The T-5 Chevy 2500 T-5 support vehicle isn’t doing so well. Raff is taking it well, but the frustration is evident in his demeanor and facial expressions, especially when the transmission won’t go into reverse, or when a simple downshift turns into a shutter and clunk. New parking strategies must be considered as the fickle […]
What had started as a great day had quickly sobered into a dramatic and tepid situation. The team arrived at the Bivouac late Monday night. Too tired and feeling beaten, everyone quickly retired to their tents. Before leaving for Dakar I had arranged to meet my good Chilean friend, Cristian, to meet us in Argentina […]
Experiencing the excitement of Dakar is like no other sport I’ve seen live. Though we’re traveling through the remaining 8 stages as assistance vehicles and spectators, we are immersed in life in the bivouac and the seemingly endless parade of constant movement with hundreds of other vehicles. Just because we’re not racing, doesn’t mean we’re […]
Experiencing the excitement of Dakar is like no other sport I’ve seen live. Though we’re traveling through the remaining 8 stages as assistance vehicles and spectators, we are immersed in life in the bivouac and the seemingly endless parade of constant movement with hundreds of other vehicles. Just because we’re not racing, doesn’t mean we’re […]
Life in the Dakar Bivouac is interesting and challenging. A mini city is set up at each point along the some 5,000 mile Dakar route through Argentina, Chile and Peru. The organization sets up information points for competitors, media and there are showers, bathrooms, a dining hall, emergency medical center and an information center where […]
That’s Dakar!” I hear this so many times each day that it seems to be the answer to anything. It’s also the question. Much like in the middle east, the locals use “enshallah” as an expression to address most questions. But here in South America where 465 teams are taking man (and woman) and machine […]
Good news For Race Day 1: Mar del Plata to Bahia Blanca & San Juan With the streets closed and jammed with thousands of spectators and a giant ramp and video display sitting in the court yard with a grand view of the Atlantic Ocean and Mar del Plata’s legendary beaches, the Dakar 2012 Edition […]
[SIZE=”4″]Registration & Inspection: The Dakar 2012 Edition[/SIZE] When the Russian driver was informed he owed more than 100,000 Euros in order to complete his registration in the 2012 Edition of the infamous Dakar rally, I was again reminded that this is big business. Beyond the cost of registration, considerations include cost of the race vehicle, […]
Making The Way To The Bivouac – Mar del Plata With the clutch issue hanging over the team’s head, there were a few more loose ends to tie up before heading to Mar del Plata, a beachside Argentinean resort city about a five hour drive from the capital, Buenos Aires. Because Tara and I would […]
The Dakar Test Weighs Heavy on Darkcyd Team As I boarded my plane in San Diego, I knew there was a shadow of a doubt that ship carrying the Desert Warrior and the T5 assistance vehicle might not make it on time, factoring the time it takes to clear customs and the team’s need to […]
