Great success for a small team! The TATRA Buggyra Racing Team and the crew of Martin Kolomý ranks among the elite ten in the truck category in this year ´s Dakar Rally. Although the team looked higher before the competition euphoria prevails in Buenos Aires. The last stage of Dakar Rally 2015 from Rosario to Buenos Aires was originally designed with 174 measured kilometres. Due to heavy rain the measured test was shortened and Martin Kolomý rushed through the finish as the sixth quickest pilot.
“I and my boys are absolutely satisfied. We are a purely Czech crew in a Czech truck and we successfully competed with factory makes. I would like to thank the whole team for their work and also congratulate Aleš to his result. But next year we will b stronger and he should already be afraid of us,“ said the happy Martin Kolomý in the finish, continuing to evaluate this year ´s rally: “We had some technical problems and an accident in the course of this Dakar. Despite that we have managed to achieve one of the elite ranks among the top ten. Looking around we are the only small team with a single race truck in the front ranks and that is a fantastic success.“
The two-week struggling with Dakar traps was also experienced in the background of the TATRA Buggyra Racing team by the constructor of the racing special David Vršecký. “Of course I am glad we stayed in the competition till the finish but I personally expected a higher rank. However, Kamaz is very strong and we were fools to expect that already in the second year of our presence at Dakar we would be a keen opponent to them. We did all we could to rank among the best five. Unfortunately with the problems that came we did not manage but certainly we will try again next year,“ said Vršecký.
David ´s evaluation was countered by the technical director of the team Robin Dolejš. “We have already met for a small private evaluation of the technology and we already know what we will work on since February. We will also have to focus on testing in the sand and on dunes where probably our weakest point is.“
“As a small team we cannot risk as much as our opponents who have two or more trucks in the race. Martin must drive reasonably and be aware that there is nobody to help him. On the other hand we have factory support from Tatra, which is crucial for the truck construction and preparation. In my name I would like to thank to all members of the team, our fans and sponsors without whom e would not be able to attend. We are among the elite and now we will begin to think about what to improve for next year,“ said in Buenos Aires the manager of the TATRA Buggyra Racing Jan Kalivoda with satisfaction.
In the last but one stage the assistance vehicle of the team had problems. However, the mechanics first had to prepare the racing special of Martin Kolomý for the last stage. “We were repairing will early morning but we managed. I would like to use this opportunity to thank to Robert Kasák, who towed us to the bivouac yesterday. Dakar is not only the struggle on the track but also off the track“ described Dolejš yesterday ´s troubles of the team.
The members of the Czech team are now waiting for the prize-giving ceremony of this year ´s Dakar Rally and handover of the technology in the harbour. On Sunday the team will fly back to the Czech Republic where hey will arrive on Monday afternoon.
Martin Kolomy:
Great success for a small team! The TATRA Buggyra Racing Team and the crew of Martin Kolomý ranks among the elite ten in the truck category in this year ´s Dakar Rally. Although the team looked higher before the competition euphoria prevails in Buenos Aires. The last stage of Dakar Rally 2015 from Rosario to Buenos Aires was originally designed with 174 measured kilometres. Due to heavy rain the measured test was shortened and Martin Kolomý rushed through the finish as the sixth quickest pilot.
“I and my boys are absolutely satisfied. We are a purely Czech crew in a Czech truck and we successfully competed with factory makes. I would like to thank the whole team for their work and also congratulate Aleš to his result. But next year we will b stronger and he should already be afraid of us,“ said the happy Martin Kolomý in the finish, continuing to evaluate this year ´s rally: “We had some technical problems and an accident in the course of this Dakar. Despite that we have managed to achieve one of the elite ranks among the top ten. Looking around we are the only small team with a single race truck in the front ranks and that is a fantastic success.“
The two-week struggling with Dakar traps was also experienced in the background of the TATRA Buggyra Racing team by the constructor of the racing special David Vršecký. “Of course I am glad we stayed in the competition till the finish but I personally expected a higher rank. However, Kamaz is very strong and we were fools to expect that already in the second year of our presence at Dakar we would be a keen opponent to them. We did all we could to rank among the best five. Unfortunately with the problems that came we did not manage but certainly we will try again next year,“ said Vršecký.
David ´s evaluation was countered by the technical director of the team Robin Dolejš. “We have already met for a small private evaluation of the technology and we already know what we will work on since February. We will also have to focus on testing in the sand and on dunes where probably our weakest point is.“
“As a small team we cannot risk as much as our opponents who have two or more trucks in the race. Martin must drive reasonably and be aware that there is nobody to help him. On the other hand we have factory support from Tatra, which is crucial for the truck construction and preparation. In my name I would like to thank to all members of the team, our fans and sponsors without whom e would not be able to attend. We are among the elite and now we will begin to think about what to improve for next year,“ said in Buenos Aires the manager of the TATRA Buggyra Racing Jan Kalivoda with satisfaction.
In the last but one stage the assistance vehicle of the team had problems. However, the mechanics first had to prepare the racing special of Martin Kolomý for the last stage. “We were repairing will early morning but we managed. I would like to use this opportunity to thank to Robert Kasák, who towed us to the bivouac yesterday. Dakar is not only the struggle on the track but also off the track“ described Dolejš yesterday ´s troubles of the team.
The members of the Czech team are now waiting for the prize-giving ceremony of this year ´s Dakar Rally and handover of the technology in the harbour. On Sunday the team will fly back to the Czech Republic where hey will arrive on Monday afternoon.
Video Kolomy:
Bonver Dakar Project:
Gert Huzink:
Robert Kasak:
Ales Loprais:
We’re at the finish line! Today’s stage did not go as was planned due to the weather conditions, it was just 33 kilometers long and therefore we were arriving only in a constant line of cars and trucks. Due to the heavy rain we could not overtake because it was dangerous for all.
This´s year competition we finally finished on unpopular fourth place. We have sharpened teeth, looking forward to podium until the last stage of the race, but we stayed just below it. It satisfies us the fact that in front of us ended up only three top riders from factory team KAMAZ. The entire Kamaz showed during the competition that it is currently the best team, with the best technology and functional base. Also I cannot forget great driving skills all their drivers, and therefore I think our result as the first non-factory team is not so bad.
I want to say thank you to the whole team VEKA for perfect work and many thanks also belongs to my crew in our truck for endurance and professional approach.
Thanks to our sponsors and partners we could participate on this year´s competition, especially thanks to INSTAFOREX, AGEL, BUDWEISER, INTER CARS, GO4GAMES, ENERGY DINK 69 and others.
We also thank all our loyal fans for all responses toward our team. We really appreciate your support and we are grateful for that.
DAKAR 2015 becoming the past, let´s live for DAKAR 2016 !!!
January 19th, 2015