Dakar 2012

[flywgn]

And just to get the adrenalin rushing again (vicariously, naturally) here's a PROMO video from the ASO. It's a good 4˝ minutes...especially at about the 3:08 part showing a Nissan slingshoting out of an "ant trap".

Allen R

[Rallyroo]

Mitsubishi with the Pajero won 7 consecutive times with many other wins throughout the Dakar Rally history before pulling out of the Dakar.

Without Mitsubishi to contend with, VW with the Toureg won 3 consecutive times and are now pulling out of the Dakar.

So what's left for factory teams? BMW in the X3 as default winner in the car class?

Maybe I should cheer on in the stock class a Toyota Land Cruiser or maybe cheer on a privateer in a Bowler Wildcat. I for sure am rooting for the Kamaz in the truck class.

[flywgn]

.... I for sure am rooting for the Kamaz in the truck class.

You like the long-shots, eh?

I love Franz Echter's quote last year after finishing 5th in first MAN across the line, “If it wasn't for Kamaz, I would have won!" Kamaz filled the first four spots.

Allen R

[scootr29]

Mitsubishi with the Pajero won 7 consecutive times with many other wins throughout the Dakar Rally history before pulling out of the Dakar.

Without Mitsubishi to contend with, VW with the Toureg won 3 consecutive times and are now pulling out of the Dakar.

So what's left for factory teams? BMW in the X3 as default winner in the car class?

Maybe I should cheer on in the stock class a Toyota Land Cruiser or maybe cheer on a privateer in a Bowler Wildcat. I for sure am rooting for the Kamaz in the truck class.

You could pull for the Jeep Grand Cherokee team....

also anywhere to watch live on the internet?

[flywgn]

...also anywhere to watch live on the internet?

It's not "watching" it per se, but I'll be using THIS SITE for live up-dates. I'll have three computers, each with split screens following a couple of forums (not this one), and a few news sites such as EUROSPORT, Australian TV, and Marathon Rally. In addition, one of my phones will be dedicated to a TWEET account.

If I can't be there and see things first-hand, I'll just have to settle for those.

Also, NBCSPORTS (changing from VERSUS Jan 2) will have 30 min updates nightly, although they will be a day late. Until the RALLY gets a bigger audience in the U.S. that's about it. Awkward, but it works.

Allen R

[scootr29]

Thanks for the info...there is also an official Dakar 2012 app as well...it is .99...

[Rallyroo]

It's not "watching" it per se, but I'll be using THIS SITE for live up-dates. I'll have three computers, each with split screens following a couple of forums (not this one), and a few news sites such as EUROSPORT, Australian TV, and Marathon Rally. In addition, one of my phones will be dedicated to a TWEET account.

That sounds serious!

Me <-headassplode from the information overload

[haven]

Thanks for the link to the HiLux video. The full-on racers really are tube buggies with a few body panels from the original vehicle.

[postalWagon]

Holy....... does it still drive?

[NothingClever]

In the hands of an Afghan, yes.