With just a couple of months left until the start of the 2010 Paris Dakar Rally, 4×4 enthusiasts the world over are once again day dreaming about off-roading adventures past and future. The main talking point once again this year has been the relocation of the event to South America due to continued political instability in Africa. Many eyebrows were raised in 2008 over the decision to move the event out of Europe and Africa for the first time in its history, but the level of organisation and enthusiasm shown by its new host countries of Chile and Argentina combined with the challenging course soon won over fans and competitors alike.
Despite the high level of corporate involvement in the event there are still reams of smaller teams who are always looking for support mechanics and vehicles. In fact most of these support crews are nothing more than someone’s family 4×4 and a boot full of land rover spare parts. It may sound slapdash or unprofessional when compared to the hi-tech, professional teams seen in the likes of Formula 1, but it is these enduring independent, largely volunteer, efforts which have maintained the appeal of the event over the years, and allowed a level of involvement by enthusiasts and fans that isn’t possible with circuit racing.
Whether you are planning on taking part, spectating or just watching the highlights on TV, there is no doubt that the new-look Paris Dakar Rally should be marked in everyone’s diary.