a lot from one day to another, so it’s a real leap into the unknown and we’ll probably have to keep making adjustments at the end of each day. The drivers will have to adapt to the terrain as well and drive more aggressively because the gaps will be much smaller than on 500-km long special stages. So, we’ll have to stay fully focused from start to finish”.

Translation: Robby is going to kick our butts

[michael_loomis]

Fly, you are an expert translator!

So I'm thinkin VDubs experiance at the Baja 500 should pay huge dividends for this rally.. anyone agree? of course they will all be dicing it up for 3rd place! ;)

[racer951]

I did some research this morning and thought it would be interesting to post a side by side comparison of all the major team vehicles.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 6 Cylinder Diesel, 2997cc
Power: 254.8 HP/479.4 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 109.3 In.
Track Width: 68.9 In. F/R
Weight: 4189 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG 31.7/9.4

Volkwagon Touareg

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 5 Cylinder In-line Diesel, 2500cc
Power: 276.3 HP/450 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 111 In.
Track Width: 68.9 In. F/R
Weight: 3941 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG 31.7/9.4

BMW X3

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 6 Cylinder Diesel, 3000cc
Power: 271.2 HP/457.3 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 112.2 In.
Track Width: 71.5 F/R
Weight: 4189 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG

Hummer H3

Drive: 2-Wheel
Motor: 8 Cylinder Gas, 7000cc
Power: ? Fly?
Wheelbase: 120 In.
Track Width: 88 In. F/R
Weight: 4500 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 20 F/R
Tires: Toyo 34.8 x 14.4?

[michael_loomis]

and the Euros think Macdonalds is what makes us "Big American Pigs" ... LOL

[racer951]

Fly, you are an expert translator!

So I'm thinkin VDubs experiance at the Baja 500 should pay huge dividends for this rally.. anyone agree? of course they will all be dicing it up for 3rd place! ;)

I was thinking the same thing. I think Mark has an excellent shot at being the first VW with De Villiers next, especially if a good portion of the rally is rough.

[CDN11]

Right now it is 7:18PM or 19:18

Basically time is 10 hours faster. Than PST

The start of the special is at 11:45 PM tonight.

There is 9 hours time difference between the west coast and Budapest

Now 1200 on west coast it is now 2100 in Budapest

The cars will start at 0105 PDST

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_HU.aspx

[CDN11]

I did some research this morning and thought it would be interesting to post a side by side comparison of all the major team vehicles.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 6 Cylinder Diesel, 2997cc
Power: 254.8 HP/479.4 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 109.3 In.
Track Width: 68.9 In. F/R
Weight: 4189 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG 31.7/9.4

Volkwagon Touareg

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 5 Cylinder In-line Diesel, 2500cc
Power: 276.3 HP/450 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 111 In.
Track Width: 68.9 In. F/R
Weight: 3941 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG 31.7/9.4

BMW X3

Drive: 4-Wheel
Motor: 6 Cylinder Diesel, 3000cc
Power: 271.2 HP/457.3 Ft. Lbs
Wheelbase: 112.2 In.
Track Width: 71.5 F/R
Weight: 4189 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 9.84 F/R
Tires: BFG

Hummer H3

Drive: 2-Wheel
Motor: 8 Cylinder Gas, 7000cc
Power: ? Fly?
Wheelbase: 120 In.
Track Width: 88 In. F/R
Weight: 4500 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 20 F/R
Tires: Toyo 34.8 x 14.4?

According to the above figures Gordon only needs around 350 HP to have the same power to weight ratio and his torque is higher anyway just going by the cc's. I feel he will have to build up a substantial lead in the open terrain sections in order to have a cushion when the roads get tight and the four wheel drives will have an advantage. Also his big plus is the huge wheel travel he has.

Just my 2 cents :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Hummer H3

Drive: 2-Wheel
Motor: 8 Cylinder Gas, 7000cc
Power: 490hp/510ft. lbs
Wheelbase: 120 In.
Track Width: 88 In. F/R
Weight: 4200 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 20 F/R
Tires: Toyo 34.8 x 12.5?

Wheel Travel
10.00" Mitsu/VW/BMW
23" Hummer

Don't forget boys and girls... Fuel Mileage is not an issue with this rally so the mapping is at full tilt.

[CDN11]

I like to wish #35 Donald Hatten the best of luck. I don't know him but he is a local competitor from the Island. The cancellation of the Dakar was a blow to the pocketbook, it is amazing he made it.

[Curtis Guise]

new VW PR posted in News. http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?p=437596

[CDN11]

Apparently these are some of the roads to be travelled.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Apparently these are some of the roads to be travelled.

Don't lift.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Apparently these are some of the roads to be travelled.

Where did you find those pics?

[bufeo]

Apparently these are some of the roads to be travelled.

Piece of cake. Looks like the ALCAN Hwy in the spring of 1958, but, then, we spent a lot of time with our 1955 Ford Custom SW going in reverse, ergo "front-wheel" drive.

Fly's right, don't lift.

Allen R

[CDN11]

Where did you find those pics?

Friend of mine from over there sent them

[CDN11]

Piece of cake. Looks like the ALCAN Hwy in the spring of 1958, but, then, we spent a lot of time with our 1955 Ford Custom SW going in reverse, ergo "front-wheel" drive.

Fly's right, don't lift.

Allen R

Yes like the old ALCAN road which is sadly enough now paved so everybody can travel north.

[RGFan]

new VW PR posted in News. http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?p=437596

Title of the pic: "The Contenders";) Look at it long and hard Runn.....That could have been you. The funny part is, you are still paying for it:D

[klaus]

There has been only very light rains here or very short hard rains (like a 20mins burst). Its rather dry. I haven't seen huge mud puddles or flooded streets yet. When we jumped on the course today in our Fiat (think Honda Civic) we had to floor it in order to not get stuck.

The big difference between the H3 and lots of the common European vehicle is suspension. I went to the Mitsubishi test and they buck kick a lot where RG never lifted and went fast in the same section. Its a long race and I am sure there are sections favoring a nimble 4wd vehicle. Logistics also plays a huge factor and teams like VW and Mitsubishi have RGM beat on that. The results at the end of the day will answer all questions.

[RGFan]

There has been only very light rains here or very short hard rains (like a 20mins burst). Its rather dry. I haven't seen huge mud puddles or flooded streets yet. When we jumped on the course today in our Fiat (think Honda Civic) we had to floor it in order to not get stuck.

The big difference between the H3 and lots of the common European vehicle is suspension. I went to the Mitsubishi test and they buck kick a lot where RG never lifted and went fast in the same section. Its a log race and I am sure there are section favoring a nimble 4wd vehicle. Logistics also plays a huge factor and teams like VW and Mitsubishi have RGM beat on that. The results at the end of the day will answer all questions.

Very well put. Maybe one day, Hummer/GM will step it up and make this program more of a priority like Volkswagon, Mitsu and BMW does

[racer951]

Hummer H3

Drive: 2-Wheel
Motor: 8 Cylinder Gas, 7000cc
Power: 490hp/510ft. lbs
Wheelbase: 120 In.
Track Width: 88 In. F/R
Weight: 4200 Lbs.
Wheel Travel: 20 F/R
Tires: Toyo 34.8 x 12.5?

Wheel Travel
10.00" Mitsu/VW/BMW
23" Hummer

Don't forget boys and girls... Fuel Mileage is not an issue with this rally so the mapping is at full tilt.

On the travel numbers, 250mm = 9.84. Basically 10 though. RG's site had it listed at 20 inches...I can see maybe 23 in the front but are they really risking it to get that in the rear as well?

As for the tires, they were running the 37 x 14.5's before they switched to the 35's so I just assumed they would go with the widest configuration there, which is a 13.5 (which somehow measures to 14.4). If they are running the 12.5's like you said, the true width should be right around 13. The 14.5's measured 15.6 so why go 2 1/2 inches narrower? Lose more unsprung weight?

[racer951]

Anyone else notice Mr. pantless?

[bufeo]

Yes like the old ALCAN road which is sadly enough now paved so everybody can travel north.

Yep, and they've even taken the fun out of the Stewart-Cassiar route. Oops, think we're straying off topic.

Allen R

[geronimo5]

Anyone else notice Mr. pantless?

I'm sure he has a Euro Banana Hammock under the shirt:eek:

[alan4s]

During the technical scrutineering marathonrally.com reporter Joerg Sand interviewed Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi Pajero Evo MPR13).

Marathonrally.com: Hello Stéphane. You are switching over to driving in the mud?

Stéphane Peterhansel: Yeah, that's true, let us see what comes out of it. We will have strong competitors.

Marathonrally.com: How would you rate the Toyo-Hummer from Robby Gordon and B.J. Baldwin?

Stéphane Peterhansel: We were testing together in Veszprem and the Hummers were also there during that time. In the testing area there was a long bumpy passage with a lot of small hills. On these conditions the Hummers were unbeatable. The car has a gigantic suspension system and a lot of power. Their cars have also been constructed in a way that shows a lot of experience and good engineering.



Translation: What, haven't you been paying attention? Robby will be kicking some Euro-ass, and they know it!!

[Big Hock]

Ha, I just watched the first episode on ch.101, and Luc Alphand(sp?) was practically drooling all over the H3's. They even caught him taking "spy" photos of the suspension. It was a pretty funny clip.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

They even caught him taking "spy" photos of the suspension.

Well all they had to do was look at your average fat, rude, American Trophy Truck! LOL

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Dude look over to the right and see Robbysuprising link! LOL

http://www.marathonrally.com/news/central_europe_rally_mitsubishi_back_on_the_compet ition_trail.9470.0.html

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Well, so far The Monster once again has stole the show.... All the euros can't get over the front end of that beast!

[Mumzy]

What is this picture of ?????

36133




Is that Peterhansel sitting in the Hummer????? By the smile on the face of the guy in the background he just may be???

[CDN11]

What is this picture of ?????

36133




Is that Peterhansel sitting in the Hummer????? By the smile on the face of the guy in the background he just may be???

