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Krzysztof Holowczyc and Filipe Palmeiro
Photo by: X-Raid Team. (Source: motorsport.com)
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So its almost time to crank up those four-stroke two wheeled desert raider ‘Scooters, buggy’s, “Cars” and trucks for the 35th annual Dakar Rally, this year taking place once again in South America from 5-20 January.
America’s tough talking’ Californian Robby “DirtMann” Gordon will once again take aim at the crown aboard his ‘DackCar Hummer replete with infamous air inflation system, having been approved by the rally’s organizers; with an estimated 450+ competitors taking part this year. NO word on whether or not NBC Sports Network will once again show daily 30min vignettes like last year, so if anybody knows, please let me know about it, as this is still the most grueling race in the world to Mwah...
Meanwhile, I was surprised to discover that reigning two wheel DAKAR champion Marc Coma has been ruled out of this year’s classic due to a shoulder injury suffered last October, and KTM has thus elected to substitute reserve rider Kurt Caselli of the USA in his place instead; as it’ll be interesting to see how the ‘Yank does in his debutant DAKAR outing...
And in the “Cars” category, don’t be surprised to see “Team Mini” once again dominate the race’s podium positions, not to mention an inter-team scrum over the winners laurels, as defending winner Stéphane Peterhansel looks set to battle royale vs. BMW teammates Nani Roma and Krzysztof Holowczyc for outright victory, as can anybody defeat the all conquering Mini’s of which the X-Raid squad is entering six chassis...