2013 Dakar Pre-Event Discussion

[wrk2surf]

Originally Posted by doyle

Jordi Viladoms Dakar 2013 Presentation

The Husqvarna TE499RR

wonder if this had Quinn Cody graphics on a month ago

[tHEtREV]

Originally Posted by Beez

If you're only watching the bikes, you're missing half the race.

Make that 2/3s if you include the trucks.

I watch them just because they are on, but they don't interest me at all.

I find cars an incredibly boring form of transport and not much more than that.

I do enjoy watching the trucks but I don't care about the result.

I have a passion for motorcycles, not cars.

[rmhrc628]

Originally Posted by Deadly99

I find it hard to believe people knocking the heros of the Dakar. The mini isn't a "mini" its just a body on a custom race car...everyone needs a sponsor. It is a 14+ day race and reliability is as big a factor as performance. The guy who wins did it right, the guy who shows up with a badass car that can't finish did it wrong...plain and simple. Speed, power and performance are only one factor in the Dakar. This separates the Dakar from races like the baja races and other shorter rallies (amongst other things like chasing silly waypoints, etc ).

I enjoy Robby as much as the next guy, he is entertaining and good in that he brings more interest in the race for North Americans. I've never quite understodd the US mentality of us versus them... These people aren't racing to represent their country (although having a country sponsor some competitors is a very cool idea, better than handing out money to people who are too lazy to work )..

Just my two cents...23 days until go time

I gather you've never been to Europe when the world cup is on?

Europe is FAR more nationalistic that the US will ever be. Europe meaning all those people up and over there to the left of us.

[catweasel67]

Originally Posted by rmhrc628

I gather you've never been to Europe when the world cup is on?

Europe is FAR more nationalistic that the US will ever be. Europe meaning all those people up and over there to the left of us.

+1
only in europe it's not so much "US vs them" it's more "UK vs them" ;p

Whilst I'm here, can anyone recommend a Dakar vid? I quite enjoyed the "Race to Dakar" stuff, was wonderng what else is out there?

[watrboy]

Originally Posted by YetiGS

Maybe that's your culture, not mine. At least not in racing. I root for and support the guys I like, regardless of their country of origin.


The rest of 'em are just a bunch of tossers.

+1, I agree with you.

I simply mean't we are very competitive. I should have used us vs them, to differentiate USA vs Them.

[jerdog53]

Originally Posted by Balkan Boy

I do.

Them trucks are just crazy!

[doyle]

Originally Posted by wrk2surf

wonder if this had Quinn Cody graphics on a month ago

Not this one, that'd be the one that Alessandro Botturi is on.

[beechum1]

Originally Posted by catweasel67

+1
only in europe it's not so much "US vs them" it's more "UK vs them" ;p

Whilst I'm here, can anyone recommend a Dakar vid? I quite enjoyed the "Race to Dakar" stuff, was wonderng what else is out there?

catch up.

[WIsixfitty]

Originally Posted by SafariBerg

something something shadows?

[too old]

Originally Posted by WIsixfitty

something something shadows?

Who is that moto rider giving Robby G a tow?

[wilkinsonk]

There is a large portion of the population in America that is very nationalistic/jingoistic and either doesn't realize it or doesn't think there is anything wrong with that mind set. Witness our electoral politics which feeds this sort of thinking. Outside of politics the whole "buy American" thought that because it's made in the good ole US of A it must be better quality than (insert country here).

Robby Gordon's "US vs. Them" logo feeds the demographic that resembles the above statement. The NASCAR/stock car racing fan base is full of people that think America and American-made is the absolute best. From a sponsorship/public support perspective this is likely a good move for him. Yes, not every RG, NASCAR or stock car racing fan in the U.S. fits that description but I think if one were to put a moments thought to the task they would find there is a lot of truth in it.

Dakar is NOT the Olympics. I'm not routing for Team USA. I don't particulalry care what country your from. If the bike/car/truck pilot races with skill and panache, and isn't a total douche-bag, I'm probably routing for them. That's why it's sometimes hard to get over "Mud-gate" and "Tire-gate" when I think over the careers of Despres and Coma since I otherwise have a lot of respect for these riders.

I also don't understand the sheer number of people who dream of racing the Dakar and don't put in the yeoman's work to get there and be successful (i.e. the Charlie Boarman approach). That's like signing on to a K2 expedition after you've taken a 5-day course and climbed a few local hills. But that's another topic altogether.

Here's looking to a great 2013 Dakar that doesn't get mired down in animosity, country-bashing or name calling.

- Ken

[HogWild]

Originally Posted by wilkinsonk

Here's looking to a great 2013 Dakar that doesn't get mired down in animosity, country-bashing or name calling.

First you bash, then you hope that eveyone else does not bash.

[wilkinsonk]

Originally Posted by HogWild

First you bash, then you hope that eveyone else does not bash.

I honestly didn't think I was bashing, just pointing out the potential roots of the sentiments in a rational way. How does that equate to bashing? I'd apologize for percieved offenses but I'm at a loss for how I offended.

- Ken

[Southest US Thumper]

Great discussion (as RG would have it promoted) may the best Team Win! Again.....

[catweasel67]

Originally Posted by beechum1

catch up.

thanks Beech