NEW YEAR & NEW CHALLENGES IN THE 2011 DAKAR RALLY

Team HUMMER: New Year and New Challenges in the 2011 Dakar Rally

Buenos Aires, Argentina (January 1, 2011) – Around the world January 1 marks the beginning of a new year, but for the competitors of the 2011 Dakar Rally it means the start of the world’s most grueling race. For the teams, the months of preparation are about to be put to the ultimate test.

As the riders and drivers line up on the Avenue of the 9th July, they provide a grand celebration for the fans of the rally. In true Robby Gordon fashion, he did his part as one of the most popular drivers in the Dakar Rally, jumping the podium and doing a burnout in the middle of the street to the delight of the massive crowd.

Leg 1: Buenos Aires to Victoria – In the early editions of the Dakar Rally, the riders and drivers methodically started on January 1 at place de la Concorde in Paris. Holding true to the traditions of the rally, the competitors will again be passing an obelisk. This time, like the past two editions, they will be passing the one on the Avenue of the 9th July in Buenos Aires. As the driver’s head to Victoria on a road section stopwatches will not be ticking. After this leg, the drivers will meet their crews at the bivouac to prepare for the second day of the rally.

As the rally heads north out of Argentina the contrast of the landscapes change day by day, kilometer by kilometer. This means the driver’s skills will have to adapt between wet and dry, through vegetation and sandy dunes. The team that has the ability to adjust to the ever changing scenery will feel most at comfortable. The 2011 Dakar Rally is truly a cascade of color.

“I believe that we are more prepared than ever for this year’s edition of the Dakar Rally. I enjoy racing in Argentina and putting on a show for the fans. The fans here are truly amazing and very passionate about this race. I can’t wait for the first timed segment tomorrow and getting the Dakar Rally underway,” commented Robby Gordon.

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Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit speedenergy.com, planetrobby.com, dakar.com along with Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. The team will also be doing a preview daily leading up to the Rally that details their Dakar program and what it takes to get the team ready to participate in the 14-stage event. The Versus Channel will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. Check your local listing for exact show times.

NEW for 2011 – The SPEED Energy APP featuring exclusive updates of Robby Gordon and his SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER during the 2011 Dakar Rally. Follow Robby as he competes in the world's toughest race through Argentina and Chile. Be the first to hear updates from the driver himself and get exclusive videos and photos during the team's quest to win the coveted Dakar Rally. You'll be able to keep up with Robby during the rally from your iPhone or iPad!



Robby Gordon and Team HUMMER Dakar Statistics



2005

· First American to win a stage in Dakar Rally while driving for the VW Touareg Factory team

· Two stage victories

· Overall 12th place in a field of more than 460 competitors



2006

· Gordon began his own Dakar effort with the creation of Team HUMMER

· Campaigned a purpose built HUMMER H3 in conjunction with General Motors

· Ran as high as fifth in a field of more than 500 competitors before a h*** in the radiator led to mechanical failure



2007

· Returned to Dakar with new sponsor and greater factory engineering support from General Motors

· Won one stage (longest stage overall)

· Overall 8th place finish



2008

· The Dakar Rally was cancelled due to security threats in Mauritana, but Gordon ran in the replacement Rally, the Central European Rally, which took place through Hungary, Romania and Budapest

· Campaigned as a two-race vehicle team and both vehicles finished in overall top-10 (7th and 10th)



2009

· The Dakar Rally was moved to South American and took place in Argentina and Chile

· Campaigned again as a two-race vehicle team

· Robby Gordon finished 3rd overall and the second team HUMMER finished 13th overall



2010

· Campaigned as a three-race vehicle team throughout Argentina and Chile

· Robby Gordon finished 8th overall, the Vanguard HUMMER finished 20th and the Chile HUMMER ended on Stage 3 after the transmission expired