Jan 11th Dakar Rally Stage 8 Race Chat

Join us for the Dakar Rally on Jan 11, 2009 , right here and chat about the action during the 8th stage.Robby Gordon is 5th overall, only 1 hour back.

Stage 8 - Sunday, January 11

Valparaiso > La Serena

Connection: 245 km | Special: 294 km | Connection: 113 km | Total: 652 km
After a day of rest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, an easier restart has been programmed. On mid-range mountain roads, driving hotshots should be able to really strut their stuff. The experts in car positioning, trajectory and sudden braking will show how it’s done. But for the rally leaders, there is certainly more to be lost than won during this stage.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on January 11, 2009 at 12:16pm

He's got enough space on 6th it looks like it will require something major for him to fall back in the overall.

Just like the top four don't feel any immediate pressure from him.

This is a nice position, since it should prevent the team from pushing bad situations and just allow them to run solid stages, waiting to see what happens in front of them.

Permalink Reply by fred on January 11, 2009 at 12:10pm

just want to see him at the finish

Permalink Reply by Blues on January 11, 2009 at 12:11pm

that's the most important thing for sure.

Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on January 11, 2009 at 12:11pm

De Villiers through, over ten minutes back, nearly eleven?

Mark Miller halved the time between himself and De Villiers

Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on January 11, 2009 at 12:18pm

Gotta wonder how they're going to handle it. I think they're just going to sit on their hands and go with all three of them getting top fives in the stages.

The big two for Mitsubishi are out and Roma is a half hour back. They're not really under a huge amount of pressure and they can wait to make any decisions until after one of their cars actually has trouble.

Permalink Reply by MikeNIN7 on January 11, 2009 at 12:13pm

Another day with no signs of gremlins in the Volkswagons. DAM

Permalink Reply by Clance' McClannahan on January 11, 2009 at 12:13pm

Chichiret @ 11' 32"

Permalink Reply by Blain on January 11, 2009 at 12:15pm

Just need a top 10 finish today for a good start tomorrow.

Permalink Reply by MikeNIN7 on January 11, 2009 at 12:15pm

I hope he finshes around 21min.(or better) back, that would mean the Hummers ok.

Permalink Reply by Ex Desert on January 11, 2009 at 12:16pm

he knows the only way to the podium is for others to have trouble so hes making sure hes gonna get there every day. Probally being pretty conservative

Permalink Reply by Ex Desert on January 11, 2009 at 12:17pm

in minus 23

Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on January 11, 2009 at 12:24pm

Exactly. He has to know that he isn't going to run down the three VWs, period. And he's not likely to run down Roma on the course either.

So that means quick, but SOLID stages to keep them in view for the overall. And be in striking distance if any of them have trouble.