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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So the 2nd Hummer is approved but who will behind the wheel??

My money is on Clyde Stacy if he is well from his Baja pre-running accident. He was driving the second Hummer earlier this year in the Norra 1000 race.

I doubt that will happen. He got banged up pretty good.

Let the Who will be the driver of the 2nd Hummer sweepstakes begin!! Who wants to go on the ride of their life?

Somebody start the list!

Just pure speculation here...

Mark Miller - An outstanding candidate to wheel that Hummer to the front.

BJ Baldwin - Ran the CER in the Hummer back in 2008 and now is a Toyo Tires driver. Not sure if being a Monster Energy driver would be a conflict of interest.

Darren Skilton - Has run the Dakar many times and is an Dakar road-course instructor here in the United States.

Andy Grider - Familiar with the Hummer and the Dakar as a co-pilot, has expressed interest in being behind the wheel in the past.

Justin Lofton - Just won at Henderson, maybe he'd love the experience.

Khalifa Al-Mutaiwei - World Cup Winner in 2012 but has X-raid affiliations. Wasn't RG in Dubai a few months back?

@Kevin, nice list, and I agree to a point. BJ would overdrive the car trying to win. Its just in his blood. He is a wheelman, but I dont think he fits the role in this particular case. Now, that being said, if we had three Humbuggies rollin out, then BJ might be one to consider. Yet, the Monster sponsorship would surley squash the deal i bet. Justin Lofton if coached properly to fully understand his position could be a good candidate.
Mark Miller would be my first choice for sure.Darren Skilton would be my second choice. Could you imagine a three car team with Robby, Mark, and Darren? Can you say, "Dream Team?" Just my opinion fellas, thanks!

*like* well said! mark is my first choice as well. wasnt there a pic of rg and mark talking it up recently?

My money is on Mark Miller. Not sure if he would take the ride or not. He spent a few years as a chase car, and when he did get the best of his team mates, the corporate office called and he took his rightful place...Not sure if he would want to be a support guy again

the second HUMMER (which was also approved and is available to compete). Hmmm sounds like a great Christmas gift

YEAH BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wohoooo! Great News...

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