Charlotte, N.C. (December 4, 2012) – With no desert too large and no mountain too tall, the SPEED Energy HUMMER on victory proven Toyo Tires will once again attempt to conquer the world’s most famous off-road event. The custom-built Dakar HUMMER driven by Robby Gordon and navigator Kellon Walch will tackle more than 8000 Km / 4970 Mi from Peru through Argentina and ending in Santiago, Chile making it the ultimate off-road adventure; the 35th Annual Dakar Rally.


Registration discussions between A.S.O and Team Gordon began back in the early summer months in preparation for the 2013 Dakar Rally, and on December 2 registration for the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires / MAPEI HUMMER became official. The A.S.O and the team agreed on a pre-check inspection of the Dakar HUMMER prior to being approved to race. Once the detailed inspection of the Dakar HUMMER and its air-inflation system by A.S.O. officials, the team was approved to officially race the 2013 Dakar Rally.


“I am excited to go back to race the prestigious Dakar Rally and show the world that we are ready to give it our best shot once again at an overall victory. Obviously our cars are good enough to compete for the win. Last year we had the fastest cars at the rally and led the most check points with the fastest times, with five wins as a team, two wins with the second HUMMER (which was also approved and is available to compete) and three wins for myself. It is now time for us to go back and capitalize on what we developed and worked on over the last seven years to put ourselves in position to compete for the overall win. “


For the first time in its history, the Dakar Rally will begin in Lima, Peru, sending upwards of 460 vehicles from 53 countries on a two-week, 14-stage endurance race through 3 Western South American countries, ultimately finishing in the Chilean capital of Santiago. This year’s Dakar will begin on January 5 and will travel on a new course featuring sections not seen to racing since the moving of the Dakar to South America in 2009, marking the most difficult course to date.


Gordon will be joined in the cockpit by his navigator, Kellon Walch, who served as team navigator for B.J. Baldwin in 2010 and for Gordon in 2011. Walch looks to bring back the experience and chemistry gained as the team’s navigator in previous rally races along with the focus and drive needed to guide the vehicle through the challenging navigation obstacles that Gordon will face.


The various aspects of Peru’s natural features will put a real test to the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires / MAPEI Dakar HUMMER in the early stages of the rally as Gordon will face gigantic dunes and rugged terrain requiring precise focus and skill to gain an early advantage. Entering Chile will set the stage for a fast pace duel through the desert before crossing the Andes Mountains into Argentina where record altitude and temperature will become a crucial factor for driver and navigator.


After a much needed day of rest on the eighth day, the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires team will set out for the longest and most technical stage of the Rally navigating through the narrow twists and turns of the forest. The rapid assistance vehicles will not have access to this stage, requiring precise driving to be a must. Entering Chile for the final stages of the Rally will once again bring dunes into the equation, testing the driver’s fatigue and equipment to the finish in Santiago.


Once reaching the Chilean capital, the small percent of the drivers who finish the 2013 Dakar Rally will partake in a short show course offering spectators and fans the chance to cheer on the new heroes who have successfully conquered the 2013 Dakar Rally. The following day the accomplishment of each of the drivers will be recognized with an elaborate ceremony planned on the Plaza de la Constituciόn.


To follow Gordon and the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires team as they try to rise above the competition at the legendary Dakar Rally, log onto www.speedenergy.com and www.toyotires.com for race team updates. Fans can also participate in the Dakar Rally experience by connecting on http://www.planetrobby.com and follow along with the team on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/thespeedenergydrink, and www.facebook.com/toyotires, http://twitter.com/SPEED_ENERGY, http://twitter.com/ToyoTires.


Daily highlights from each stage can be viewed on the NBC Sports Network (DIRECTV Channel 220 / Dish Network Channel 159 / AT&T U-Verse Channel 1640 / Verizon FiOS Channel 590) January 5th – the 20th. Please check your local listings for times & schedules on the NBC Sports Network.

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how about j.l schlesser as second driver !!???... these 2 could be twins .....
explosive combination i'm telling you .
both have such an ego they would fight for the top step even if they were in the same team .

Well let me throw this person from left field out there for driver of the 2d Hummer, he's an off roader, has his own money, reps some companies, has had and does currently have his own TV show, and could attract/bring new money...... Jesse James?

you can't be serious .... he is a clown ... that is all .

Hardly

Jesse may have a wandering eye for pussy but he's no clown, he's self made

Honestly think Jesse is too busy with his new stuff plus I think this bike build show coming up is live so don't think he could make it .

Is the second Hummer really needed? RG has sold the use of the car in the past and he also has ran it as his "water carrier" The cost is a lot to have it as the water carrier and the results from that in the past weren't always good. If he sells the seat then they have to baby sit the car for some rich guy that thinks the world circles around them. So I guess we will have to wait and see what he is up to.

Yes & No - all depends on $ and who is in the 2nd hummer.
If you truly have a competitive "water carrier" - can't see it being anything other than good.
If it weren't for issues last year both Hummers were in contention to win.

Looks like a lot of sand this year - my opinion. Bring um both if possible.

For those who have smart phones here's the link I use when not on my computer . It's still the same stuff but you can add the link to your main screen .

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2013/us/out-of-race/news-2013.html


Sent from my iPhone

The second Hummer needs a driver but.......................................having seen the delays encountered with having been a "good sport" and "teammate" last year while going back to when a support vehicle went driving by the year before the selection must be within the confines of common sense not common cents. That being said a co-driver and support team would have to be very close in tow at this point in time...........however all those that feel Robby don'Y know what he's doing stand over there by the tree.............no not that one..........yea there you go. MAN THIS MUSIC IS MAKING ME THIRSTY

BJ WOULD BE OPTIMAL BUT HE HAS MONSTER SO FAR UP HIS BUTT

Pssst! Hey!

Those Qatar Red Bull Buggies sure are ugly!!

Bummer they a built in CA, with Chevy power, 2wd, and on board tire inflation / deflation systems.

Nasser must have liked the powerful, long legged Hummer - hum?

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