That is Alphand

[alan4s]

Dude look over to the right and see Robbysuprising link! LOL

http://www.marathonrally.com/news/central_europe_rally_mitsubishi_back_on_the_compet ition_trail.9470.0.html


Yeah, I saw that. And the Toyo CER blog too.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG starts 29 minutes back BJ starts 35 back.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/flyhiflylo/robby/startinglineup.jpg

[CDN11]

That means Gordon starts 0319 PDST, 9 hour difference.

[bufeo]

That means Gordon starts 0319 PDST, 9 hour difference.
...and 0319h ARIZONA time. Wooohooo! Not much shuteye over the next few nights.

Allen R

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Friend of mine from over there sent them

you have a PM

[FlyHiFlyLo]

That means Gordon starts 0319 PDST, 9 hour difference.


Are you sure? see post #4 I have my computer clock set to GMT+2 and it's 5:29am right now.

[CDN11]

The time in Hungary right now is 0459

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_HU.aspx

[CDN11]

if you are in Arizona you are MDST

GMT(UTC) is 0302

see post 16

[CDN11]

you have a PM

I answered your message

[cancinoj]

starting times are gmt +2 or +1, ???

[CDN11]

starting times are gmt +2 or +1, ???

It all depends where you live here is a site of the present time in Budapest
that way you can calculate the start time

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_HU.aspx

[cancinoj]

It all depends where you live here is a site of the present time in Budapest
that way you can calculate the start time

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_HU.aspx

from what i read there, +2, so, pacific time is -8, 10 hours difference,. ok,. got it.

[Big Hock]

+1. 9 hour difference. Go to your computer clock, Budapest is apart of GMT+1, which means I'll have to go to sleep before it starts. :(

[cancinoj]

+1. 9 hour difference. Go to your computer clock, Budapest is apart of GMT+1, which means I'll have to go to sleep before it starts. :(

yes, my pc shows budapest as gmt +1, but, also, the site http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_HU.aspx shows budapest with a central european summer time of +2,. so,. wich one is right:confused:

[Big Hock]

Well, that link shows 6:54am, which is what my pc says at +1, so I'm gonna go with that.

[REEVESRacing]

...and 0319h ARIZONA time. Wooohooo! Not much shuteye over the next few nights.

Allen R

Everybody post!

Scott..thx. for stating this thread (you big Turkey).

Alan, How u Bean, Frijole?

Go RG and BJ.

[cancinoj]

Well, that link shows 6:54am, which is what my pc says at +1, so I'm gonna go with that.

ok ok. i will too,.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Everybody post!

Scott..thx. for stating this thread (you big Turkey).

Alan, How u Bean, Frijole?

Go RG and BJ.

No turkey tonight, must stay up. :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

First stage.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/SpottedCow7/CARTE.gif

[klaus]

finishing breakfast and on our way to ss1.
weather right now is blue sky, no clowds.

Hope to have some 411 up later in the day. We have a long drive ahead of ourselfs after the special.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Klaus, what time is it there???

[RacingOne]

Finally we can talk racing, just need for Robby to keep it in the top ten every day.

[Brian1]

Klaus, what time is it there???

Fly, try this: http://24timezones.com/world_directory/current_budapest_time.php

[Curtis Guise]

when is someone going to have a link to the TV show online?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

when is someone going to have a link to the TV show online?

I just emailed The Punk for the same answer.

[Marty]

Fly when is the first stage start ??

[FlyHiFlyLo]

From what I gather the cars start at 11:50AM GMT+2. Some say GMT+1... Either way it's about midnight-2am.

[cancinoj]

so, no live tracking?

[Ryno]

I didn't find any live tracking either. Anybody speak french to decode the central europe rally site?

[RGFan]

AZ is PDT right now. In the winter we are MST

[cancinoj]

I didn't find any live tracking either. Anybody speak french to decode the central europe rally site?

can't find a thing not even in english, ha, just click ont the british flag,.

[cancinoj]

http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/120/posis_Mhour/2.html

[RGFan]

During the technical scrutineering marathonrally.com reporter Joerg Sand interviewed Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi Pajero Evo MPR13).

Marathonrally.com: Hello Stéphane. You are switching over to driving in the mud?

Stéphane Peterhansel: Yeah, that's true, let us see what comes out of it. We will have strong competitors.

Marathonrally.com: How would you rate the Toyo-Hummer from Robby Gordon and B.J. Baldwin?

Stéphane Peterhansel: We were testing together in Veszprem and the Hummers were also there during that time. In the testing area there was a long bumpy passage with a lot of small hills. On these conditions the Hummers were unbeatable. The car has a gigantic suspension system and a lot of power. Their cars have also been constructed in a way that shows a lot of experience and good engineering.



Translation: What, haven't you been paying attention? Robby will be kicking some Euro-ass, and they know it!!

Yet again, the Hummers seem to be getting alot of attention. But for what seems to be a first time, the Hummers are being truly respected and considered favorites, or so it seems. I really believe if GM could get off of their arses and throw some real money at this program, TDUSA could be a balls to the wall "World Class Program", something that would really help grow RGM as a whole and help RGM eventually become the next Penske Racing so to speak.

[Hemp]

so what's going on? No live tracking at all???? Did they start at 11:50?

[REEVESRacing]

finishing breakfast and on our way to ss1.
weather right now is blue sky, no clowds.

Hope to have some 411 up later in the day. We have a long drive ahead of ourselfs after the special.

Thx. Klaus - what a GREAT adventure -enjoy!

[freddy]

This race is going to be great!

[raceygirl22]

Where do we go this time around to monitor? I have not found LIVE coverage yet =( Help...please.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Man we need some info!

[raceygirl22]

Man we need some info!

This sucks! I thought for sure Fly would be in the know. Surely someone is going to cover this live...right?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Breaking news (GMT + 1)

10:14

1 - Go, go, go!
The first edition of the Central Europe Rally began for real this morning when the first motorbike started the special stage. To inaugurate this grand opening it was, honour where honour is due, the winner of the 2007 Dakar Frenchman Cyril Despres who was the first to start, followed two minutes later by the victor in the 2006 edition of the African classic, Spain’s Marc Coma.

[tneve22]

good thing I took my phone to bed with me. Twitter woke me up.
RobbyGordon: ok we are all at the starting line and are ready to attack the first stage.

[raceygirl22]

I just found the same thing and a video that was from yesterday. Apparently we are not going to see the progress this time around...maybe it's a security measure? BC will post when the day is over and we always have direct tv for 13 minutes of coverage, I was really looking forward to watching live. I REALLY feel like I'm missing something!

[tneve22]

The videos from the Direct TV show have been uploaded to uprising site. They are on the left hand side 2 video parts fro WJM.
Here is a link for part one which I am watching
http://www.robbysuprising.com/video/video/show?id=1646874:Video:106302

[freddy]

Gordon 2nd at checkpoint 1 and BJ 6th. All the big names should be through by now, looking good.

[Alliturken]

Nice!

Edit: Finish times now showing, Gordon 2nd, 41 secs behind Sainz, 15 ahead of De Villiers. BJ's time not in yet.

Edit2: BJ in 23rd. Good showing by Petersen in 14th, and Jonah Street in 8th. Tough day for Miller who rolled it twice.

[plantman]

Tough job ahead for Mark

[bufeo]

Quoted from ASO page:



Robby Gordon – Hummer - 212

http://www.centraleuroperally.com/PHOTOS/CER/2008/100/live_us_01_212.jpg

“It was a good first day because we finished just 41 seconds behind the winner. What’s more, to be frank, if I hadn’t overrun a couple of bends and had to reverse each time, I think I could have finished first. At the end of the day, it’s not a problem, especially since I started a fair way down the field and I had to overtake Bruno Saby. Of course, after more than a year away from the wheel of a rally-raid car, Andy (Grider) and I had to get used to it again and we made a few small road-book mistakes, but nothing too serious. In any case, I’m satisfied that my car handled the woops perfectly. I didn’t think they were all that big, in any case. All in all, it was good fun and it’s sure that the race is going to be tight!”

JONAH STREET finished eighth 3min 40sec "adrift".

[bobbychuck]

http://www.robbysuprising.com/video/video/show?id=1646874:Video:106302

Come over to the uprising to see part two.

[CDN11]

AZ is PDT right now. In the winter we are MST

Interesting

[HDRA1]

what happened to BJ ?

[alan4s]

what happened to BJ ?

Ramses explains, on the Toyo blog:


Robby Gordon finished second today in the first stage of the Central Europe Rally. I am in the ASO Press Center in Baia Mare right now. We made our way to “Hero” square this morning to see the cars stage and make their driver and car presentations. There was a small liaison today to the start of the race. I was traveling in the rental van that Kyle was driving. The ASO gave us a press packet, which included special maps to different points of access to the racecourse. We followed the directions and threw in the GPS coordinates to our GPS system. We were lost around this small rancher/farmer town for about an hour. All of us were very frustrated; the Media Hummer H1 was also behind us. We finally found the racecourse after numerous attempts. We headed out to the middle of the course; Robby and BJ had been through that section 10 minutes prior. The Policeman that I talked to said: “He was the best one”. We heard word that Robby and BJ finished, so we headed towards the finish line.



Robby finished 2nd in his Hummer H3. His final time was 40 minutes 37 seconds. He is 41 seconds behind the stage winner Carlos Sainz. This is Carlos’ backyard so Robby knew he had his work cut out for him. I’ll upload a video below so you can see Robby’s comments on the stage. BJ Baldwin finished 23rd, 9 minutes 41 seconds behind the winner. A spare drive shaft that is fastened in the engine bay fell of, knocked in to the engine pulley and popped a belt. He lost about 8 minutes changing the belt.



Robby Currently stands in 2nd place, he started 12th this morning. BJ is 23rd right behind Gordon. BJ proved himself to be very fast among the top drivers in the world. We will see tomorrow how he performs.

[racer951]

Carlos Sainz – Volkswagen - 201

“I was really very surprised by the terrain today. I didn’t think for a moment that we would be shaken around like that. There were loads of bumps on the track, real woops like in super-cross. What’s more, the road was very narrow so we had to be extremely careful. To be honest, I didn’t really like it, and my back hated it. All in all, it ended up being satisfying because we finished first, but the road is still long. I’m satisfied with how the car handled today, even if, as you will know, we drivers always expect more from our trusty steeds”.

