THE BATTLEFIELD IS SET; THE BATTLE HAS BEGAN.

Robby started out stage one seeded in the 35th position. With 34 cars in front of Robby to pass, Robby pulled a "Monster" wheelie off the starting platform to a roaring crowd. By the end of stage one Robby moved up 21 positions and now sits in 14th position, four and a half minutes from the leader Carlos Sainz who laid down an awesome run as expected from the world rally champ. Robby is only seventeen seconds behind last year's Dakar champion Peterhansel in his Mitsubishi that started the day 1st.

The trail for stage one was twisty and muddy. The H-3 worked well in these conditions with Robby behind the wheel passing many of the "seeded cars". Additionally, Robby had performed no testing in these conditions in the new Hummer H-3 prior to the start of the race.

Our other American Racers; Mark Miller in his Touareg was seeded 9th and finished an impressive 10th. He is three minutes forty seconds behind leader Sainz and fifty-nine seconds in front of Robby. Ronn Baily is in 59th thirteen and a half minutes back.

Tomorrow's stage two is also expecting wet conditions in steep hilly terrain similar to Pikes Peak. Nani Roma sums stage two up best; "The stage will be similar to the previous day. A complicated stage where you have a lot to loose and little to win. Therefore we have to be very careful and avoid any mistake." Robby starts tomorrow in 14th and will have fewer cars in front of him impeding his progress.

Robby will continue to take a conservative approach until he hits the shores of Africa. However, we can expect Robby to have a bit more confidence in his H-3 for tomorrow's wet stage. Robby has said he is just looking to finish these first few stages close to the leaders so he can take the H-3 in top form to Africa so he can really show what the H-3 is capable of!

GOOD RESULTS ON TECH DAY!

"It went incredibly smooth, as we weren't sure just how this new racer would be accepted by the ASO. Our H3 Dakar Hummer is a real departure from the types of vehicles normally seen in this event, but the race officials were great, we made it through in record time, about 9 hours."

Looks like Darrin's navigating skills are paying off. Even before the race has started. By the way; 9 hours is 6 hours longer than Mark and Dirk. (Click on image for close up. Chase how's this for photoshop?)

"A RAID INTO THE EXTREME"

Dakar Rally 2006 will undoubtedly be a competition of
Man, Machine and Mega Bucks.

The Dakar Race is on. It's the kind of story Men's Journal loves. Fast cars in exotic barren places, racing 5600 miles in 16 days from Lisbon, Portugal to Dakar. Of the 725 vehicles convoyed up at the start, 485 are entered in the race. 230 are bikes, 180 are cars, 75 are trucks and the balance of the 204 vehicles are for assistance

The race for Dakar started well before the December 31st, 2005 kick-off stage. All Dakar entry positions sold out six months before the start. Racers are eager for the world's most epic and grueling race. For some, planning and preparation is considered an extreme logistical challenge in the most remote and undulating conditions, and has spanned almost three decades of tradition.

The participants come from all over the globe. These participants come for their shot to place their name in the record books as champion of this 5,600 mile race. France is well represented with Stephane Peterhansel, Bruno Saby and Luc Alphand. Other nationalities also include entrants from Spain, Japan, Portugal, England, Russia, China, Holland and the USA. USA is represented by NASCAR, Indy Car, and Baja Star Robby Gordon with Veteran Dakar Racer Darrin Skilton as navigator in Robby Gordon's Hummer H-3 entry. Robby and Darrin are proudly carrying the Stars and Stripes for Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, GM’s indestructible Hummer brand, and every Red Blooded American from sea to shining sea.Several other competitors from the USA include;
_______________________________________________
9 Chris Blais - blaisracing.com
23 Andy Grider - griderracing.com
42 Jonah Street - rallypanam.com
98 Mike Krynock - rallypanam.com
99 Charlie Rauseo - rallypanam.com
132 James Embro - none
180 Kevin Heath - KevinsMidLifeCrisis.com
242 Scott Whitney / Duane McDowell - HogWildRacing.com
309 Mark Miller - Mark Miller
335 Robby Gordon / Darren Skilton - robbygordon.com
354 Ronn Bailey / Herve Cotel - vanguardracing.com

