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 12:21pm

23:40

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

Have been catching up, reading a lot of the tread. Some have suggested that Robby should go for 4x4. If this is the kind of terrain that future Dakar is going to take place, I can’t imagine Robby being competitive without the 4x4 and stiffer suspension. His machine is built to go fast in a straight line over really rough terrain. South America seems to lack that. I see some terrain early next week that looks good for the hummer as they will be racing thru the driest desert in the world. But if the desert does not have big whoops, VW is running similar top end speed and Robby is going to have to drive his heart out for a stage win.

Robby never gives up. If he has the resources he will re-engineer the hummer or maybe a Toyota Land cruiser.

Permalink Reply by Clance' McClannahan on January 11, 2009 at 12:17pm

One thing about it, Robby is not a quitter...nor is Andy. Stubbornness has it's positive aspects at times!

Permalink Reply by Ex Desert on January 11, 2009 at 12:19pm

an extra 80 million in funding wouild help too like the VW's have

Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on January 11, 2009 at 12:21pm

Its funny, people really thought that the CER and South America would play into the Hummers hands over the VW and Mitshi, compared to the open dunes. But its proven to be the opposite I think. I think four years of development and the Hummer would be the car to beat in the open sandy areas and I think the point to point times in those areas on this years course back that up.

But if GM tried to develop a T1 style car, they're how many years behind VW, BMW and Mitsubishi at this game? It would be a huge uphill battle. I think trying something different was a good idea.

It looks like a stage win may be a long shot this year.

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