Still complaining...hope this whiner drops off.

Giniel de Villiers – VW - 203

“I’m happy that that’s finished! This first special was really tricky because if you drove only 5 kmph too fast over the woops, you were in real danger of rolling the car or hitting a tree on the side of the track. That meant it was quite stressful, but in the end I’m satisfied with my 3rd place, even if I could have attacked a little more and perhaps finished second. In any case, one thing is sure: I’ll have to give it all I’ve got and go as fast as possible because everyone behind is striving as hard as they can”.

Looks like he learned a lot from the whoops at the 500. Maybe Mark was a little overconfident in the big stuff?

[alan4s]

It doesn't look like the TDUSA T4 #429 ran the first stage special at all - according to the CER web site. Anyone know anything about this?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Sweet! RG comes out of the gate smoke'n!

Mark Miller Rolls... That sucks... It puts him out of it pretty much.

Even BJ being the only 10 minutes down pretty much makes a huge dent. But he could still do some great driving and pull it out.

[HDRA1]

Sweet! RG comes out of the gate smoke'n!

Mark Miller Rolls... That sucks... It puts him out of it pretty much.

Even BJ being the only 10 minutes down pretty much makes a huge dent. But he could still do some great driving and pull it out.

if BJ is 10 minutes down i think he might need the replacement grilles for the hummer i know he is not affraid to use a bumper those poor BMW's Mitsu's and VW's :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Just got word from the boys. They just dragged Mark's VW in and they think they are going to park it. It's pretty much totaled. Find out more soon.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Standings:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/flyhiflylo/robby/startinglineup-1.jpg

[RGFan]

if BJ is 10 minutes down i think he might need the replacement grilles for the hummer i know he is not affraid to use a bumper those poor BMW's Mitsu's and VW's :D

Yeah, RG almost got a 10 minute penalty for using his bumper last year, not a wise idea, but certianly would be entertaining to watch. RG finishing second in a special where 4 wheel drive and the WRC talent was supposed to dominate....Shows that RG and the Hummers are there. The diet the Hummers went on, along with the narrowing of the chassis has seemed to do the trick. Seems like the cocky arrogance the factory teams had against the H3 has been replaced with anxiety and sick stomachs.
We knew RG would be on it, I want to give a big congrats to BJ and his finish as well.....Yes 10 minutes behind, but 8+ of those was puting on the v-belts that fell off, there are a couple of specials that are long and I think he can make some of that back up. Whats more, he has a good attitude, wants to learn, already hauls arse and he seems to be having a blast. Great job TDUSA.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

if BJ is 10 minutes down i think he might need the replacement grilles for the hummer i know he is not affraid to use a bumper those poor BMW's Mitsu's and VW's :D

He will be fine. His problems today pretty much killed a top 5-8 run.

I wonder how Runn Bailey would have done???? Ha Ha!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Man like these guys have never seen whoops! LOL

16:02 - Car

220 - Spain’s Manresa taken to hospital
Having rolled his car at 13.36 after 24 km of the special, Spaniard Antonio Manresa (No. 220) stopped at the side of the track, suffering from severe pain in the back. Immediately, the organiser’s medical team were dispatched and decided to evacuate him by helicopter to Budapest hospital. Fortunately, the Iberian driver was more shaken than hurt and the results of a CAT scan did not reveal any serious injuries, just some painful bruising. However, for caution’s sake, he will be kept in hospital under observation for 24 hours.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Baldwin was 16th only 24 seconds back from the leader at Check point one... Not bad at all

Every one else behind him 17th was over 5 minutes back at CP1. Yes! BJ can wheel a car.

[bhernquist]

It doesn't look like the TDUSA T4 #429 ran the first stage special at all - according to the CER web site. Anyone know anything about this?
There was talk that the suspension mods to the truck may result in a DQ. (It was 4 linked front and back before the Dakar) Also, very little test time and issues with the steering. I hope to hear from Turbo and Reams today. When I do, I'll post.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

You think zoo road is bad?

http://robbygordon.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1646874:Video:106491

It's Flucking nuts through those trees!

[RGFan]

There was talk that the suspension mods to the truck may result in a DQ. (It was 4 linked front and back before the Dakar) Also, very little test time and issues with the steering. I hope to hear from Turbo and Reams today. When I do, I'll post.

Oh, that sucks.....The "Big, Black MAN" down, hopefully not out. Back to the drawing board.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

http://www.toyo.com/uplimages/robbyherosquare.jpg

[bufeo]

Man like these guys have never seen whoops! ....

Well Miller rolled also, so guess it's not just the experience with whoops.


...hope this whiner [Sainz] drops off...

I disagree here. Sainz, de Villiers, Souza, Peterhansel--the list goes on--are all world-class rally drivers. I hope they are all in at the finish...WELL BEHIND the RG/AG team. :D

Allen R

[alan4s]

There was talk that the suspension mods to the truck may result in a DQ. (It was 4 linked front and back before the Dakar) Also, very little test time and issues with the steering. I hope to hear from Turbo and Reams today. When I do, I'll post.


But they would have been DQ'd at scrutineering yesterday - I'd think we would have heard before now if that was the case.

If the T4 can't run the specials, that could be problematic for the H3's if they need assitance.

[RGFan]

But they would have been DQ'd at scrutineering yesterday - I'd think we would have heard before now if that was the case.

If the T4 can't run the specials, that could be problematic for the H3's if they need assitance.

Yeah, absolutely........The Vanguard H3 will turn into the Parts Donor when needed if that is the case, that would suck. And if they break.......No bueno

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Budapest, Hungary – American driver Robby Gordon and his Monster Energy Toyo
Tire blazed to a second place finish in the first stage of the inaugural
Central European Rally.

The stage began before a large crowd at Hero's Square in Budapest where the
teams were introduced to the spectators. The competitors then drove to
beginning of the special 58km away in Dabas. More like a WRC style rally
course rather than the marathon wide open stages of the Dakar, Gordon and
navigator Andy Grider laid siege to the tight twisty tree lined narrow
track.

"We attacked the course today. This is a sprint race that is going to be one
by minutes if not seconds, so it is great that we are second after the first
stage. This was a fantastic result for our team because we are competing
against some of the best teams in the world. The competition has done their
homework but so has this team. We went hard today and still got beat by
about 40 seconds so I know we have some work to do, but overall I'm very
happy" said Gordon.

Teammate BJ Baldwin impressed the crowds with his wide-open driving style
but one of the spare drive shafts stored in the engine compartment broke
free and knocked off a drive belt, which he and navigator Kevin Heath
repaired. With the setback the Vanguard Hummer team finds themselves
in 23rdposition – 9:41 seconds back from overall stage winner Carlos
Sainz of
Spain.

The rally now heads for Baia Mare in Romania for the second stage which will
feature two specials – both 76km. The terrain is reported to be muddy and
rocky.

Coverage of the Central Europe Rally can be seen in the United States on
DirecTV. The half hour show will be aired twice – first at 7p.m. est and
then again at 12:30a.m. Additional rally coverage can also be found on
robbygordon.com and robbysuprising.com where Team Dakar USA will have daily
updates, the twitter micro blog feed, and videos.

[Marty]

I wonder if Runn is watching on 101 ???:D

[Offspring]

Just give him a shout out here...hey Runn!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

16:56

Round-up of the first special stage
With this first special stage now completed, three competitors have abandoned (one quad and two cars) due to mechanical problems. The caravan is now on its way to Baia Mare in Romania and includes a total of 234 vehicles: 96 bikes, 17 quads, 82 cars and 39 trucks.

By the Way... Where is that dyke rally chick?

[alan4s]

I wonder if Runn is watching on 101 ???:D

Shhh! You shouldn't speculate on what Ronn is doing - for security reasons. ;) The terrorists might be reading this, you know. :eek:

[FlyHiFlyLo]

http://multimedia.raid-live.com/en/raid/video/

[RGFan]

Shhh! You shouldn't speculate on what Ronn is doing - for security reasons. ;) The terrorists might be reading this, you know. :eek:

His contacts have already notified him:D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

While a multiple somersault made a sudden and early end to the Central Europe Rally appearance of Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/RSA).

Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)
"A good start for Volkswagen into this new rally.
Quite obviously, I'm delighted with Carlos Sainz and Michael Périn taking the lead as well as four Race Touaregs finishing among the top six. The team does an excellent job and the cars are running perfectly. Still, the somersault of Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford represents a warning for everybody. On this difficult terrain, the slightest mistake can result in severe consequences. Fortunately, they both survived the incident unharmed but our engineers checked the car and it's just impossible to repair it in time for leg two.”

#206 – Mark Miller : DNF
"Unfortunately, our rally was over with just a few kilometres covered. I a sharp right-hander, we suddenly lost control and the car somersaulted several times. Still, in this incident, the Race Touareg again demonstrated to be a reliable and safe car. My co-driver Ralph Pitchford and I survived the incident unharmed and are fine. I'm really sorry for Volkswagen and the mechanics who did a great job preparing the Race Touareg for us.”


Chase you better haul butt to Europe. Sounds like Mark could use a glass of "Some High Quality H2O".

[RGFan]

Wow, the dominant VW Team already loses a car. Just sorry it was one of ours who had the issue. Sounds like the shock packages along with the 10 inches of travel is making the Factory drivers work for their money.. I wonder what the chances are of the factory teams going to the open class with the change of venues, as is happening now. Their vehicles are nothing close to being stock.... I would think it would be a win win for the factory teams. RG sounded like it was just another day at the office with the 20" of travel.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Stage 2 = 2 72kM loops.

http://www.centraleuroperally.com/PHOTOS/CER/2008/200/CARTE.gif

Welcome to the Carpathian Mountains
The length of this second stage is 292 km, with a 152 km timed section. In fact, the competitors will travel round a 76 km loop twice during the day. Obviously, the terrain will have changed considerably in between these two loops, so all the competitors will have to make sure they can adapt to the worsening conditions and handle the degradation of the track. The route starts with a very wide track, but it soon narrows on its arrival in the medium altitude mountains. The competitors will then have to confront a very winding and very technical track on which it is highly likely that snow awaits: during reconnaissance, the organisers had to use a snow plough to clear a forest track, a large part of which is occupied by snowdrifts. Once again, surprises will clearly be in store for the competitors. Perhaps we might even see the appearance during the special stage of the famous Romanian bears that are very common in this region.