The Volkswagen team, (AKA Team Mega Bucks). With victories in three of nine rallies entered and a 2005 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup title to defend, the Volkswagen team has more than a few years at it. Volkswagen challenges Dakar with its improved but unproved Race Touareg 2, which is enhanced with visibility, handling, chassis, suspension, engine and transmission and last but not least, improved user friendliness. Volkswagen's almost 100 million dollar commitment could easily fund five NEXTEL Cup budgets in quest for victory in truly only one event. Their 2006 ambition for the Dakar include six Race Touareg's, dozens of support trucks, and countless personnel. American, Mark Miller out-performed another American, Ryan Arciero in pre-Dakar testing. Mark Miller makes his first start on the Volkswagen team after filling in the vacated spot of Robby Gordon. Robby Gordon turned down Team Volkswagen for 2006 and chose to take a different approach to the 9000 kilometer race. Miller joins the capable VW team as well as being a Baja 1000 winner on his resume. Robby’s 2005 Navigator Dirk Von Zitzewitz will be joining Miller in the #309 Volkswagen for 2006.


VW is well prepared and are a threat to win.

Stepahane Peterhansel also thinks so, by stating, "VW will be strong. Volkswagen has several drivers capable of winning. With six entries; We are afraid of their team but we have to concentrate on our race and not make any errors. I think it will be a race of attrition - any driver Making just one error or damaging their car will be out of the running for victory. If we don't make any errors then we won't be far from first position." Stepahane has been there before. The field for a "raid into the extreme" Peterhansel returns to Dakar with the Mitsubishi Team, however; don't discount him. Peterhansel has eight Dakar victories to his name.



The stage has been set and the stories are yet to be told. One thing is for certain, this year's Dakar will excite. Will Robby’s combination prove to be all he calculated? Or will the half-dozen-entry numbers game of the 100 million Dollar mega teams prove to buy… A bitter sweet victory from attrition? We will see it all unfold. The 2006 Dakar begins on December 31, 2005 and ends on January 15, 2006, in Dakar, Africa.


Coverage in the U.S. Robby's effort will be packing no less than 5 on-board cameras! Robby and all the other teams will be on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN). This is over 20 hours of broadcast time!!!

THE WEAPONS OUR WARRIORS USE IN BATTLE

The Cars (T-1 and T-2) The car category is where the biggest names compete. Colin McRae, Bruno Saby, Stepahane Peterhansel and Jutta Kleinschmidt have all made their marks in Dakar.

The car category is divided into two categories - amateur and professional. The majority of the professional racers have a completely special built from the ground up 4x4 car that is made to mimic a street version from the same auto manufacturer.

Amateurs are mostly privateers with a lot of determination like two time Dakar champ Jean-Louis Schlesser, but generally they are no match for the factory backed teams of BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Volkswagen.

After competing in a Volkswagen last year Robby Gordon returns to Dakar for the second year. It was after the second stage of last year's event Robby made up his mind to be back with his own recipe. This time with his own team entry. The day he arrived home from Dakar in January 2005 Robby got his hands on the FIA regulations. Since then, Gordon has teamed up with Toyo Tires who is aggressively challenging BFGoodrich in the Off-Road tire market. General Motors is backing the American effort with a helping hand - offering up the H3 Hummer as a platform for Gordon. In addition, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series sponsor Jim Beam will enjoy the global audience. While it is Gordon's first attempt as a team owner in the Dakar, his off-road credentials lead him to Dakar. Several of Robby's race prepped trucks are crowding the top of the SCORE Trophy Truck division in the Southwestern United States. Robby Gordon behind the wheel is a Baja 1000 and Baja 500 winner. The effort might not have all the cash and man power that the multi-entry, factory backed teams have, however; Gordon has been racing and winning in the desert since he was fifteen. Robby states, "We have learned a lot in Baja."

Gordon discovered last year with Volkswagen that American Off-road racing technology can and should compete with German off-road racing technology. Gordon is trying to raise the profile of off-road racing to the mainstream racing fans here in the United States. For good reason. There are 75 Million NASCAR fans in the USA sitting on their porch waiting for the Daytona 500.

