Dakar 2008

[jwtrapper]

Anyone else here watch the Dakar? Starts Jan. 5th, only thing that sucks is we only get short clips of the race. Versus (OLN) has some coverage and then eurosport.com has some coverage. Robby Gordon has a youtube page that has some videos also. Are there any that I have missed?

[KarlVP]

The folks on the pirate board usually have real time coverage of thier favorite competitors.

[jwtrapper]

I'll have to check that out.

[rokclimbertx]

OLN/VS used to have a lot more coverage, wish they'd show more... ditto that for the SPEED channel and world rally...

[8Mud]

Let me know whatever you guys find out. Eurosport coverage here sucks. A half hour of race standings, 15 minutes of interviews with the drivers and 15 minutes of race clips. And they studiously ignore any mention of US teams.
The only way I'm going to get any decent coverage is online.
I really enjoy watching the big trucks run.

[BajaMJ]

Ur. Right :rattle:It's hard to find extensive day by day coverage on TV.
Best bet is www. offroad .com or Robby Gordon's site. and Dakar's official site www.dakar.com/2008 (http://www.dakar.com/2008).
They have the most complete info for all groups and info on stages, maps and once the rally starts, they give a good day by day follow up.
Team USA did an extraordinary job in 2007 :thumbup: From Robby to Chris Blaze (who I wish a fast recuperation from that hard fall he had here in the states.) Looking forward to following this January's race. It will be longer than last years.
If u guys know of other links .post'em up!!
Regards.

[8Mud]

Thanx for the links. :D

[1985xjlaredo]

Is speed doing anything for it this year. Last year all I saw was a day recap of what happend with times and such

Dakar's official site www.dakar.com/2008 (http://www.dakar.com/2008).
=
Euromilhões Dakar

Désolé, il n'y a pas de page correspondant à cette requête.
Il est possible que vous ayez mal saisi l'adresse, ou que la page ne soit pas encore accessible.
»» Retour à la page d’accueil (http://www.dakar.com/index.html) ««
Sorry, there is no web page matching your request.
It is possible you typed the address incorrectly, or that the page requested is not available yet.
»» Back to home page (http://www.dakar.com/indexus.html) ««
© Amaury Sport Organisation. All rights reserved.

[1985xjlaredo]

http://www.dakar.com/indexus.html This is the correct link

[8Mud]

Last year all I saw was a day recap of what happend with times and such
=
Euromilhões Dakar

Désolé, il n'y a pas de page correspondant à cette requête.
Il est possible que vous ayez mal saisi l'adresse, ou que la page ne soit pas encore accessible.
»» Retour à la page d’accueil (http://www.dakar.com/index.html) ««
Sorry, there is no web page matching your request.
It is possible you typed the address incorrectly, or that the page requested is not available yet.
»» Back to home page (http://www.dakar.com/indexus.html) ««
© Amaury Sport Organisation. All rights reserved.

The Paris Dakar is a really political race, more dirty tricks going on than a person would believe. Half the competition is to make it to the race, once there make sure your parts and chase trucks aren't held up at some border due to paper work or some other kind of subtle sabotage (French word) from some racist organizer. Then the next step is the inspections, also by some bias judge with an agenda and a personal favorite. The Japanese seem to have the system well in hand, I think because they throw great gobs of cash at the event.
I was aquainted with an independent that ran the Dakar for three years. He said never again, the race is doable, the politics will kill you. He got some non sponsor support from the German Automobile club (duplicate valid paperwork) and had only family organize fuel, parts and the chase trucks. Video taped the inspections, until they forbid it.
The TV coverage here sucks, race tables that look like they were made by a five year old, vast amounts of video of the drivers eating, doing maintenance and even walking off into the desert with a shovel. Very little of the actual event. Occasionally a 911 flight by some chopper. All filler and little content.