[woundedyak]

Chase, do not forget the clean rags and buckets....Sounds like it can use a good wash......And oh yeah....If your lucky, you can change the tire

Doh!!!!!!!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

With the melting snow and high tempatures there should be tons of mud.

[steveG]

Just got word from the boys. They just dragged Mark's VW in and they think they are going to park it. It's pretty much totaled. Find out more soon.

What drag Mark. Go get 'em Robby!!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG starting second is going to be a great advantage beacause the course will be less tore up...

[CDN11]

It has bin said the start order will be reversed, could somebody confirm this please, it could sure change the picture of the whole rally.

[RGFan]

It has bin said the start order will be reversed, could somebody confirm this please, it could sure change the picture of the whole rally.

Have not heard that at all. That is not SOP for past rallys.

[CDN11]

RG starting second is going to be a great advantage beacause the course will be less tore up...

It has been said that the start order will be reversed after every stage, that could change the whole picture of the rally. Could someone confirm this please.

[alan4s]

It has been said that the start order will be reversed after every stage, that could change the whole picture of the rally. Could someone confirm this please.

Where did you hear this?

[alan4s]

RG starting second is going to be a great advantage beacause the course will be less tore up...

...until the second lap.

[CDN11]

Have not heard that at all. That is not SOP for past rallys.

You are right this was not SOP in the past but if I remember correctly this was to be one of the changes for THIS event, I believe it has also been discussed some time ago on this board. That is why I am asking if someone could kindly confirm or deny this .

[RGFan]

Nothing posted on the CER website about a reverse starting order.

[harleys dad]

to much presure for miller?? That really sucks

[RGFan]

to much presure for miller?? That really sucks


To many side bets with Rg pushed him over the edge:D All joking aside, it is really a bummer that they rolled. I am just glad nobody was hurt.

[dlink]

Regarding the start order this is from the Central Europe Rally Regs:

11P3 START ORDER
a) There will be no Super Special.
For the 1st leg, competitors will start in race number order; the first 10 every 3 minutes,
the following 10 every minute, and every 30 seconds for the remainder.
Trucks will start every minute, behind the cars.
From the 2nd leg, the competitors will start in order of the previous day’s selective
sector’s results or of the addition of both selective sectors’ results (for the stages
with 2 selective sections); the first 10 cars every 2 minutes, the following 10 every minute,
the remainder every 30 seconds.
Trucks will start every minute, behind the cars.
b) For the stages with 2 selective sections, the finish order of the first selective
section will give the start order of the following selective section; the gaps will
remain the same as on the first selective section.

[CDN11]

Regarding the start order this is from the Central Europe Rally Regs:

11P3 START ORDER
a) There will be no Super Special.
For the 1st leg, competitors will start in race number order; the first 10 every 3 minutes,
the following 10 every minute, and every 30 seconds for the remainder.
Trucks will start every minute, behind the cars.
From the 2nd leg, the competitors will start in order of the previous day’s selective
sector’s results or of the addition of both selective sectors’ results (for the stages
with 2 selective sections); the first 10 cars every 2 minutes, the following 10 every minute,
the remainder every 30 seconds.
Trucks will start every minute, behind the cars.
b) For the stages with 2 selective sections, the finish order of the first selective
section will give the start order of the following selective section; the gaps will
remain the same as on the first selective section.

Thank you

[cancinoj]

YouTube - Central Europe Rally: Video from the Technical Scrutineering

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Sorry! but the next big race has already started... The next big race???? Oh I'm sure all the top dawgs will be there...

A message to all members of Where's Ronn!?

Ronn Bailey has departed to France today to participate in the next big race, Rallye De Tunisie. Rallye De Tunisie begins April 23rd, log onto wheresronn.com for the latest information.

Visit Where's Ronn!? at: http://www.wheresronn.com

[alan4s]

Sorry! but the next big race has already started... The next big race???? Oh I'm sure all the top dawgs will be there...

A message to all members of Where's Ronn!?

Ronn Bailey has departed to France today to participate in the next big race, Rallye De Tunisie. Rallye De Tunisie begins April 23rd, log onto wheresronn.com for the latest information.

Visit Where's Ronn!? at: http://www.wheresronn.com

The moderator at Where's Waldo is a real putz. The mod posted a thread there about how the Central Europe Rally is not the replacement for the Dakar. It was an interview from several months ago with the ASO dude when the CER was announced. It seems Vanguard and thier lackys are trying to position this as a completely different race that was not part of the sponsorship deal.

Anyway, the thread was titled "Central Europe Rally". Given the title, I posted the RGM press release as a response.

That thread has now been deleted. Perhaps the putz objected to the part about BJ Baldwin in the Vanguard Hummer.

It's kind of a fun game though, I might just keep it up until the putz figures out how to kick me off. I'll invite everyone else here to jump in, if you want.

[woundedyak]

The moderator at Where's Waldo is a real putz. The mod posted a thread there about how the Central Europe Rally is not the replacement for the Dakar. It was an interview from several months ago with the ASO dude when the CER was announced. It seems Vanguard and thier lackys are trying to position this as a completely different race that was not part of the sponsorship deal.

Anyway, the thread was titled "Central Europe Rally". Given the title, I posted the RGM press release as a response.

That thread has now been deleted. Perhaps the putz objected to the part about BJ Baldwin in the Vanguard Hummer.

It's kind of a fun game though, I might just keep it up until the putz figures out how to kick me off. I'll invite everyone else here to jump in, if you want.


Nice work! Game on for me!

[racer951]

An interesting sidestory of the race so far has been Cars vs. Bikes and Trucks vs. Quads

Leading car has 4 seconds over the lead bike and the leading truck has 13 seconds over the lead quad.

Does Fretigne still have the 2wd bike? He seemed to do much much better in the early mud of the Euro/African Dakar. If tomorrow is as muddy as they say, he could be a top dog.

How does everyone think the mud will play out? 4wd vs. 2wd of the Hummers? Robby has the mud tires with a much more aggressive tread pattern. Are the other teams allowed to change treads between stages? I'm guessing not.

[CDN11]

Does anyone know if they are running the two stages tomorrow in the same direction or are they reversing after the completion of the first run?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Same Direction.

[cancinoj]

YouTube - Central Europe Rally - Stage 1 Summary

[erikh]

Wow. Sure does look like Mark Miller trashed his ride. I'm glad they are okay.

erik

[alan4s]

Nice work! Game on for me!

The moderator at Where's Waldo explains:


Information pertaining to Central Europe Rally is appropriate, false information stating that Vanguard is a sponsor is not appropriate. That is false information and we will remove all inappropiate and false information.
Thank you.



Touchy bunch of folks there. So the trick will be... doing it anyway! :D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Ha Ha here was mine:

Vanguard is not associated with Robby Gordon's Team and is no longer a sponsor. The hummer was suppose to have all of our logo's removed.


Here was my response back.... LOL

I seen all the coverage today and BJ Baldwin and Kevin Heath have Vangaurd all over the side. Even Robby Gordon's web site still shows Vanguard. His Nascar still has Vanguard on it. The Support Trucks have Vanguard on them. You should check your sources. I'm sort of confused. The Vanguard, Toyo Tires, Hummer looked Great!

[JasonHutter]

Ha Ha Ha..... thats funny!

[RGFan]

I think you pissed them off Fly, I could not find any discussions.....Whatever you posted has been cleared out...WIth that said, somebody should ask Ronn how he feels about his navigator running with BJ in Europe instead of with him in Tunisia..... And just a little info, Libya and Tunisia is about twice as bad as Mauritania ever could be when it comes to terrorist activity. I am suprised that Ronn's "Contacts" have not warned him of this.

[bufeo]

Ha Ha here was mine:

Vanguard is not associated with Robby Gordon's Team and is no longer a sponsor. The hummer was suppose to have all of our logo's removed...

Gee, and the responder seems to be illiterate. "[L]ogo's" should not have an apostrophe.

Allen R

[alan4s]

Gee, and the responder seems to be illiterate. "[L]ogo's" should not have an apostrophe.

Allen R


The responder is the moderator at Where's Waldo. She also happens to be the Director of Human Resources at Vanguard.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Everybody, go make "Ronn Blows Dog Nuts" your friend on Where's Waldo. He He

[geronimo5]

Everybody, go make "Ronn Blows Dog Nuts" your friend on Where's Waldo. He He

Added you as a friend:D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Team Dakar USA has their stage one 101 coverage uploaded.

http://robbygordon.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1646874%3AVideo%3A107095

[dfmcse]

WJM is doing a heck of job, huh Fly. I'm on the road this week and have not been able to follow the rally closely. Thank God for RDC and the Uprising or it would really suck. I'm turning late nights in to later nights learning about what happened in the Rally.

GAS ON RG & BJ!!!!!

Sorry to hear about MM. However, I've got to say it was impressive to see the Vdub continuing on even though bodywork and door were gone. To bad they couldn't continue but I'm glad they are safe.

Hoping for a RG & BJ "how to race the Central Europe Rally" show the next stages.

That's right, GAS ON again!!!

Back to work and looking forward to more updates. Thanks RDC, ing.com, and all the RACE fans and Racers that are posting.

Doug

[SunsetCliffsMocos]

Everybody, go make "Ronn Blows Dog Nuts" your friend on Where's Waldo. He He

:D :D :D LMFAO!! Pissed off the girlfriend busting up during her t.v. show!!:D :D

[Combo]

Okay so i just watched all the films.

Love how the guy with the accent said Robby was in second because all the mistakes he made due to the "inexperienced co-driver". Didn't know Andy was a rookie!:D We all know Robby overdrove a turn and put it in reverse due to his Gas On driving style! Thats why we are fans!!

