Johnny Campbell Co-Driver For Robby Gordon At Dakar

Charlotte, N.C. (December 8, 2011) – Robby Gordon and the SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team announce the addition of off-road legend, Johnny Campbell to the 2012 team. Johnny Campbell will serve as Gordon’s navigator during the 2012 edition of the infamous Dakar Rally. Campbell will be responsible for directing Gordon through the 6,000-mile pan-American journey that is different than years past, which will add to the allure of the grueling race. The 14-day racing event will starting on New Year’s Day in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, cross over the Andes of Chile and then finish in country of Peru. Both the route and terrain will be different than years’ past, making Campbell one of the most important team members.

The Southern Californian 2-wheel racer is most known for his multiple Baja 1000 victories. This will be his second entry in the Dakar Rally and his first on to the South American continent as a navigator. Campbell, age 40, finished 8th overall and1st as a privateer during the 2001 Dakar Rally, bringing an impressive resume to Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team. With a total of 16 Baja wins – 5 Baja 500 and 11 Baja 1000 – Campbell not only brings along a tradition of success but a great deal of experience when it comes to reading the desert terrain. Campbell’s ability will be key to Gordon’s success as the two look for their first Dakar Rally overall win in 2012.

“I have always said that I would return to conquer the Dakar Rally when the right opportunity presented itself. When I got the call from Robby, I knew that time had come. To be partnered with one of motorsports all-time legends, his great team and awesome equipment is a dream come true. I am very excited and looking forward to the challenge of navigating the Speed Energy / Toyo Tires team to the top of the podium,” commented Johnny Campbell.

“Having Johnny Campbell join our team is a real honor. Having 11 Baja 1000 victories and finishing the Dakar Rally in 2001 on a motorcycle, he understands what it takes to be successful and competitive. Not only will he be an asset on the car side, he also brings a level of professionalism to our team given his managerial background, which is only going to make our team that much stronger this year. He is a true champion, and I am excited to have him as part of this year’s Dakar Rally team,” commented Robby Gordon.

Johnny Campbell’s Career Highlights:

* Baja 1000, 1997-2005, 2007-08

* Baja 500, 1997-98, 2002-04

* San Felipe 250, 1998-2000, 2002-04, 08

* Vegas to Reno, 2001, 2004-05, 2007

* Terrible’s Town 250, 2001-03, 2005

* HYR 24 Hours of Glen Helen, 1999, 2006

* 2005–Henderson’s Terrible 400, Nevada 1000, Parker 250

* 2004–Henderson’s Terrible 300

* 2003–Laughlin U.S. Hare Scrambles

* 2001–8th overall/1st privateer, Paris-to-Dakar Rally

* 2000–Nevada 2000, Tonopah 300, Adelanto Grand Prix

* 1998–Silver State 300

* 1995–Nevada Rally

* 1992–HDRA Nevada 500, Rosarito Beach Grand Prix

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Permalink Reply by Bill McPherson on December 8, 2011 at 10:15pm

It just keeps getting better and better. Welcome aboard JC!

Permalink Reply by Michael Martinez on December 8, 2011 at 11:11pm

I'm liking this I really am, I can feel my existence as a fan of Robby becoming a bigger than what I ever thought thing. As big as this is another bit of news hit the birdcage lining this week when it was reported that two NAZICAR drivers (who shall remain nameless) were seen in NYC sending their shrimp back to the kitchen. I think I'll race something this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Bob Sadowski on December 9, 2011 at 9:32am

Nice. Getting a little moto love in the RG stable

Permalink Reply by brian campbell on December 9, 2011 at 11:12am

how can you not love a guy with a last name like CAMPBELL!!!

Permalink Reply by will on December 9, 2011 at 2:54pm

I've seen him racing a bike 4 or 5 times in the last couple of months.

Permalink Reply by bighead on December 9, 2011 at 4:20pm

Looking at the picture on the top of the page Campbell looks alot like BAJA Bob...

Permalink Reply by John Carrington on December 10, 2011 at 11:30am

This is good news Super Team?

Permalink Reply by Capt. Allen "Pez Loco" on December 10, 2011 at 6:31pm

So is Robby going to be a Water carrier for Nassar or is a team but with each a single mission? I'll will be nice to see the Hummer be first off the line, short lived in 1st I'm sure but still awesome.

Permalink Reply by Capt. Allen "Pez Loco" on December 10, 2011 at 6:33pm

The Mini's were so fast last year, I wonder how mcuh they had to do to them for this year.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Smith on December 10, 2011 at 6:51pm

I didn't think the Mini was very fast last year. The BMW X3's were fast, but that is a very different race car and driveline. I know we have to take the BMW teams seriously, but a Hummer should win this year. They may not even need to run 100% to win.

I don't have a clue what kind of team orders are going to be in play. I am guessing the Hummers are racing as equal partners of a team. TOG and others will fill us in as the race gets closer.

Permalink Reply by kurt kern on December 10, 2011 at 9:26pm

Both Hummers have strong driving and navigation skill set......but you have to give an edge to Gordon/Campbell for the vehicle familiarity.....both in driving and repairing. Nasser is top drivng talent as well so he'll adapt......no doubt about it. I'm sure the Hummer teams are going to focus on no early mistakes or blunders. This is not the first rodeo each of these 4 guys. I'm super psyched to watch this race!

GO Robby! Go Nasser!

Permalink Reply by ivanspeed on December 10, 2011 at 9:53pm

i already want xmass and new years to be over too stoked!

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