Team Toyo return to the most dangerous race in the world: The Dakar.
The Dakar Rally is dangerous, torturous and relentless. From the second to the 16th of January, Team Toyo heroes ride triumphant on Open Country tyres, tempting the wrath of Mother Nature across the Badlands of South America.
Representing Team Toyo in Dakar 2016 are Robby Gordon, Sheldon Creed and Guerlain Chicherit. All three drivers depend on the durability, traction and tread life of Toyo Open Country tyres as they take on the toughest off-road race in the world.
Americans Gordon and Creed swapped their Stadium Super Trucks for ‘Toyo Tires HST Gordini Supercars’. More WRC car than trophy truck, these uncorked orange weapons are designed exclusively to dominate Dakar. They are joined on the journey with their navigators, Kellon Walch and Jonah Street.
Chicherit and navigator Alex Winocq pilot the Zebra liveried #324 X-Raid buggy. The distinctive animal print racer is a fan favourite, and Chicherit is pushing for a big finish after a gruelling 2015.
“We had one of my most eventful and toughest races last year, and the tyres really proved to be the most reliable, durable and indestructible - it's incredibly reassuring to know we have a partner like Toyo by our side again." Chicherit said.
Five Down, Eight to Go
At the conclusion of a marathon fifth stage, Team Toyo’s Robby Gordon is sitting in 24th position outright. In the early kilometres of the stage Gordon was as high as third for the stage, only a minute behind the lead car of French WRC legend Sebastien Loeb, one minute off the position held by the most successful driver in WRC history.
Currently contesting a one hour penalty for speeding (we are as confused as you, it’s a race right?) Gordon has eight stages to make up the time and chase that W that has eluded him for 11 Dakars so far.
The youngest driver on the course, Creed is spending his first Dakar crossed up, opposite lock, roosting dirt and grinning maniacally beneath his helmet. Finishing the fifth stage Creed pulled in with a busted windscreen, intentionally punched out to compensate for malfunctioning wipers. The visibility issues cost some time but he maintains 28th position overall and is still in the fight.
Chicherit has had a tough Dakar so far but remains at the pointy end of the field, fighting into the top ten in Stage Five but losing time with unexpected issues. Survival against adversity is the Frenchman’s favourite, refusing to be stopped by fuel starvation, power steering loss and a swathe of engine problems.
Honourable mentions to Aussie and 2015 Stadium Super Truck competitor Toby Price doing amazing things on his KTM 450. Winning Stage Five, Price is third outright with two stage victories now under his belt.
“There is really no racing event like the Dakar, and now that we are entering our 12th Rally, we believe we’ve seen just about everything and know how to prepare for it,” said Gordon. “With the addition of Sheldon Creed in a second Toyo Tires HST Gordini Supercar, Team SPEED brings the extra support needed on course that we have lacked in the last few years. It is the ‘ultimate survival test’ which is what makes the Dakar Rally such a tremendous event."
With Stage Six hours away, spare a thought this weekend from the comfort of your home as these legends conquer South America one oxygen-starved sand dune at a time.
Stay glued to the Toyo Tyres Australia Facebook page for regular updates.
Forza #TEAMTOYO!