Are "mud flaps" required? I see every vehicle with them.

Showing up late for the race huh? Sounds like Parker!:D

Last, if Andy McMillin has any pull over there at the "other" energy drink. I want that air show aerobatic stunt at Parker next year at contingency!!!!:D :D :D

I feel this is the year of the Monster Hummer!!!!!

Oh yeah on a side note, I went to Target today and it just so happened that I went through the toy section. And at the end of the aisle it caught my eye!!!!! The 1/18 scale remote control Monster Energy #7 Ford Fusion Cup Car. I felt like screaming like a kid!!! I looked around and people were giving me looks as I hugged the box!!!! Oh well they will never understand!!!!!!

[RGFan]

Okay so i just watched all the films.

Love how the guy with the accent said Robby was in second because all the mistakes he made due to the "inexperienced co-driver". Didn't know Andy was a rookie!:D We all know Robby overdrove a turn and put it in reverse due to his Gas On driving style! Thats why we are fans!!

Are "mud flaps" required. I see every vehicle with them.

Showing up late for the race huh? Sounds like Parker!:D

Last, if Andy McMillin has any pull over there at the "other" energy drink. I want that air show aerobatic stunt at Parker next year at contingency!!!!:D :D :D

I feel this is the year for the Monster Hummer!!!!!!!

I would not hold your breath on the air show........WIth that said, Parker would be a great place to have it. Watching those planes dip below the gorge at Big Bend would be sweet.

[DSRacing]

Everybody, go make "Ronn Blows Dog Nuts" your friend on Where's Waldo. He He

Done.

[Score 44]

Yes " mud flaps " are mandatory at all times....



Think Strange

[Justin]

Wow this thread would make me think RObby and BJ are the only Americans running. How about Street starting with an 8th spot and Peterson running 14th

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Wow this thread would make me think RObby and BJ are the only Americans running. How about Street starting with an 8th spot and Peterson running 14th

Yeah Peterson did well today...

But we want a DeZert hero to win in some American Iron not a unknown in a buggy thing. :D

Kind of like rooting for Lance Armstrong. We want the American that should win...win. Then BJ 2nd then Peterson 3rd... How's them apples?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

The bikes should start in 20 minutes. RG in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

[cancinoj]

The bikes should start in 20 minutes. RG in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

so, what kind of info you can get on line, "live", i have a lot of work to do, so will not sleep,, so, to keep an eye on the job and an eye on RG. :D :D

[Hemp]

I dont believe there is any live updates available this year

[BANNEDFROMBAJA]

what is the best place to follow the race from. some of the links suck=(

[cancinoj]

a11:27 - Car

200 - Peterhansel takes the upper hand
With a time of 59’12”, Stephane Peterhansel has won the 1st special of the day, 5" in front of German Dieter Depping (VW). Frenchman Luc Alphand (Mitsubishi) placed himself provisionally in 3rd place. The leader of the general standings this morning, Spaniard Carlos Sainz, finished 2’08” behind the winner


no news on rg, the others are in front,

[tneve22]

here are the arrival times for the first part today. Robby looks like he is around 11th.
1 201 SAINZ (ESP) 10:16:20 01:01:20
2 200 PETERHANSEL (FRA) 10:20:12 00:59:12
3 212 GORDON (USA) 10:20:55 01:03:55
4 203 DE VILLIERS (ZAF) 10:23:46 01:04:46
5 213 DEPPING (DEU) 10:24:17 00:59:17
6 209 SOUSA (PRT) 10:26:07 01:03:07
7 202 ALPHAND (FRA) 10:26:39 00:59:39
8 204 ROMA (ESP) 10:29:39 01:00:39
9 208 CHICHERIT (FRA) 10:34:21 01:00:21
10 207 MASUOKA (JPN) 10:35:23 01:02:23
11 205 AL ATTIYAH (QAT) 10:36:04 01:00:04
12 211 SABY (FRA) 10:41:51 01:02:51
13 245 ZAPLETAL (CZE) 10:43:44 01:05:44
14 214 HENRARD (BEL) 10:45:09 01:10:09
15 215 GACHE (FRA) 10:47:04 01:16:04
16 227 VAN DEIJNE (NLD) 10:47:36 01:07:36
17 223 KIS (HUN) 10:49:09 01:08:09
18 250 HERRADOR (ESP) 10:51:06 01:08:06
19 218 BALDWIN (USA) 10:51:56 01:07:26
20 221 SZALAY (HUN) 10:56:56 01:06:56
21 269 ISTVAN (HUN) 10:57:48 01:11:18
22 216 AZIS (LVA) 10:58:39 01:13:39
23 232 LEAL DOS SANTOS (PRT) 10:59:01 01:08:01

[obr184]

Overall Standings.

1 200 PETERHANSEL (FRA)
COTTRET (FRA) MITSUBISHI 01:40:10 00:00:00
2 201 SAINZ (ESP)
PERIN (FRA) VOLKSWAGEN 01:41:16 00:01:06
3 213 DEPPING (DEU)
GOTTSCHALK (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 01:41:25 00:01:15
4 202 ALPHAND (FRA)
PICARD (FRA) MITSUBISHI 01:41:56 00:01:46
5 204 ROMA (ESP)
CRUZ SENRA (ESP) MITSUBISHI 01:42:56 00:02:46
6 208 CHICHERIT (FRA)
BAUMEL (FRA) BMW 01:43:27 00:03:17
7 205 AL ATTIYAH (QAT)
THORNER (SWE) BMW 01:44:19 00:04:09
8 212 GORDON (USA)
GRIDER (USA) HUMMER 01:44:32 00:04:22
9 209 SOUSA (PRT)
SCHULZ (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 01:44:42 00:04:32
10 207 MASUOKA (JPN)
MAIMON (FRA) MITSUBISHI 01:45:14 00:05:04
11 203 DE VILLIERS (ZAF)
VON ZITZEWITZ (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 01:45:38 00:05:28
12 211 SABY (FRA)
GUEHENNEC (FRA) BMW 01:48:07 00:07:57
13 245 ZAPLETAL (CZE)
NEMAJER (CZE) MITSUBISHI 01:50:57 00:10:47
14 227 VAN DEIJNE (NLD)
ROSEGAAR (NLD) MITSUBISHI 01:53:47 00:13:37
15 214 HENRARD (BEL)
BRUYNKENS (BEL) VOLKSWAGEN 01:54:17 00:14:07
16 223 KIS (HUN)
CZEGLEDI (HUN) NISSAN 01:55:00 00:14:50
17 250 HERRADOR (ESP)
VICO (ESP) BMW 01:55:41 00:15:31
18 218 BALDWIN (USA)
HEATH (USA) HUMMER 01:57:03 00:16:53

[cancinoj]

that was the first heat, right, ?

[obr184]

yes...

[scary fast hummer]

I think you pissed them off Fly, I could not find any discussions.....Whatever you posted has been cleared out...WIth that said, somebody should ask Ronn how he feels about his navigator running with BJ in Europe instead of with him in Tunisia..... And just a little info, Libya and Tunisia is about twice as bad as Mauritania ever could be when it comes to terrorist activity. I am suprised that Ronn's "Contacts" have not warned him of this.

Hold the phone sparky; Tunisia is a very safe country and I would rather be in Libya (security wise) than a lot of the countries here in western europe. Mauritania is like the wild west in many ways, not a lot of adult supervison. The difference is Tunis and Tripoli can, and do, control the security within thier own borders and are not overly constrained by the notion of "personal rights". Mauritania cannot. In fact, I'm going to be doing a rally in Tunisia or Libya about this time next year for these reasons. Not trying to put the smack down on you but I watch this stuff for a living.;) If you want to come along to turn wrenches, buy a ticket and come see for yourself, you'll welcome with us!

[spalind]

Hold the phone sparky; Tunisia is a very safe country and I would rather be in Libya (security wise) than a lot of the countries here in western europe. Mauritania is like the wild west in many ways, not a lot of adult supervison. The difference is Tunis and Tripoli can, and do, control the security within thier own borders and are not overly constrained by the notion of "personal rights". Mauritania cannot. In fact, I'm going to be doing a rally in Tunisia or Libya about this time next year for these reasons. Not trying to put the smack down on you but I watch this stuff for a living.;) If you want to come along to turn wrenches, buy a ticket and come see for yourself, you'll welcome with us!

Agreed...the "safest" countries in the world to vist are the totalitarian run states--not much crime in North Korea, Iran, Libya, Cuba, or China as you are likely to get a quick bullet in the head or lose a limb rather than waste time going to trial...

[Alliturken]

From the comments in the interviews, looks like it was icy, wet, mud, and snowmelt. Not the best conditions for 2wd obviously. 4wd ruled the day.

[RGFan]

Hold the phone sparky; Tunisia is a very safe country and I would rather be in Libya (security wise) than a lot of the countries here in western europe. Mauritania is like the wild west in many ways, not a lot of adult supervison. The difference is Tunis and Tripoli can, and do, control the security within thier own borders and are not overly constrained by the notion of "personal rights". Mauritania cannot. In fact, I'm going to be doing a rally in Tunisia or Libya about this time next year for these reasons. Not trying to put the smack down on you but I watch this stuff for a living.;) If you want to come along to turn wrenches, buy a ticket and come see for yourself, you'll welcome with us!

Well, just to give you a little backround on me, me and my co-workers go to these places, more then we like from time to time for work, actually for our sister company which is in Africa. We spend alot of time "in the field",.....Man, I am starting to sound like Runn:D . Anyways, we travel all over the world. While Mauritania and most of North Africa, does have it's own issues, unlike Mauritania, Tunisia and especially Libya are safe havens for terrorists, especially in the deserts, Libya, more then Tunisia and unlike Mauritania protects them, allows them to be there. We have security in those regions that we use.....Not because we are bad arses, but because we want to come home safe and sound to our families. Our security is about doubled whenever we are in Libya. Because even when we are there as the guests of the goverment, it is not truly ever safe over there. As far as Mauritania, yes it is the wild west over there, but atleast you can defend yourself over there. If I was to shoot a Libyan national for attempting to kidnap me or any of my co-workers, hell if I was ever to have a gun......I would never be seen again. As you said, earlier, I am not trying to lay the smack down, but as you can see, I would rather choose Mauritania then Libya any day of the week and twice on Sundays.;) And I would love to come and help turn some wrenches sometime, just not there;)

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG is 11th for the first part of the 2 part stage. Baldwin is doing very well for his second stage ever... 15th.

