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15.1.2014
NEWSLETTER INSTAFOREX LOPRAIS TEAM
Tweaks and attractions of the Dakar
One Dakar, two different routes
For many years the organizers of the Dakar tried to adapt the route of stages to the South American open terrain to enable all racers from all categories to race the route that precise fits the particular category. This year they did it in the five stages, where they separated the route for bikes and quads on the one hand and cars and truck on the other hand. Overall the separated routes were comprised of approximately 2000 km, which account for about forty percent of this year’s Dakar.
From the sports point of view has this separation two advantages. Firstly it enable the organizers to introduce the motorcycles and quads to the technical and often very narrow passages, while it allow trucks and cars to “rush to the track” without threat of a collision with stray biker. Therefore, the question of security is another important advantage – the divided stages significantly eliminate risks by overtaking. This aspect was further strengthened by the fact that the separated kilometres were concentrated at the start of the Dakar Rally, where a large number of racers were on the track. Bikers and quads can enjoy really hard marathon stages, when they spent a night in inaccessible places in the camps which didn’t allow the team support. They had to rely only on their strength and possibly help of the other racers.
Clash of concepts: The classic versus the “long nose”
The Dakar truck competing offers one interesting comparison – in the race you can see cars of the different concepts. In addition to traditional trucks with a severed nose there are the trucks with the “long nose”, which usually boasts a large American trucks. The change is motivated by technical aspects: the long nose” has a cabin behind the front axle, thus offering a more comfortable riding position for the crew, especially appreciate by the jumps. Another advantage is the better weight distribution, which results in a much smoother and more stable behaviour in the track.
But is it enough to justify the extension of this type of car in the race?
“Not necessarily,” says Fabien Calvet, the director of the Dakar truck section. “Long nose, it is not only benefits,” says. “These cars are at least 300 kg heavier than conventional trucks, so they consume more fuel. In addition, the shape of the hood makes it difficult to view, which is a big handicap especially in the dunes,” says Calvet. Nevertheless the chief of the Dakar truck section recognizes that the appearance of these machines is exceptional. “And they are creating a stir, so they are guaranteed advertising tools! Finally, a new generation of concept such as Tatra Jamal, which is used by Aleš Loprais, offers a better compromise: cab moved back due to comfort, better weight distribution, but modest nose, not as Iveco of Gerard de Rooy, to avoid undue restriction of vision and weight gain. So what is the best? The answer will be known in the finish in Valparaiso,” says Fabien Calvet.
We believe that in today’s stage will Aleš Loprais with his “humble nose” and his 504 crew and teammates with the number of 519 go well again and it will be enough to a podium to be inmodest.
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