Due to different thinking and know how as compared to the veteran teams, Gordon will have a much different shock and tire package than ever seen in Dakar. Robby is the type who tends to think even more outside of the box for the sole purpose of exploiting an unforeseen advantage. Furthermore, Gordon's campaign has come together relatively quickly - which makes his entry impressive and will surely cause his rivals to do a double take. Robby's efforts are well within the FIA rules. However; we may have to expect some good'ol belly aching from the competitors when we see his technical combination coupled with his extraordinary driving skills prove out. After all, it's no secret Robby could out drive any driver entered in Dakar with a turkey sandwich in one hand and a Red Bull in the other.

Defining the box- The cars of T-2 consist mostly of four wheel drive vehicles. While Team Dakar USA will not be a 4-wheel drive, their two-wheel drive combination should prove lethal. The H-3 takes advantage of many rule allowances afforded only to two-wheel entries;
Tire diameter H-3 - 37" > Opposition -31" (Advantage Gordon)
Suspension travel H-3 - 20" > Opposition - 10" (Advantage Gordon)
Weight H-3 - 2/3rds of the Opposition (Advantage Gordon)
The H-3's same basic layout is the two-wheel drive combination that has lead Robby Gordon to eight off road championships and several wins in Baja. In fact, Robby had never raced a 4-wheel drive until he suited up for last year's (2005) Dakar.

The "Monster" H-3 is out-fitted with all the high tech goodies that any of the other team's possess. Features such as a full carbon fiber body produced by the F-1 engineering gurus at Menard Engineering Limited. The Body features a full tilt-up rear section covering the engine, secondary spare tire and spare water storage. The body also has doors with sliding glass windows. Furthermore, a windshield with windshield wipers is included for cleaning off dust, mud and a Mitsubishi or two. This Hi-tech skin covers the Robby Gordon Off-Road chassis built in California. The H3 Hummer is powered by a Katech built and UMI Racing mapped 427 CID V8. The big V8 is similar in specification to the engines the factory C6R Corvette racing team has in their arsenal to annihilate their competitors in the 24-hours of Le Mans and Daytona. The engine management software has several different programs to make the most power depending on stage length. Whatever the power may be for that day, it is fed into a 5-Speed sequential Albins/Weddel manual shift transaxle. The "Monster" has a 500 mile range on a single tank of fuel. To make sure Robby's 16 day adventure proves to be a comfortable journey... Believe it or not, even a heater and chilly air-conditioning is standard, just like the Hummer in your driveway.

Pre-Dakar Testing. The Hummer recently proved worthy in its maiden testing sessions in America Southwest, in such places as the unforgiving places such as the Arizona Desert and the vast Glamis Sand Dunes located in California .

Here is your chance to think out of the box. What would your winning recipe be? See the actual FIA regulations;Click Here

WHAT ARE ROBBY GORDON'S ODDS FOR VICTORY

What are the odds?

A friend I made on Race-Dezert.com sent me an email today. He likes Mark Miller, Dirk, Darrin and Robby a lot. My friend brought up some valid points and questions about Robby's quest I would like to share with the Dakar Spot readers. Then respond to them with follow up from my point of view on the situation. These questions are the biggest questions we are all hearing right now. Everyone is getting so excited prior to the start of the big race. I sure am getting excited.

Statement: "2wd vs. 4wd in the soft stuff... I have driven both types in Glamis. A 4wd with stock tires hardly gets stuck vs. a 2wd with big tires and motor will move well but you have to pay attention nonstop. I predict there will be one incident where Robby will be digging while a 4wd passes him."

Response: Klaus, we will not know until Dakar starts how 2WD vs. 4WD plays out. The big difference from Robby's combination compareded to a regular 2WD Truck with big tires is weight transfer. By having the engine located in the very rear of the Hummer H-3 Robby's car has a large ratio of kilos directly over the rear wheels. Many 2WD Dakar attempts are with a mid- engine combination not a full rear engine location. A mid engine doesn't take full advantage of the 2-wheel drive FIA allowances. Also, Robby will have great flotation with the much larger diameter and14.50 width tire. The 4-wheel drive cars are restricted to a 10.50 tire. Great horsepower in some stages will take benefit of the Toyo's more aggressive tread too. In January he toyed with some tire inflation valve designs and Robby went off in that direction and made some huge filler valves in house. Robby can completely air the tires down for more traction and air back up two tires in less than a minute. In addition, if Robby was to get high centered he has the Howe Hydo Jacks to get unstuck. Another item Robby's Hummer H-3 has to offer is turning brakes. Turning brakes can lock up the inside rear tire and will allow Robby to do snap turns in the sand and on tight corners. In the sand a turning brake is another major advantage, if Robby were to begin digging down in the sand he can rotate the car around and re-take the dune with more momentum or another route altogether. Turning brakes are activated by a hand lever located next to the shifter.

