Journalist Sue Mead racer Darren Skilton become first U S team to win a class in Dakar Rally

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is still proving that it can do whatever deed needs done, whenever it needs doing. Sue Mead and Darren Skilton managed to pilot a largely stock version of the desert-raiding pickup through all 12 stages of this year’s Dakar rally. The team survived 16 days of some of the most brutal terrain on the South American continent and covered over 11,800 miles in the process. Their effort was enough to net the Raptor a 40th place finish over all and a first place finish in the OP class.

In fact, from what we hear, Mead and Skilton were the only contestants to even finish in the OP class, even with big names like Robbie Gordon gunning for the win.

That marks the first time that an American crew has ever managed to take a class win in the history of the Dakar Rally. The F-150 SVT Raptor that Mead and Skilton campaigned boasted the same 5.4-liter V8 that it rolled off the production line with, though a larger cooling system was fitted to handle the harsh temperatures of the course. Likewise, the pickup was equipped with a host of other race-capable bits including a new locker system for the differentials, more robust shocks, springs and tires.

Overall, Volkswagen took the top three spots in the 2011 Dakar Rally. BMW filled out the remaining spots in the top five with its entries. Hit the jump for the press release.

Read More

Sergai Rally Medan 2012 Day One Lead

Sergai Rally (Medan) 2012: Day One Lead     

Rizal Sungkar racer who teamed up with navigator Endure phase was successfully recorded the fastest time on the first day of Rally Sergai in Medan, North Sumatra, Saturday (7/7), followed by Subhan Aksa in the second position.

RFT Best Motor sport team rider managed to record the fastest time, 1 hour 15 minutes, 26 seconds of the entire 5 SS is 119.90 km which. The success of the initial ambition of Rizal at once dispelled Subhan Aksa is the nearest competitor.

On the first day, Rizal admitted to appear quite relaxed together with the new Endrue first time with her.

"Communication with Endrue went very well, so I can be more relaxed but still focused and consistent driving. Hopefully tomorrow it no problems, so I can defend my position and be a champion "Rizal said Spears just after the finish.

After Rizal Sungkar in the first position, second position is occupied by Subhan Aksa with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 35 seconds, followed by Robby Harahap (1 hour 17 minutes 50 seconds) in third. New Zealand rally driver, Brian Green in the fourth position (1 hour 19 minutes 46 seconds) and Dade Nasution in the fifth position (1 hour 20 minutes 06 seconds).

On the second day, Sunday (8/7) tomorrow, still have 4 SS to be passed in the same area, but from the opposite direction, with a total distance of 112, 23 km. All participants will be expected to finish in Serdang Sultan Perbaungan Reflika Field at 16:30 pm.

"The results we have achieved excellent first day. We hope that team the following day in support of Rizal and Endrue still be awake, so that they could win the first prize, "said Rizal.
 time between the racer is quite close, so that we can be sure tomorrow will be very exciting fight. "


 source: dapurpacu.com

Read More

Range Rover Evoque rally car it will use in 2013 Dakar Rally

Range Rover Evoque rally car

A team from Britain is finalizing plans to enter the newly-launched 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque in the 2013 Dakar Rally, which takes place in South America.

With three-time Dakar Rally winner Volkswagen pulling out of the event from next year onwards, there are a number of new players keen on entering the grueling off-road rally in the coming years.

The vehicles will also feature ZF transmissions, Reiger coil-over suspension and 16-inch wheels with BF Goodrich desert racing tires.

Excite Rally Raid Team currently has five prototypes that have already competed at three different Dakar’s, achieving a mechanical finish reliability rate of 100 percent.

The British Excite Rally Raid Team has unveiled a preview of the Range Rover Evoque rally car it will use in 2013 Dakar Rally. Built by RaBe Race Cars, the Excite Rally Raid Team Range Rover Evoque will be powered by a BMW 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 205kW of power and 650Nm of torque. British Rally Raid Team business manager, David Jones, recently said,

Three of the Range Rover Evoque rally cars will be produced and will compete in the rally. Mike Jones of RaBe Race Cars recently said,

“RaBe Race Cars has years of off-road motor sport experience at every level, from club to International works teams.

Read More