Dakar 2014 preview and race results

haven

Expedition Leader
Let's use this thread to keep track of results from the 2014 Dakar race, which starts Jan 5. But first, a preview of the teams and machines in this year's race.

Here's an article that describes the motorcycle division. This year, for the first time in many years, three manufacturers (KTM, Honda and Yamaha) have entered factory-supported teams.
http://rideapart.com/2013/12/2014-dakar-rally-preview/

The car division looks very competitive. Vehicles based on last year's Mini All-4 design are popular among the top teams. Toyota Land Cruiser is the most common entry, while Mitsubishi, Jeep, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Renault, and Gaz have vehicles in the race. This year, there are many buggies, built using a custom frame and body, rather than from a production vehicle. In truth, most of the "car" class entries are highly customized.

The full list of competitors in all classes is here
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2014/us/rider/rider-list-cars.html

Robby Gordon returns to the race in 2014, with a new "Hummer" design
http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1312-robby-gordon-unveils-2014-dakar-rally-hst-race-truck/

Red Bull and Monster Energy drink companies will support multiple teams. Red Bull has sponsored entries in the car, buggy, quad, moto, and truck categories.
http://www.redbull.com/en/motorsports/offroad/events/1331620121943/dakar-2014-rally

Monster Energy preview: http://www.x-raid.de/news/news-arti...id-team--all-good-things-come-in-fours--.html
 

Jim K in PA

Adventurer
Only two Jeeps entered and neither from the US. One is powered by a 4.0L!

I can find no TV covereage of the event at all. Perhaps after a few days are in the can there may be something? The 4 minute "summary" on the official web site is pathetically limited.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Only two Jeeps entered and neither from the US. One is powered by a 4.0L!

I can find no TV covereage of the event at all. Perhaps after a few days are in the can there may be something? The 4 minute "summary" on the official web site is pathetically limited.

Airs tonight on NBC Sports. DVR is set. There are some stage 1 recaps on YouTube. Not looking good for the big US teams, Gordon and Baldwin were not running fast.
 

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
Baldwin posted a few pic on his Instagram with some updates. These are the captions with two of the pictures:

Day 1 "After a long unseccusful day its back to the Bivouac. Unfortunately we had a fuel pump fail today and it costs us an hour. Going to be hard to win from here but we are going to try to win stages and get a good finish. Sorry to let everyone down. Thanks for all your continued support even when we fail."


Day 2 "Day 2 begins. We have about 300 Km highway section and then a 420 km special. Long day today and an opportunity to make up for the 52 minute defecit from yesterday"


Hopefully he can pull it off!!
 

RMP&O

Expedition Leader
Thing is they are not actually Mini's. They are just a custom Mini body on a fully custom truck frame.

I been watching as many 2014 Dakar videos as I can find. Really enjoy it.

Cheers
 

gorillamel

Dirty Blonde
Oh yeah, FIAT on steroids:
_DAK_2014_361V_1.jpg

Fiat Freemont 4X4 prototype prepared by A2 Concept

Engine type : diesel engine
Assistance : Bulgaria Off-Road
Performance tuner : A2 Concept, Bulgaria

I'm not overly familiar with the Dakar, that hearing it on brief news feeds and admiring the rigs used while watching documentaries on it. After perusing their website and reading about the route, I appreciate the enviornmental impact research AND the marathon sections created for bikes/quads. Now I'm hooked and want to read/watch more about it, haha!
 

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