Robby has chosen not to take advantage of an on board rolling inflation system that the FIA allows 2-wheel drive cars., Robby's opponents will see this as a major disadvantage for Robby. Robby will see it as one less thing to go wrong.

Finally, these key elements are what will make the whole 2WD deal an advantage over the narrow tired 4x4. With all his combined play days at Glamis and Dumont sand dunes, plus over a thousand silt wash runs in Baja, Robby Gordon knows his Sand. Maybe the most important advantage of 2WD will be the fact that Robby is arguably the most talented driver in the world operating a rear-wheel drive car on any surface.


Question: "Co-driver. Darren is a super cool guy but a driver by trade. I know he has Africa experience but how good of a navigator is he?"

Response: It's no secret Robby and Darrin are somewhat reserved as to how things will unfold with Darrin taking the navigator seat for the first time. Robby is not the only driver in this year's race in doubt of navigation skills. This is a result of the new rules regarding GPS limitations this year. All drivers are now faced with the same lack of GPS coordinates for the first time in many years. I know Darrin is up for the challenge, and has 25000 miles in Africa as a driver. Many navigators are former motorcycle pilots so I don't find Darrin's driver status to be a disadvantage but an advantage. Plus, Darrin Skilton is multi lingual, and is the US liaison to the ASO; this will play a key element in helping Team Dakar USA navigate the bivouac as well. Darrin and Robby have hundreds of miles together not thousands. However, I think the most important part of being in the navigator role is covered. Darrin is very confident in Robby's skills so the biggest hurdle between driver and navigator has already been leaped, the respect is there. This combination could work out very well for Team Dakar USA.

Statement: "Logistics, VW and Mitsubishi have more people and gear out there..."

Response: The logistics are a huge deal in Dakar. However, Robby has put together one bad to the bone team consisting of 12 "top of their game" team members. The team is comprised of mechanics, fabricators component specialists and a Team Manager. They come from Cart, IRL and decades in the desert. Many of the guys are actual crew chiefs from top professional racing teams like Rahal/Letterman. These guys are looking forward to the challenge while their motor sport is in the off season. They are hand picked by Robby, are the best of the best and will not fail. I think Robby's selection compared to what Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have brought to the table has some major advantages. When you have 80 bodies to keep track of, it can slow things down and cause confusion. Maintaining focus and equality among team members will be easier for Team Dakar USA. I like to compare Robby's team to a Delta Force team whereas; the big teams can be more like an army thus being slower to react and move, perhaps even chaotic. Team Dakar USA has plenty of spare parts to rebuild the entire Hummer 4 times over and still have extras. At the end of the day all the racers have to make it back to the same place before the teams can perform work anyway. The racers must make it back to the bivouac on their own. I don't see team size becoming a winning or losing factor.

Statement: “Well here is my take: RG will win stages early on.”

Response: I’m looking at it in the same way plus more. Robby will take the short stages for sure. Another big Item with Dakar is endurance. Fatigue can play a big factor in this raid. Robby has compared the Dakar Rally to 16 Daytona 500s in a row. I think Robby will not fall off in the later stages. From my experience racing the desert your own car can beat you to death. Robby’s car has forty degrees of steering from lock to lock. This ultra fast steering response will reduce arm pump up. Even more, with twice as much suspension travel as the top teams. Robby and Darrin’s bodies will also experience less beating and banging. Darrin may have a much better advantage as navigator not bouncing around so much. This could be the difference that really shows after stage 8. It will be interesting to hear what Robby has to say at this point in the race as compared to last year’s Dakar.

Statement: "Deep inside I wish Robby will smoke'em and I keep my fingers crossed that he will. I would like nothing more but to see someone try to beat the factory teams with a vehicle built so differently. If he does, VW and Mitsubishi will crap their pants and start thinking outside the box big time! I am German and I understand the culture. I can totally see how they design and build stuff. Lucky I never got fully Germanized. I think I am more Mexican then German..."