Looks like Peterson is way back in 73rd right now for the stage.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

13:59

Special shortened for the 2nd loop
Due to the particularly poor state of the terrain following the competitors’ journey round the first loop, and with grooves more than 80 cm deep, the organisers have decided to shorten the second loop this afternoon, to a distance of 36 km.

11:22 - Bike

2 - Coma out of the race!
After falling during the first special of the day, Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM), who was leading the general standings this morning, has decided to abandon due to severe pain in his right knee. The winner of the 2006 Dakar has been taken to the hospital in Baia Mare to have his knee examined.

[spalind]

13:59

Special shortened for the 2nd loop
Due to the particularly poor state of the terrain following the competitors’ journey round the first loop, and with grooves more than 80 cm deep, the organisers have decided to shorten the second loop this afternoon, to a distance of 36 km.

11:22 - Bike

2 - Coma out of the race!
After falling during the first special of the day, Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM), who was leading the general standings this morning, has decided to abandon due to severe pain in his right knee. The winner of the 2006 Dakar has been taken to the hospital in Baia Mare to have his knee examined.


Bah!! Pansies!!

[RGFan]

I had a feeling that today would be bad for the 2 wheel drive.

[alan4s]

I had a feeling that today would be bad for the 2 wheel drive.


Pretty much the same course tomorrow too, but run in the opposite direction, right?

[CDN11]

The BMW's are giving everyone a run for their money, nice to see for a non factory team

[CDN11]

What was the final outcome with Gordons support truck I don't see it running

[FlyHiFlyLo]

No trucks this stage.

[CDN11]

Street is doing extremely well, good show

[CDN11]

No trucks this stage.

They are listed on the results

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Cars go again in one hour...

Time for me to go to work.

[CDN11]

Cars go again in one hour...

Time for me to go to work.

Have a nice day

[RGFan]

Have a nice day

How sweet, the little honey, kissing her hubby goodbye for work.....Online:D :D Just kidding

[Ferrari333SP]

Updated results for the shortened 2nd loop: http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/240/classement/CSA.html

RG now 7th overall.

[CDN11]

How sweet, the little honey, kissing her hubby goodbye for work.....Online:D :D Just kidding

And what's wrong with that:p

When you loose your humour you might as well dig a 6 foot hole:D

[b-makk]

How sweet, the little honey, kissing her hubby goodbye for work.....Online:D :D Just kidding

sounds like the mistress is jealous

[RGFan]

sounds like the mistress is jealous

SOunds like the pot calling the kettle black

[geronimo5]

[QUOTE=Combo;438307]
Last, if Andy McMillin has any pull over there at the "other" energy drink. I want that air show aerobatic stunt at Parker next year at contingency!!!!:D :D :D

Andy is no longer sponsored by Redbull.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

All right beotches! Back to the rally... RG sits 4 minutes back in 7th.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

My answer to what happened to the T-4

This from the field...

They got lost before the start. That thing is a F***ing handful with the suspension. It walks all over the place.

[cancinoj]

All right beotches! Back to the rally... RG sits 4 minutes back in 7th.

that's with the second heat?

[alan4s]

that's with the second heat?

Yes, it's all done for today:

RANKING SCRATCH CAR - SPÉCIALE n°2
1 205 AL ATTIYAH (QAT) THORNER (SWE) BMW 00:24:56 00:00:00
2 213 DEPPING (DEU) GOTTSCHALK (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 00:25:08 00:00:12
3 201 SAINZ (ESP) PERIN (FRA) VOLKSWAGEN 00:25:10 00:00:14
4 212 GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER 00:25:35 00:00:39
5 202 ALPHAND (FRA) PICARD (FRA) MITSUBISHI 00:25:39 00:00:43
...
30 218 BALDWIN (USA) HEATH (USA) HUMMER 00:31:18 00:06:22

[Bajades]

OK, so they shortened today's second stage because the condition of the course has deteriorated. What are they going to do tomorrow? I believe tomorrow's stages are the exact same thing, only backwards. The stages are already pitifully short with a total of only 70 miles of specials today!:confused:

Got an e-mail from April, Jonah's wife:

"talked to Jonah at 1am, 2am, and 6am. man...these stages need to be longer, i think he's bored. anyway, at some point he told me he finished the stage 3rd. he was very excited about that."

[b-makk]

any of the upcoming stages going to be longer?

[alan4s]

any of the upcoming stages going to be longer?

Stages 5 & 6 (Thur & Fri) are both scheduled to be 211km, split into two specials of 157km and 54km.

[bufeo]

any of the upcoming stages going to be longer?

If you go HERE (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/200/r7_5-parcours.html) and look in the upper left corner beneath the tool bar you'll see a box with "Etape" (Stage). Select the Stage you want and a map and distance will pop up.

Allen R

[Rory]

Sorry if this question was asked and answered before but I did not have the time to look it up..............Is there live tracking for this event like there was for Dakar last year? Thanks in advance.

[alan4s]

Sorry if this question was asked and answered before but I did not have the time to look it up..............Is there live tracking for this event like there was for Dakar last year? Thanks in advance.

The CER website appears to indicate that it should be, but it hasn't been activated for either of the two stages yet. Stinks. The CER site does not seem to be running as well as previous years Dakar sites were - updates are very slow to trickle in.

[michael_loomis]

Stages 5 & 6 (Thur & Fri) are both scheduled to be 211km, split into two specials of 157km and 54km.

please tell me that those 2 stages are Primm rough!?

[Bricoop]

check out 55 sec in, almost ended his chance at a win.

my bad:

YouTube - Stage two onboard Robby Gordon Hummer

[bajafox]

please tell me that those 2 stages are Primm rough!?

Or the first 30 miles of San Felipe

(Thanks to Fly and everyone for the updates)

[michael_loomis]

check out 55 sec in, almost ended his chance at a win.

am I missing a vid link somewhere?

[alan4s]

please tell me that those 2 stages are Primm rough!?


I can't find a description of the terain there. However, those stages are back in Hungary around the town of Veszprem. That's the same area where they did the media day when Robby and BJ were flying the Hummers. The locals were impressed, and the competition seemed scared.

We can hope.

[b-makk]

check out 55 sec in, almost ended his chance at a win.


WOW! Almost rolled it. Looks pretty messy. Needs some washer-fluid

[klaus]

PICS LATER
LONG DAY
SECOND SESSIO LATER
WHOPPED

4/21/2008 10:08:54

Budapest Hungary

El Chinero off Klaus’ laptop
Day 2
Special Stage 2.1 (of two)

NOTES #4

Back Again.

CULTURL ASPECTS … A LA BORAT.
Border crossing into Romania just like a Grade B Spy Movie: a bald squat jefe a la Michael Chiklas of “The Shield” TV show.
Loads of sidearms.
Lots of time reviewing our pay-PERS

Once across the road deteriorated to the level of the Puertocitos Road after Hurricane Nora. But without center neither line nor shoulder delineators.
Romania is the Mexico of Europe.

The next tow was very dilapidated … like built in 1945 and never maintained. A pretty sorry sight: like, no hope.

DISCLAIMER TIME
a) These noted are typed on a laptop in a movie Fiat.
b) With the sun bearing down on the screen.
c) Spellchecking gets shoved to the back … sorry ... read between the misspelled lines
d) Items written are as-observed generally without any eternal formal input: not to be used for scoring!
e) All inputs are in time-line: first first, last final.

I rote as Klaus rowed the shifter on the Fiat (“Fix it again, Tony) until we reached a dorf net to a derelict railroad siding, where we cruised ... War Driving ... looking for a solid Wi-Fi site. We perched in front of a Soviet Bloc block dwelling and up loaded … then went to the local bakery, ice cream, and pizza shoppe. It was “cone” night so we waited a while but have a “pie” fresh out of El Horno. Not bad. Stupid cheap.

Off to Romania. The route info was not exaggerating about the number of Romaniod police along the road .. a heavy presence but we saw no stops. It was black as a bucket of bungs holes with few electric lights anywhere except on the distant horizon.

The towns featured “Banca Transylvania” … Dracu, Vlad Zee Impaler, CEO. Quite a relief after dealing with Keyser Soze in Hungary.

Te town of Baia Mare (“Mare” apparently means “City”) had its OK parts (damning with faint praise) and REALLY bad side, e.g., south of the tracks where a pack of wild dogs, The Children of the Night”, attacked the Fiat near a industrial pack. We actual hit one and it get up and chased us far into the night. REALLY SPOOKY: ArrOOOOOOOOOOOO!

We didn’t have room rez’ so we hit all the (three) hotels in ton … NFW. Some ultra-too-up-scale for us. Tried “pensions, NFW, Jose. Even the dangerous-dump one with the crowd outside. On those south side of THOSE tracks, once again.

The Special Stage is in the mountains north of town … pine trees, exposed rock, running water, meadows, and snow. BRRR! The course was tight, but with passing ops, seemingly favoring the 4WDs. It was cold to desert rats! The altitude to be 3,000-feet ASL. 36F in the morning. Colder’n a well-digger’s boot sole.

The course was sorta like the upper part of the Rancho Mike’s access road. Or, for Zonies, the back road to Crown King through Oil Pan Alley.

SCOOTERS
The first bike was #2 Marco Comas … took 56 minutes to go 56K. Despres was second. Jumping Jonah Street was 6th, after starting 17th yesterday. Guess tossin’ those hay bales and burying those bodies makes a boy quick.

The loose rock separated the squids from the boyz: the lesser lights were slow and tentative and unsure of themselves. As I would have been, or am. The rears slide out and they dab, or fall. A wide range of skills.

