DAKAR RALLY BLOG

The Toyo Tires' Dakar Rally Blog brings you stories, photos and videos from the toughest off-road race in the world, the 2012 Dakar Rally. Join us as we follow the two Team SPEED HUMMERS driven by legendary off-road and NASCAR racer Robby Gordon and 2011 Dakar Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah.

 

January 15, 2012 - 4:32am -

Pisco, Chile. This stage had the biggest dunes yet and for most teams it brought along lots of trouble. Our team encountered some issues as well. At race marker 215 Robby had some issues with the dunes, he was stuck for about 7 minutes and had cut his lead to just around 1 minute. He felt like he needed to push harder to make up some time.

January 13, 2012 - 9:42pm -

From Arequipa to Nasca. Robby dominated this stage, coming in 26 minutes ahead of the leader. Peru has so far had the hardest dunes Robby has ever driven. The hummer came back with no mechanical problems, a easy night for the mechanics. He also proved his point in regards to the air inflation system, he capped it off and won with out the system.

January 13, 2012 - 5:16am -

Today's rally stage went into new land, first time ever in Peru. Unfortunately it was a bad day for the team. Robby's wreck yesterday might have caused today's cv boot malfunction, setting Robby back 1hour and 55 minutes behind.

January 12, 2012 - 6:52pm -

Iquique to Arica a total of 694km of spectacular views combining sand and waves, which continues for several kilometres. The theme will remain constant, since the most experienced experts will be able to surf on the dunes which stretch out for around a hundred kilometres.

January 11, 2012 - 4:28am -

Today's race started in Antofagasta and ended in Inquique for a total of 565km.

January 10, 2012 - 11:57am -

1st place for Robby. Won by a minute and 38 seconds. He is now only 5 minutes 58 seconds behind the over all leader.

stay tuned for recap.

January 9, 2012 - 8:28pm -

Another podium. Robby Gordon takes 2nd place and gains a BIG 7 minutes on the leader. The plan is still in place and we are looking good for the championship.

January 8, 2012 - 9:52pm -

Rest day is a much needed day. Everyone got to sleep in and just take it a lil bit easier than normal. All of the mechanics did a complete rebuild and went thru a thorough inspection of both race hummers. All necessary parts were switched out. Robby and Nasser slept in and took advantage of the day, as far as the co-drivers, they planned the route for tomorrow.

Check out a fun tour video of the bivouac.

http://youtu.be/xsWnAXHV6ZQ

January 7, 2012 - 8:43pm -

Another historic day for Toyo Tires, as we capture the two top spots for stage 7. 

Nasser comes in 1st place and Robby comes in second.

Everything is still going as planned, we would love to have gained more time on the over all leader but 3rd over all for Robby with just 13 minutes behind the leader is a perfect position going into the stages where the HUMMER can excel.

Can't ask for anything else going into our rest day with a great finish on this stage. Definitely a team booster.

Check out some driver interviews after stage 7.

January 7, 2012 - 6:00pm -

Stage 6 was canceled due to bad weather over the Andes mountains. This will hurt Robby and Nasser in the over all placement, as they  need to make up time at every possible stage.

Recent Photos

January 2, 2012 1:26am
Getting ready for tomorrow's race.
December 30, 2011 12:31am
December 29, 2011 9:55pm
December 29, 2011 9:53pm
December 29, 2011 9:24pm
December 29, 2011 6:54pm
December 29, 2011 6:52pm
December 29, 2011 6:51pm
December 29, 2011 6:51pm
December 29, 2011 6:48pm

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THE TIRE OF CHAMPIONS
From deserts to mountains to highways, the Toyo Open Country M/T performs like a champion.
ROBBY GORDON
The man. The racer. The legend.
THE ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD RACE
Discover the thrill of Dakar. Find details on the 2012 course, racers and more on the official website.