Posted on 12/31/2004 6:02:08 PM PST by nypokerface
I'd love it! ... well for the first 100 miles.
Be quite the shift from the comfy ole Dodge saddle :o)
Hey - Have a great New Year!
Seems that this course is awfully far to the west. I wonder if this is due to political concerns, bandit problems, or what. Some years I believe the course has actually gone into Egypt.
Yes, I noticed that too. Seems to go through Mali this year too, probably the biggest income generating event for that country.
muh kidneys quiver at the thought of all the bumps to be endured in a trek like that. ;-)
It'd raise hell with the keg in the trunk, too :o)
Welcome to Free Republic.
There are many race fans here!! (all types of racing)
Additional Robby Gordon Quotes from Stage One
"It was really fun! The course got rutted after the motorcycles so we played slot cars. Overall this is like winning a qualifying race at Daytona. You are happy because because the equipment is good, happy you won but you still realize that once the race begins there are so many variables that can effect the outcome. It's going to be a long race. Does this inject some confidence into the team? I'd be lying if I said we were not optimistic. We'll take care of the equipment, try and win a couple of stages and hopefully give them something to write about in the end."
I would love for him to give them some more "American Envy" material!
I want to convert an old bug to a Beach Buggy. Would all I have to do be to strip off the fenders,put on larger tires and jack it up a bit with air shocks?
January 2, 2005.........
13:47 Cars – McRae officially wins
With all cars on the finish line of stage 2 special, Colin McRae officially wins the day’s race in a final time of 7’48”. The Scotsman earns himself his third Dakar win after victories in Ayoun El Atrous and Dakar last year. McRae climbs on top of the overall standings with a second advantage on Robby Gordon.
12:21 Cars – McRae overall leader
If things remain like this, Scotsman Colin McRae (NIS – n°308) with his current best time of the Granada special in 7’48” is the new rally leader. In the overall standings, the former WRC World champion has a 1sec lead on Robby Gordon (VW – n°317) and 2sec on his team mate Giniel De Villiers (NIS – n°314).
11:57 Cars – McRae takes command
Scotsman Colin McRae has the provisional best time of the special in 7’48”. On his official Nissan, McRae has a 6sec advantage on Peterhansel (MIT – n°306) and a 10sec lead on Vatanen (NIS – n°311).
15 cars have made it to the finish so far.
11:49 Cars – De Villiers first leader
The first favourites have made it to the finish line of the 10km special. As it stands, Giniel de Viliers (NIS – n°314) has clocked the fastest time in 8’01”. Second is USA’s Robby Gordon (VW – n°317) at 2sec while third is the other Race Touareg driver Bruno Saby (VW – n0307) at 3sec.
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Thanks for the ping. I love my nascar, but this is THE race I love most of all. I drive my oldest daughter insane with how much I talk about it, and tell her she is going to be my co-driver, because of her amazing sense of direction.
I am really bummed that Speedvision isn't covering it this year, especially with R. Gordon driving in it.
Happy New Year to you, CK, and the dog!
There are daily updates, should we post them here or on your thread?
Posted on Jan 2, 2005, 17:08
Wolfsburg (2nd January 2005) Excellent starting position for Volkswagen works driver Robby Gordon in Africa: On his 36th birthday, the American, second overall after the Dakar Rally’s third stage, lies exactly one second behind ex-Rally World Champion Colin McRae, and leads the chasing pack in his Race-Touareg.
On the closing European special stage, a ten kilometre track on a proving ground in Granada, Gordon, the quickest Volkswagen driver, set fifth fastest time. Team colleague Bruno Saby, seventh a further second behind, starts the first African stage from fifth position. Jutta Kleinschmidt will enter the 666 kilometre stage in Morocco as ninth starter. Juha Kankkunen, who drives another Race-Touareg, was unable to climb above 13th place in the dust cloud of the competitor in front.
Three questions to Volkswagen driver Robby Gordon
How did your homeland react to the first ‘Dakar' stage victory for an American?
"Everything was fairly low-key. The Dakar Rally is still relatively unknown in the USA. I know Lance Armstrong well: He explained to me that very few Americans were interested in cycling before he won the Tour de France.”
You were the quickest from the word go. Are you taking a lot of risks?
"I'm not risking anything. We drove about 80 percent on the first stage; we had plenty in reserve. It was actually just a warm-up. The real rally starts in Africa. I work very closely with my co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz when I'm driving. His pace notes are a great help.”
Does your experience from so many diverse racing series help?
"Yes, because I get used to a new car very quickly. In the same way it is a help that I regularly ride motorbikes. As a result you learn not to overestimate your abilities.”
Gordon got his start in off road........and did fairly well.
I intend to start a new thread each day (as time allows), as the pics, etc will get real heavy for the Therapy thread.
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