The top quads were ultra-strong. Really tossing stones … much power. The rest were along for the ride, running in groups of pals.

CARS
Phwew .. Carlos Sainz looked at ease and in control .. like a day in the park, a walk on the beach. It was suggested tat this was a hliday drive for him, as the msooth course suited his WRC-cmapionship style . He ran th car as if it were onl rails, using the inside line and never touching the outer berm.

Peterhansel was secod ad RG in line, on time, behind. The start delta of two minutes gave rG some cuhsio to make time … but not today as he lost two positions. The 4WDs were to be te right deal here, in the Carpathian Mtns. ArOOOOOOOOOO!

Be wa tht the drivers had ha no prerun, no GPS and no data, unlike a WRC event. However the course was quite obvous: between trees.

Theis route was unlike Dakar, for sure. Short, tight, well-defined, visually. Like over then mtns in Vegas to Reno.

BJ Baldwin was 19th … looking good but stuck.

Techno Deal: Robby has mini iPods in the center of his wheel, protected by personal protectors.

Q: What’s on Robby’s iPod.

SO YOU KNOW
The Stage Finish dictates the next day’s start starting order.
The OA time is by total combined aggregate time: “low” wins.

So blockers by team members work, and sandbagging is useless. Backing off after a position gain is counterproductive: go, go, go.

TRUCKERS
One MAN peeled a right front tire … changing a tire requires a jack-up wit a air bag run off the truck’s A-Comp. A HUGE air bag. Be advised, a tire swap will not be quick: the afore-mentioned air bag, a bottle jack, tire tires, hammers, and large thick men. Lookie –Lous and cameramen … as they worked they dropped their helmets and .., the spectators … took the helmet, stowed it safely. Then they all tried it on for photos! Then replaced it. Try THAT at Ojos. Took a long time.

The Mike Peterson’s car was back at 1206 ... behind a LOT of cars. Fiberglass awry.

Signing off .. Hand Party in Romania

[michael_loomis]

cool.. its kinda weird seeing him on those muddy stages.. everytime I've ever seen him at a SCORE race, he takes his time, and tip toes around the mud wholes..

[CDN11]

OK, so they shortened today's second stage because the condition of the course has deteriorated. What are they going to do tomorrow? I believe tomorrow's stages are the exact same thing, only backwards. The stages are already pitifully short with a total of only 70 miles of specials today!:confused:

Got an e-mail from April, Jonah's wife:

"talked to Jonah at 1am, 2am, and 6am. man...these stages need to be longer, i think he's bored. anyway, at some point he told me he finished the stage 3rd. he was very excited about that."

According to Zitzewitzes Weblog the course was shortened because one of a BIG truck blocking the route, therefore should be cleared for tomorrows run in reverse.:D

[woundedyak]

check out 55 sec in, almost ended his chance at a win.

my bad:

YouTube - Stage two onboard Robby Gordon Hummer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPudQWvEjak)

lol.....Looks like my driveway a few months out of the year!

[randy s]

what's rg's problem with running a four wheel drive car? travel limitations? big travel does'nt seem to help him as much as he thinks for this kind of racing it seems. 10 inches on vw's. i'm not sure about the beemers or mitsus. he does a masterful job with what he has, but those other guys are at an advantage not only in europe but in the desert as well in my opinion. he IS a hard headed sob at times. granted. he will have stage wins from time to time, but.....

[FlyHiFlyLo]

If you run a V-8 like his in a 4wd you will have to be almost 7000lbs.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

RG's Hummer is not a rally car. He is doing what he is doing with pure power and talent. It is like a CUP car vs an IRL car on a road course. A few hundred more horsepower and sure brut driving skill.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I think RG needs to work those turning brakes again.

[Ferrari333SP]

He's not allowed to have 4wd if I'm not mistaken.

[Bricoop]

He's not allowed to have 4wd if I'm not mistaken.

he is, there's other advantages to having a 2wd, such as his inflation system that can be used while he's moving.(unlike 4wd cars)

[CDN11]

AL ATTIYAH (QAT) is certainly showing his speed again, he could make a few people nervous. Had he not incurred the penalties toward the end of last years Dakar he would have beat the VW's for Diesel honours, just by time he beat them. He also made a few people nervous in last years UAE Desert Challenge to only drop out with electrical problems, otherwise he would have ended up second. Keep your eyes open for him

[CDN11]

Good day today, caught three fish, good omen for Gordon.

[randy s]

he is, there's other advantages to having a 2wd, such as his inflation system that can be used while he's moving.(unlike 4wd cars)

thanks for clarification guys, but all those reasons have'nt seem to have gotten the desired result. so far anyway. the amazing thing is that i've seen these other cars up close in portugal and they really don't look like anything special to the casual observer. especially when they're compared to our desert racers. but on the course, these things are rockets. and their drivers are maniacs for sure. good luck to our guys in any event. gas on.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

thanks for clarification guys, but all those reasons have'nt seem to have gotten the desired result. so far anyway. the amazing thing is that i've seen these other cars up close in portugal and they really don't look like anything special to the casual observer. especially when they're compared to our desert racers. but on the course, these things are rockets. and their drivers are maniacs for sure. good luck to our guys in any event. gas on.

Just remember, the Hummer was built for the desert, wide open, across vast expanses. The H-3 is not a rally car but it was tuned as close as it could be to a rally car...

[michael_loomis]

so why not build an actual Dakar type 4wd diesel and go lay the smack down? because RG is RG and thats not the RG (or american HAHA) way!

[Alliturken]

You are not going to be able to outspend the long-time Dakar juggernaught teams like VW Mitsu BMW, in developing the same type of vehicle they run, and expect to be even remotely competitive in it. They've had years to do it and a few hundred million spent. Buggies/truggies 2wd are the only reasonable way to compete. Some days suit them, some days don't. Personally I'm impressed what he can do in that Hummer against these factory teams, win or not. On paper he shouldnt be able to run with these guys in these cars....but he does.

[Ferrari333SP]

Hopefully the roads will open up with space somewhat in the next few days, so the Hummer can stomp all over them.

[NIKAL]

Also don't forget that Schlesser won the Dakar a few years back in a buggy. And that was through Africa and the dunes too!

[michael_loomis]

obviously.. RG and Co. believe they can win the whole deal in our type of off road vehicle. I do too.

I think the key is simple, reliable, with a great driver and a little luck. I dont think you have to outspend any one manufacturer to do that, but at the same time, I dont think RG would ever attempt anything remotely like that either.

[michael_loomis]

so is the second half of todays stage being run ?

[bufeo]

so is the second half of todays stage being run ?

It was. See HERE (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/200/classement/CGA.html).

Allen R

[DSRacing]

Also don't forget that Schlesser won the Dakar a few years back in a buggy. And that was through Africa and the dunes too!

With a buggy built in Lakeside.

[Chase 2]

Interesting observations from a mid-pack bike guy:

http://cdn1.libsyn.com/rallyraidio/RichardCER04.mp3



Go Jonah!!!!!

[CDN11]

With a buggy built in Lakeside.

For a privateer to succeed and be able to afford it the buggy seems the route to go, look how well HENRARD (BEL) is doing in the OLD VW Buggy. No Privateer has the financial resources to carry out the R/D that the factories do. Just look at the feather in Schlesser's cap to beat the big boys.

[michael_loomis]

It was. See HERE (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/LIVE/us/200/classement/CGA.html).

Allen R

Thank you Allen! sorry for my ignorance!

[RacingOne]

Just rememeber that a Porsche 959 won the Dakar back in 1984 with Jacky Ickx’s.

[CDN11]

Just rememeber that a Porsche 959 won the Dakar back in 1984 with Jacky Ickx’s.

that's comparing apples to oranges that thing was 4 wheel drive

[Combo]

Do the Hummers have heaters? I'm sure they didn't need them in Dakar. But they do have A\C right?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Do the Hummers have heaters? I'm sure they didn't need them in Dakar. But they do have AC right?


They took all that crap out. They added the forced air scoop on top and that works better they say because it pressurizes the cab and keeps the dust out.

[Will_Higman]

YouTube - Stage two onboard Robby Gordon Hummer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPudQWvEjak)

Wow that stage 2 was a huge challenge for all the competitors and Robby showed great composer.

Way to fight through it…

That sucked!

:eek:

[bufeo]

I was catching up on all the interviews, news spots, etc., and noticed that the Petersen buggy was assessed a penalty. Did I miss a post or something about this? Sorry if I did, but I'm interested in what the infraction was.

Allen R

[FlyHiFlyLo]

The Stage 2 TDUSA and car 101 footage is up on The Uprising

[CDN11]

So far I am totally unimpressed with the coverage of the event by the ASO. This time the event is in Europe not in the far hinterland of the Sahara. Very little information on their official website and no live tracking that they had in the Desert and not now, what gives. As well to drive all the way to Romania and run the same stage four times and then drive back to Hungary and do almost the same thing seems kind of hooky. I realise because of the weather the route had to be altered, but the ASO never seems to have a plan “B” in their repertoire, same with the Dakar cancellation. What’s the Forums opinion?:mad:

[dlink]

Just rememeber that a Porsche 959 won the Dakar back in 1984 with Jacky Ickx’s.

Just to keep the record straight (and I have been a Dakar fan since it's inception), Jackie Ickx did not win in '84; it was the old vet Rene Metge (the organizer of the Transoriental Rally) who won in '84, in a Porsche 959. Ickx "only" finished 6th, also in a Porsche! Ickx won in '83 driving a Mercedes modified sedan, and Porsche won in 1986, again, with Metge first and Jackie Ickx second! Those were the good old days..crossing the Sahara in a 'sports car':)

[scary fast hummer]

So far I am totally unimpressed with the coverage of the event by the ASO. This time the event is in Europe not in the far hinterland of the Sahara. Very little information on their official website and no live tracking that they had in the Desert and not now, what gives. As well to drive all the way to Romania and run the same stage four times and then drive back to Hungary and do almost the same thing seems kind of hooky. I realise because of the weather the route had to be altered, but the ASO never seems to have a plan “B” in their repertoire, same with the Dakar cancellation. What’s the Forums opinion?:mad:

Organizing the Dakar is kinda like organizing the Normandy Invasion; there is no plan "B". It either works, or it doesn't. The CER is kind of pissed off plan "D". Give the ASO a bit of a break. They worked very, very hard until the very last minute to make it go. What killed it was way beyond their control. You would have done the same thing when your government pulls the carpet out from under you (unless maybe you happen to be rich enough to personally underwrite the whole adventure yourself without any insurance). Its pretty easy to be an armchair general when you dont have any risk. Could you organize a fleet of AN 124 Condors to move the race from place to place daily? I spent 20+ years in the military and I would not want to take on their job for love nor money. The ASO impresses the bejeezus out of me; for a bunch of French civilians, the get the job done and done well.