Response: The German design reference is spot on; I was a designer for two of the big German automakers for several years (BMW & Audi). The thing that sticks out with me in your statement is that German automakers tend to work on evolution rather than creation. The Porsche 911 is a perfect example. The 911, once basically a bug, has taken sixty years to be one of the most refined cars on the road. Another example is the BMW 2002 introduced in 1972, thirty years later, the M-3 is the best 2 door sedan on the road. I was looking at the VW site and I saw how much effort they put into styling, windtunnel testing and redoing the same formula over again. It will take Robby's combination to prove out before the Europeans rethink their formulas. Infact, this may be the death of the big factory teams due to their huge investment into the point of no return.

"more Mexican then German" Beaner Schnitzel anyone?

Robby's statment at the end of the 2005 Dakar. "It was a good rally. As we left Germany for Barcelona I said that I wanted to win. To achieve this I pushed very hard from the off and had an accident. Afterwards I got really badly bogged down twice and helped Jutta. So we fell way back. But I have learned a lot. Five days ago I was depressed and just wanted to go home. Now I want to return and win."

FLY's Final Thoughts: Robby's "Monster" weapon is like comparing an unlimited class SCORE car to a SCORE production based class 7s. This is why I call the cross country rally cars the Europeans currently build in the T-2 class "A Polished Turd". No matter how shiny the turd is, it's still just a piece of crap. But the big thing going for VW this year is "Increased user friendliness". Start the Race Already!!!

Odds? I call the odds even.

THE WORK HORSES OF DAKAR

Trucks, (T-4 Class) The trucks are the work horses of the event. In order to keep the crews in reach of their teams the chase vehicles are entered in the Dakar Rally as well. They provide support on the race course for both cars and bikes while they battle for their own title. They transport tires, mobile workshops, tools, spare parts not limited to transmissions, suspension parts, camping gear and even yes, toilet paper. Whatever your driver may need it is on the way. There is several options for teams with the support race trucks. The top teams have team owned and entered trucks and many additional trucks have leased space onboard that support many different teams from one truck. Trucks fall under the T-4 classification and maintain a separate set of regulations. Team Gordon has chosen not to enter their support trucks and have leased space with a top T-4 team. This will allow Team Gordon to keep their support team in top form for the two week event; keeping maximum effort focused on the H-3 weapon.

The present technical regulations govern competitions between 2 to 4-axle trucks. With the exception of the authorized modifications specified in these regulations, the vehicles must comply with a FIA homologation form for Group T4. Optional equipment or additional accessories which do not modify the vehicle's performance are authorized.

