Dakar 2012 Entry List

[bufeo]

From the "News" section on the Dakar.com site today:

"Despite his late entry, Nasser Al Attiyah has in no way lowered his ambitions after his victory last year. The big-name recruit from Robby Gordon's team will be piloting a Hummer H3 that secured a place on the podium back in 2009. But the Qatari, who's refined his driving skills over the years, may get even further with this vehicle than the impetuous Californian. When the hour of truth comes in Lima, a further former winner, Giniel de Villiers, could well have clinched it. The South African is the spearhead at Toyota who are aiming to get a Hilux pickup among the top 3. A second specimen of the vehicle is being entrusted to Argentine standard bearer Orlando Terranova [Andy Grider, navigator]."

Allen R

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[randy s]

outside of a seemingly small circle of friends, it doesn't look like rg gets much love. well, can't say as i blame em' though..you know how impetuous us californians all are.

[Ferrari333SP]

Do they really think the Toyota can get into the Top 3, even with Giniel behind the wheel? What kind of engine is it running?

I have a special feeling about this year, for RG; should be a good race for him.

[bufeo]

Do they really think the Toyota can get into the Top 3, even with Giniel behind the wheel? What kind of engine is it running?....

I'm not sure about Giniel's, but here's a bit about the type that the #308 is from the Overdrive Racing site:

Glyn Hall the director of Hallspeed was especially proud of the new Toyota Group N engine,’ the engine is a 4.6 litre V8 sourced from the Toyota production in the US. We take the engine out of the box make the changes allowed in the regulations, i.e. sump, exhausts and the ECU and then bolt it into the race car. The use of a Group N engine allows for us to use a larger restrictor, so we have the same power at a much lower cost and with greater reliability. The engine has been tested extensively in the ABSA South African Off Road Championship which has total mileage just under that of the Dakar and we still have not had any unusual problems."

Allen R

[spalind]

I'm not sure about Giniel's, but here's a bit about the type that the #308 is from the Overdrive Racing site:

Glyn Hall the director of Hallspeed was especially proud of the new Toyota Group N engine,’ the engine is a 4.6 litre V8 sourced from the Toyota production in the US. We take the engine out of the box make the changes allowed in the regulations, i.e. sump, exhausts and the ECU and then bolt it into the race car. The use of a Group N engine allows for us to use a larger restrictor, so we have the same power at a much lower cost and with greater reliability. The engine has been tested extensively in the ABSA South African Off Road Championship which has total mileage just under that of the Dakar and we still have not had any unusual problems."

Allen R

Glyn Hall puts forth a first class effort from South Africa. He was behind Nissan's success there and around the world in Rally-Raid and Dakar in recent years(particularly the early to mid '00s) before Nissan shut down the SA motorsports program there at which time Toyota scooped him up. I hate that he's working for Toyota instead of Nissan now but don't underestimate any effort he is behind...

[Desert Dog]

outside of a seemingly small circle of friends, it doesn't look like rg gets much love. well, can't say as i blame em' though..you know how impetuous us californians all are.

Interestingly enough, this year on RDZ I don't see the "Yeehaw! Go Robbie Gordon! Ya gunna trample over all them Euros! Amurican muscle is best!!!" brigade! (sorry, my American is a little rusty). It seems that there is an awareness that the Dakar isn't a walk in the park and it's great to see discussions about other entries across the board now.

[BoothPacific Films]

Interestingly enough, this year on RDZ I don't see the "Yeehaw! Go Robbie Gordon! Ya gunna trample over all them Euros! Amurican muscle is best!!!" brigade!

It's coming. But you got to remember this is the land of Trophy Trucks, Shelby Mustangs and top fuel dragsters. We can also appreciate Adrian Newey, Reinhold Joest, Sebastien Loeb, Jackie Ickx, Hiroshi Masuoka, Vladimir Chagin, Audi, Citroen, Porsche, Renault and other non-american powerhouses of the racing world. But like I still get that little tingly feeling when thinking about the GT-40s beating the Ferraris at Le Mans, I look forward to the day a team from the USA crosses the DAKAR finish line in 1st place. While I truly don't want it to happen, something inside me wouldn't mind seeing the TT#2 nerfing one of those Minis out of the way for a stage win.

[Tipracer]

Lot of truth in what you're saying Chip, And I know it gets said every year from the rg fans but this year does look to be a year that he has a better chance at doing really well.

[bufeo]

This from the ASO site in the description about Orly Terranova:

...He rolled twice on the opening stage. [Morocco Rally] It is this quest for speed and control that will be the key for an extremely motivated competitor who has little time to waste in going for a stage win or even the overall victory. He is teamed with Robby Gordon's former co-driver, American Andy Grider who finished 3rd on the 2009 Dakar. Maybe this is the sign Terranova needs.

Hope so! Keep him upright, Andy!

Allen R

[Desert Dog]

It's coming. But you got to remember this is the land of Trophy Trucks, Shelby Mustangs and top fuel dragsters... something inside me wouldn't mind seeing the TT#2 nerfing one of those Minis out of the way for a stage win.

I know it is and strangely enough, I'd like to see a Mini nerfed! The whole dynamics of this event have changed.... and I will be rooting for all of the ones who are taking on the might of 'ze Germans'!