Just my tu'pence worth of opinion;) and its probably worth what you paid for it!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Wow RG finished 4th. And he put over 7 minutes on Sainz! Wow good loop! Maybe he is using his turning brakes now.


Pos.N°NameMakeTimeVariationPenalty
1203 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/203.html)DE VILLIERS (ZAF) VON ZITZEWITZ (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN00:57:5100:00:00
2200 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/200.html)PETERHANSEL (FRA) COTTRET (FRA) MITSUBISHI00:58:2600:00:35
3204 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/204.html)ROMA (ESP) CRUZ SENRA (ESP) MITSUBISHI00:59:0900:01:18
4212 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/212.html)GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER00:59:3200:01:41
5202 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/202.html)ALPHAND (FRA) PICARD (FRA) MITSUBISHI00:59:5200:02:01
6213 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/213.html)DEPPING (DEU) GOTTSCHALK (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN01:00:3600:02:45
7209 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/209.html)SOUSA (PRT) SCHULZ (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN01:02:2800:04:37
8205 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/205.html)AL ATTIYAH (QAT) THORNER (SWE) BMW01:03:1800:05:27
9215 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/215.html)GACHE (FRA) FLICK (FRA) BUGGY01:05:2700:07:36
10245 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/245.html)ZAPLETAL (CZE) NEMAJER (CZE) MITSUBISHI01:05:3400:07:43
11268 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/268.html)MURCZIN (HUN) HUJBER (HUN) MITSUBISHI01:05:5600:08:05
12207 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/207.html)MASUOKA (JPN) MAIMON (FRA) MITSUBISHI01:06:2500:08:34
13201 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/201.html)SAINZ (ESP) PERIN (FRA) VOLKSWAGEN01:06:4700:08:56
14224 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/224.html)PALIK (HUN) DARAZSI (HUN) NISSAN01:07:3000:09:39
15211 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/211.html)SABY (FRA) GUEHENNEC (FRA) BMW01:07:5200:10:01
16237 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/237.html)WAMBERGUE (FRA) CATTARELLI (FRA) TOYOTA01:07:5900:10:08
17227 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/227.html)VAN DEIJNE (NLD) ROSEGAAR (NLD) MITSUBISHI01:08:2500:10:34
18221 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/221.html)SZALAY (HUN) TOTH (HUN) CHEVROLET01:09:1100:11:20
19214 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/214.html)HENRARD (BEL) BRUYNKENS (BEL) VOLKSWAGEN01:09:5500:12:04
20216 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/216.html)AZIS (LVA) PRINCIS (LVA) OSC01:10:0600:12:15
21232 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/232.html)LEAL DOS SANTOS (PRT) BMW01:10:1400:12:23
22269 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/269.html)ISTVAN (HUN) TIBOR (HUN) PROTO01:11:0500:13:14
23250 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/250.html)HERRADOR (ESP) VICO (ESP) BMW01:13:4000:15:49
24266 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/266.html)VARGA (HUN) POCSEG (HUN) NISSAN01:13:5500:16:04
25258 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/258.html)FAZEKAS (HUN) CSATO (HUN) BMW01:14:2100:16:30
26223 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/223.html)KIS (HUN) CZEGLEDI (HUN) NISSAN01:14:2300:16:32
27226 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/226.html)PATISSIER (AND) DELLI - ZOTTI (FRA) BUGGY01:14:4200:16:51
28288 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/288.html)JONES (GBR) JONES (GBR) RALLY RAID UK01:15:0100:17:10
29270 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/270.html)AZOFRA (ESP) IRIBARREN (ESP) MITSUBISHI01:15:1400:17:23
30259 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/259.html)LISZI (HUN) FENESI (HUN) MITSUBISHI01:15:3200:17:41
31240 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/240.html)GREEN (GBR) ELAND (AUS) RALLY RAID UK01:15:3300:17:42
32231 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/231.html)VAN LOON (NLD) DE GROOT (NLD) VOLKSWAGEN01:16:2900:18:38
33235 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/235.html)BERNARD (FRA) CORNUAILLE (FRA) BMW01:17:1600:19:25
34257 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/257.html)NICOLAE (ROU) STAN (ROU) MITSUBISHI01:17:3500:19:44
35272 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/272.html)ROCHELLE (GBR) HAMMOND (GBR) RALLY RAID UK01:18:0600:20:15
36243 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/243.html)KRISTOF (HUN) SIMON (HUN) NISSAN01:19:1400:21:23
37256 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/256.html)VAN EIKEREN (NLD) HERWEIJER (NLD) TOYOTA01:21:0600:23:15
38253 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/253.html)BARBIER (FRA) GHIDINELLI (FRA) MITSUBISHI01:21:1600:23:25
39249 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/249.html)DAVOY (FRA) JOURDAN (FRA) NISSAN01:21:1700:23:26
40218 (http://www.centraleuroperally.com/2008/CER/RIDERS/us/equipage/218.html)BALDWIN (USA) HEATH (USA) HUMMER01:21:1700:23:26

[FlyHiFlyLo]

One more loop to go...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

13:25 - Car

207 - It’s all over for Masuoka
Pascal Maimon’s X-ray has revealed a fracture in his ankle, requiring a plaster cast. As a result, the team of Masuoka/Maimon (Mitsubishi), who were trying out the new diesel Pajero, has been forced to withdraw from the rally. The Frenchman is likely to return to France during the day.

12:33 - Car

207 - Pascal Maimon injures his foot
Whilst he was changing a wheel at the side of the track during the special, Pascal Maimon, the co-pilot of Japan’s Hiroshi Masuoka (Mitsubishi), was accidentally hit by Spaniard Carlos Sainz (VW). Despite his injured ankle, the Frenchman still finished the first special of the day, before being taken to hospital for an X-ray.

[bufeo]

From rhw CER site:


15:43 - Car

VW driver Dieter Depping started the second special at 15.15, in front of Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah (BMW) and leader of the general standings Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi).


Allen R

[bufeo]

13:25 - Car

207 - It’s all over for Masuoka
...12:33 - Car

207 - Pascal Maimon injures his foot
Whilst he was changing a wheel at the side of the track during the special, Pascal Maimon, the co-pilot of Japan’s Hiroshi Masuoka (Mitsubishi), was accidentally hit by Spaniard Carlos Sainz (VW). ..

Man, talk about bad luck!

Allen R

[alan4s]

From rhw CER site:


15:43 - Car

VW driver Dieter Depping started the second special at 15.15, in front of Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah (BMW) and leader of the general standings Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi).


Allen R

I thought the second special was started in the finish order of the first?

[alan4s]

Organizing the Dakar is kinda like organizing the Normandy Invasion; there is no plan "B". It either works, or it doesn't. The CER is kind of pissed off plan "D". Give the ASO a bit of a break. They worked very, very hard until the very last minute to make it go. What killed it was way beyond their control. You would have done the same thing when your government pulls the carpet out from under you (unless maybe you happen to be rich enough to personally underwrite the whole adventure yourself without any insurance). Its pretty easy to be an armchair general when you dont have any risk. Could you organize a fleet of AN 124 Condors to move the race from place to place daily? I spent 20+ years in the military and I would not want to take on their job for love nor money. The ASO impresses the bejeezus out of me; for a bunch of French civilians, the get the job done and done well.

Just my tu'pence worth of opinion;) and its probably worth what you paid for it!

Well of course, kudos to ASO for getting this Rally together at all as quick as they did. No denying that it took a lot of effort.

However, from a very selfish fan perspective, CDN is right - the coverage sucks for us here in the USA. No live tracking, no TV, and the website updates are painfully slow. As I write this, it's more than an hour-and-a-half since the cars started the shortened second special. Not a word on the website since the start. It's got to be either pretty much done, or something really significant happened to stop everything. We are left here to speculate...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

16:54 - Car

201 - Sainz hits back on the 2nd loop
Having suffered from mechanical problems in the first special this morning, Spaniard Carlos Sainz (VW) has won the 2nd loop, 15" ahead of Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah (BMW) and 20" in front of German Dieter Depping (VW). Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi) finished in 6th place, 51" behind the winner, and holds on to the lead in the general standings.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Stage 2

Pos. N° Name Make Time Variation Penalty
1 201 SAINZ (ESP) PERIN (FRA) VOLKSWAGEN 00:24:26 00:00:00
2 205 AL ATTIYAH (QAT) THORNER (SWE) BMW 00:24:41 00:00:15
3 213 DEPPING (DEU) GOTTSCHALK (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 00:24:46 00:00:20
4 203 DE VILLIERS (ZAF) VON ZITZEWITZ (DEU) VOLKSWAGEN 00:24:51 00:00:25
5 208 CHICHERIT (FRA) BAUMEL (FRA) BMW 00:25:16 00:00:50
6 200 PETERHANSEL (FRA) COTTRET (FRA) MITSUBISHI 00:25:17 00:00:51
7 202 ALPHAND (FRA) PICARD (FRA) MITSUBISHI 00:25:26 00:01:00
8 204 ROMA (ESP) CRUZ SENRA (ESP) MITSUBISHI 00:25:28 00:01:02
9 212 GORDON (USA) GRIDER (USA) HUMMER 00:25:41 00:01:15
10 211 SABY (FRA) GUEHENNEC (FRA) BMW 00:26:47 00:02:21
11 218 BALDWIN (USA) HEATH (USA) HUMMER 00:27:21 00:02:55