SNEAK ATTACK! WHEN?

When the number of stages is discussed;This War is half over after Tomorrow’s stage.

When you discuss Miles to victory; We are still only at one third over. So far 1051 miles have been completed over 6 special stages. The next three special stages contain 998 miles. The next three Battles are huge when it comes for time to be gained or lost. Each of the next three stages average out to 330 miles each. Combined the next three battles are actually one third of the War. The final six battles contain the remaining 942 miles. Two Battles to go until a cease fire will commence and a rest day will be in the works for the teams. (1/8/06)

It appears all top warriors are saving their speed rations for a later date.

What are some of the Strategies? Ryan Arciero, who is Mark's teammate in the desert, stated this today; "The team orders will start to kick in when one or more of the Volkswagens get behind. I don't mean to be vague on it, but there is no set time when they will kick it in. It will eventually happen, unless the Volkswagens perform flawless for the rest of the rally. As long as they are all within striking distance of each other, Kris Nissen (Team Leader) will just let them run their race. I know he would love nothing more than to see a Volkswagen 1,2,3 or even 1,2,3,4,5. At this point with all of them running as good as they are he cannot pull team orders because it might jeopardize a podium finish and it is still a little bit too early to in the race."

How healthy is The Jim Beam, Toyo Tires, Monster Hummer?

Jim Beam? I seen some ask about this, Team Dakar USA shows to be sponsored by Jim Beam's Beef Jerky. It's killer, you should try some. Spendy but worth every penny. The EU doesn't allow spirits or tobacco advertising in motor sports. If they made any good smokes or booze I bet they would.
Toyo Tires? Not one F'n Flat! Even with Robby behind the wheel!!! In the Baja 1000 and this far in Dakar. These tires are strait off the shelf!!! WOW!!!
Monster Hummer? Transmission; Trans held up for stage 6. The oil Leak; Cracked oil pan replaced last night.

With a solid car, Team Dakar USA, really needs to go for it? They have been. Today Robby was pedal to the floor without lifting for 35 mins in one section. Team Dakar USA could not hang with the Euros who had 25 to 30 mph faster top end! I may knock all the wind tunnel testing that the Mega-Bucks teams do but the large air ducts on the top of the cars are really there for an important reason. The teams are using them for a ram effect to gain an advantage over the 32MM air restrictor.

The Euro's combination of aerodynamics and their own restrictor technology has shined over Team Dakar USA's technology today on the high speed sections. After all Robby's air box that feeds his larger 37MM restrictor is located internal of the body and doesn't take advantage of forced air.

One thing noticed on the Hummer's engine is that it has a stock Corvette intake manifold. The FIA has restrictions on intake manifold volume. I bet next year this intake volume will be maximized to 1335 cu inches (FIA MAX). What this will do is allow for increased air reserves to each cylinder post air restrictor. The new manifold would basically have a huge plenum between the intake runner and the throttle body. Expect the current manifold to be tossed, a new filter system and forced air intake developed for next year. (And maybe even a little wind tunnel testing at Textron)

Additionally, I was told Robby and Darren are looking forward to the rough stuff again. The Hummer completely dominates in the rough stuff. One third of the rally is in Robby's world. The next three stages could not come at a better time for Robby and Darren! These next three stages are what Robby built this beast for and it will show. Tons of sand, Camel Grass and Rocks, this is just what the doctor ordered! Check the stages out.

1/6/2006/Zouerat-Atar: A tricky pass Navigational finesse will be rewarded during the major difficulty of this first week which will be contested off-track. Absolutely off-track. Indications will be sparse on the road-book, and those who miss the HWPs will have all their work cut out to find the right passes. After the dunes, competitors will be driving along stony plateaux and slaloming in camel grass.

1/7/2006/Atar-Nouakchott: “Hole shot” On the first part of the special, the windy route crosses canyons and wadis. Competitors will feel themselves shot like a pinball against the massifs. After the series of zigzags, a very fast stretch will temp the most itchy to push the speedo. But over-confidence could lead to bad surprises.

1/8/2006/A DAY OF REST:

1/9/2006/Nouakchott-Kiffa: The well track for the rally’s long it appears all top warriors are saving their speed rations for a later date. When the number of stages is discussed this War is half over after the stage tomorrow.

Stage 6 was a good day for all the top car competitors. Thierry Magnaldi captured stage victory today in Zouerat. The Frenchman driving a Schlesser-Ford buggy beat his team mate Jean-Louis Schlesser (who had clocked the fastest times at both CPs) by 2'55". Third is Giniel De Viliers (VW) at 3'46" ahead of Jutta Kleinschmidt at 5'13" and Luc Alpnahd at 6'02". Robby and Darren finished 11th for the day and moved up to 27th overall.

Fly’s Final thought;The next three stages are the time to make time. Enough of this pussy ass, team, follow the leader, crap! Let's get crazy and trash some cars already!