The Dakar rally was established in 1978 and, originally stretching from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal but later moved to South America due to safety concerns, is the most gruelling and difficult endurance race in the world. Covering some of the world’s toughest terrain, the race has been attempted by many types of vehicle such as motorbikes, rally cars, 4x4s and even a highly modified off road Rolls-Royce in 1978. Due to the terrain it is regarded a victory for most teams simply to make it to the end and many teams, whether due to damage or a mechanical malady, do not finish the race.
A British team of injured ex-servicemen called Race2Recovery have however taken the world by storm; after competing in the 2013 Dakar rally and crossing the finish with the first ever amputee to enter and finish the race, they are currently fighting the tough terrain in this year’s Dakar. Although the team have a range of injuries, they don’t allow this to hold them back despite the huge effort involved, and they are determined to finish this year’s race in an even better position than last year.
The intense heat of South America means that the vehicles that are used need to be very special and are bespoke vehicles designed specifically for the event. The Race2Recovery team uses two Bowler wildcats that are custom designed by Bowler and based on modified Land Rover underpinnings. With features such as a 283bhp 4 litre V8 and twin-piston Donerre suspension the wildcats are able to cross incredibly tough terrain at huge speed and have achieved overall positions as high as 12th with other teams in the past.
The crew also has several Land Rover support vehicles that carry the supplies and spares which are needed in case of an accident or damage to the mechanical components of the car. Keeping a car on the road is part of our ethos here at CWs 4×4 and we know that in order to get the right results you must use the highest quality parts possible. We pride ourselves on providing 4×4 parts that can keep you safe and tackling the toughest conditions that Britain at least can present to you.
If you need parts for your 4×4 vehicle then why not contact us and we can find the exact part you need for all major 4×4 manufacturers.