Eligible vehicles Series production 2- to 4-axle trucks (chassis-cab) produced by a recognized constructor, with a permissible total laden weight of minimum 3,500 kg and fitted with conventional bodywork are eligible. The competitor is responsible for providing all the proof requested by the scrutineers, such that they may check that the submitted vehicle is or has been produced in series and that it is on normal sale to the public, and is homologated in Group T4.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Roll cage Cab: An internal cab roll cage must be fitted. The basic purpose of such a roll cage is to protect the driver and passengers if the vehicle is involved in a serious accident. In addition to the internal roll cage, it is permitted to fit an external roll cage, subject to the following conditions: To the front, no part of the cage may extend beyond the projection of the base vehicle over the ground. No part of the external cage may project beyond the side and the upper extremities of the load-bearing bodywork of the base vehicle. To the rear, no part of the external cage may be located more than 0.5 meters behind the back of the bodywork of the cab.
Load-bearing bodywork: The rear part of the vehicle (the part intended to carry the merchandise) must be reinforced in front (the panel of the bodywork situated behind the cab) by a completely closed roll bar ABCD made rigid by a diagonal AD or BC which must follow exactly the contour of the inside of the bodywork and its minimum height must be at least equal to that of the highest part of the cab or of its external roll bar (air intakes and exhaust outlets are not taken into consideration).
Cab and bonnet lock down Vehicles with tilt cabs must have an additional device which bridges the normal tilt lock mechanism and will prevent cab tilt in the event of that mechanism disengaging. It must be fixed between the chassis and the safety cage or the cabin.
Propeller shaft For each longitudinal transmission shaft over 1 m long, a roll bar or a safety loop made from steel must be installed close to the front extremity.
Wheels and tires The size of the rims is limited to 14 x 20 inches and the total diameter of the wheel when mounted and inflated to 5 bar must not exceed 1300 mm. Split rim wheels are forbidden. It is prohibited to fit any spacers or adaptors between the road wheels and the hub.
Wheel nut covers: Wheel nut covers must be fitted to all wheels if nuts or studs extend beyond the complete wheel.
Wheel balance weights It is prohibited to have removable balance weights fitted to any wheel.
Tires Any tire which the scrutineers consider to be dangerous or in breach of the regulations, for one reason or another, shall be refused.
Spare wheel/tire: Two wheels or two tires, depending on the type of wheels used, are compulsory.
Windscreen and body glazing All window operating mechanisms must function as designed by the manufacturers (e.g. manufacturers' wind-down windows must remain as wind-down windows).
Steering lock Any steering lock system fitted to the vehicle may be removed.
Windscreen wiper and washer All vehicles must be fitted with at least one windscreen wiper and a washer. These must be maintained in a working condition at all times.
Warning triangle This is compulsory, in case of a breakdown or an unscheduled stop. The triangle must be placed on the track, in such a way that it is clearly visible, 100 m before the immobilized vehicle.
Rear view mirrors It is permitted to fit additional rear view mirrors, but the standard mirrors must be retained and kept in working order, at all times.
CHASSIS
Only local modifications of the chassis frame are permitted in order to comply with the safety requirements described in art. 3 of these regulations.
With the exception of the items covered in art. 7.1, the chassis frame must be exactly to manufacturer's standard specification. Manufacturers' options on chassis shape and material are prohibited.
BODYWORK
Cab interior
Door locks must be kept in the unlocked position while the vehicle is on the route.
Seats The occupants' seats may be removed.
Trim Carpet and floor coverings may be removed. Any loose floor coverings must be removed.
Steering wheel A non-standard steering wheel of proprietary manufacture may be fitted.
Pedals The pads of the pedals may be modified as long as this does not involve any lessening to their resistance.
Additional accessories All those which have no influence on the vehicle's behavior, for example equipment which improves the aesthetics or comfort of the cabin (lighting, heating, radio, etc.), are allowed without restriction. In no case may these accessories increase the engine power or influence the steering, transmission, brakes, or road holding, even in an indirect fashion. All controls must retain the role laid down for them by the manufacturer. They may be adapted to facilitate their use and accessibility, for example a longer handbrake lever, an additional flange on the brake pedal, etc. Insulating material may be added to the existing bulkheads to protect the passengers from fire.
Cab exterior
Mudguards All vehicles must be equipped with mudguards on the rear wheels. They must have no sharp edges and must cover the full width of the tire over a continuous arc of 120°. This minimum coverage must be achieved with a continuous surface of rigid material uninterrupted by any gaps, holes, slots or vents. The mudguards must extend forward of the relevant axle centre line in vertical projection. The trailing edge of the mudguard must be no higher than the top of the corresponding rim. The front mudguards will remain those of the cabin of the homologated vehicle.
Winches Only winches, fitted without making any modifications to the structure of the vehicle other than a modification allowing the winch to be attached by means of bolts, are authorized.
Load-bearing bodywork
Outside Only load-bearing bodywork homologated as an Option Variant (VO) is authorized.
Inside The transporting of "merchandise" is entirely the responsibility of the competitor. However, the Scrutineers may check the quality of the load, with regard to safety. The transporting of certain quantities of dangerous materials is governed by official regulations. Any dangerous liquids must be held in tanks similar to those of the vehicle (FT3 1999 safety tank or truck tank).
ENGINE
General With the exception of permitted modifications detailed there under the engine and all ancillaries must be exactly to manufacturer's standard specification.
Engine speed Maximum engine speed may be changed.
Water cooling system The original number of water cooling radiator units must be retained. They must be fitted to their original mounting points on the chassis. However, it is permitted to change the size and shape of these radiators, and associated piping, as long as this does not cause any change in body or chassis shape.
Air induction system The air filter(s) and tubing upstream of it (them) may be modified. No part of the air induction system may project more than 300 mm beyond the side or top extremities of the cab.
Fuel injection system Only the settings on the fuel injection pump may be modified.
Exhaust After the final muffler, the exhaust pipe may be modified. A vertical exit pipe or two at the most, may be installed. The fitting of a particulate filter is authorized but must be submitted to the Homologation and Technical Working Group of the FIA beforehand for approval, with the presentation of a technical dossier drawn up by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
SUSPENSION
Dampers A maximum of four damper units are allowed per axle. Their make and type are free, but they must have no other function than that of dampers. If hydraulic damper units are used, there must be no interconnection between the circuits. The damper supports are free on condition that they have no other function than that of support.
Rigid axles may be strengthened, but in such a manner that the original parts may be recognized. The addition of a reinforcing bar between the front axle and the chassis is authorized.
Springs The number of spring leaves is free.
Travel limitation Travel straps may be fitted. The suspension travel is limited to 300 mm.
TRANSMISSION
Clutch The clutch plates are free.
ELECTRICS
Lighting system All lamps required for normal legal road use must be functional at all times and must not be concealed. The number of headlamps is limited to 8. They must be fitted in accordance with the International Road Traffic Convention, at a maximum height not exceeding that of the lowest part of the windscreen. No lamp other than those provided for by the International Road Traffic Convention and the present regulations may be fitted.
Batteries Vehicle batteries must be to original specification or equivalent. They must not be positioned inside the cab. They must be securely fastened, each battery to be held down by at least two steel bolts of 10 mm minimum diameter. They must be protected to prevent short circuiting of terminals. Batteries must not be visible from outside the vehicle.
BRAKES
Braking system The entire braking system must remain original (except for art. 5.1.1.6 - Pedals). The material and attachment system of the brake linings are free.
WHEELS
Specification These must be of unmodified proprietary manufacture and must be such that no part of a rim or tire fouls on any part of the vehicle under extremes of steering or suspension movements. The wheel nuts and studs must match the wheel rims being used, to ensure adequate fixing strength. Wheel nuts must be of unmodified proprietary manufacture.
Rim dimensions Maximum allowed wheel rim width is 14". Different rims from the original ones may be authorized by the supplementary regulations of the event, according to the type of terrain.
Wheel track and vehicle width
The combination of axles and wheels/tires fitted must not cause the vehicle width to exceed 2,500 mm, nor increase the front or rear wheel track by more than 150 mm beyond manufacturer's standard specification.
TIRES
Specification Maximum permitted section width: 19". All tires fitted to the vehicle must have a tread depth complying with relevant national legal requirements for the duration of the event. Re-cut and/or hand grooved tires are not permitted. Tires fitted must be available through normal retail outlets for all weather use on roads and/or tracks. Special tread compounds and/or patterns are not allowed, nor are any externally applied chemical compounds which may affect tire grip. All tires must have a speed index of "F" or more. No carcass may have undergone serious repairs.
Inflating / Deflating The use of a system for inflating / deflating the tires when rolling the vehicle is in motion is authorized.
VEHICLE WEIGHT
The minimum allowed vehicle weight at any time is the weight of the vehicle, emptied of fuel, without persons, luggage, tools, jack, spare parts, portable survival, navigation or communication equipment, provisions, etc., but with the safety devices, and its bodywork as defined here above. It must not be less than the weight of the chassis-cab homologated, modified by the multiplicating coefficient 1.33.
FUEL TANK
Type Additional fuel tanks are free in respect of capacity. They must be of unmodified proprietary manufacture, of a type normally used in
trucks
Additional tanks (Other than those feeding the vehicle) No reserves containing fuel may be situated on the outside of the vehicle (jerry cans or other cans). Containers for water or lubricants will be tolerated on the outside of the vehicle, must be firmly secured and must not project beyond the perimeter of the vehicle.
TACHOGRAPHS
The tachographs record vehicle speed. Competitors are reminded that any change to the vehicle which may affect the calibration of the tachograph (e.g. a change of tire make or tire size) must be approved by the Scrutineers. It is specifically forbidden to conceal, or interfere in any way with, the approved tachograph or any associated wiring, cable drive or sender units. If any change is made to the vehicle specification which may affect tachograph calibration, or if the system is interfered with in any way, it is the competitor's responsibility to have the tachograph recalibrated and re-certified. Failure to comply with this requirement may cause the vehicle to be rejected at Scrutineering. Competitors are reminded that tachographs are extremely accurate measuring devices.