[BajaMJ]

Thanks:yelclap: for the correct link 85xjlaredo; I pasted too fast:badpc: .
Ur right 8mud :3/4 of the whole rally atmosphere is :bs: .

Nevertheless just like in many motorsports ( in some more on some less) you can still actually salvage something worth watching.:thumbup:

[BajaMJ]

:nono: No Dakar this year.... ( so much for hunting links:smsoap:
Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008
A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rally

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.
Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.
A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.
A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.
The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.

Ur Right 8 Mud : I guess this has evolved into sadly more than just commercial interests and political agenda.... Too Bad

[1985xjlaredo]

Baja is a better race anyways, Dakar will never be run again.

[ECKSJAY]

:nono: No Dakar this year.... ( so much for hunting links:smsoap:
Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008
A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rally

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.
Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.
A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.
A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.
The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.

Ur Right 8 Mud : I guess this has evolved into sadly more than just commercial interests and political agenda.... Too Bad


Terrorists win.

[jwtrapper]

Well that just ruined my day.

[8Mud]

http://www.odyssei.com/travel-gallery/76233.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4291171.stm

Maybe 2009 will be the year of the trans Russia race.

Maybe there is a legitimate terrorist threat, maybe it's a boycott the Olympics type thing, Frances way of getting even and using whatever leverage they have, to try and get there way. Tourists getting robbed and murdered isn't anything new in North Africa, 10-12 a year that you hear about. Like most third world countries.
I have to ask myself the question, what happens to all the prepositioned people already in Africa and ahead of the race. Sounds like the organizers screaming abandon ship, every man for himself. It just about has to be a cluster buck, in North Africa just about now, thousands trying to get out.
Next year let the French organize a truffle hunt, all foreign entries must use three legged truffle hunters.
Move the race to some civilized country like Mongolia and let somebody competent organize the race.

[Stumpalump]

Baja race is suposed to be a horrible experiance also. On the official websites if you mention you stuff was stolen or how you were robed at gunpoint you will be deleted of baned from posting.

[BajaMJ]

:spin1: Hmm Russia; That would really be interesting . I bet it would really change your logistics . Mostly snow and ice .for thousands of miles.... they should.:spin1:
And Yes It's TRUE, There's always some robbing and stealing going on every time at the Baja .
So Much.. That in the 6 years I've been going twice a year ....am still waiting in line for my turn..:doh: . Who knows ..? maybe '08 ? :gag:

[90Blue_XJ]

What is the world of motorsports coming to when politics can cancel an event. Are we at war with the French yet???

[BajaMJ]

Well , here we go again:read: no Dakar for 2008 ....:gonnablow

But guess where DAKAR 2009 will be ? nope not Russia...:compwork: at least this time.


Google : :geek: 2009 DAKAR............

It's called DAKAR right ? But NOW It will be run where ? :dunno:

[rokclimbertx]

i heard south america, chile maybe... i'l lgoogle and see if i'm close...

[GrimmJeeper]

i think they should run it in Baja.... oh wait, they can't manage to do that right either! :eyes:

[jwtrapper]

I don't care where it is as long as they run it. I also heard South America.

[planefixer]

I read today that it will be held in Argentina and Chile next go around.

[Vince]

I wonder if that will force some of the non-works team European entrants to drop out.

[BajaMJ]

Well 8Mud , wish granted :greensmok You won't have to wait 'till 2009 .... It will be in a few days..
Hope they have decent coverage....


http://www.transorientale.com/

[Ghost]

Well 8Mud , wish granted :greensmok You won't have to wait 'till 2009 .... It will be in a few days..
Hope they have decent coverage....


http://www.transorientale.com/
What is that? An attempt at a Dakar without Dakar? SHould be a mud fest I would think.

[XbajajeepX]

The next Dakar will be in South America...

[BajaMJ]

What is that? An attempt at a Dakar without Dakar?

Guess it Will be- DAKAR with out DAKAR - , instead Argentina & Chile ? :roflmao: