Mechanical Issues Trip Up Robby Gordon’s Racer in Stage 2 at Dakar -

Mechanical Issues Trip Up Robby Gordon’s Racer in Stage 2 at Dakar

As he races through the hostile South American environment, Robby Gordon is on a quest to become the first American to win the Dakar Rally.

SAN JUAN, Argentina (Jan. 5, 2015) – Following a very successful second-place finish in the opening stage of the 37th Dakar Rally, Robby Gordon’s vehicle suffered early brake problems and additional issues during Monday’s second stage, leaving him significantly behind in his quest to become the first American to win the Dakar Rally.RGordonDakarST2

Although Gordon and navigator Johnny Campbell were able to repair the brake troubles that surfaced in the first few kilometers of the race, the Traxxas/Toyo Tires Gordini was passed by 113 cars on the course during maintenance. The team was able to get back to race speed and overtook many of the competitors until the Gordini came to a rest approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the finish with a yet-unannounced issue.

Gordon was unable to fire the car again, requiring a tow to the bivouac. Despite being towed, he will be able to start the third stage of the Rally on Tuesday provided there are no terminal engine issues.

“Everybody is going to have problems on this Dakar. I’ve lost 4 hours, but it’s only the second day of the race. I’m not done for yet, no way.”

Gordon finished Stage 2 in 9 hours, 12 minutes and 26 seconds, far behind the time set by stage winner and overall leader Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar who drove his Mini to the finish in 5 hours, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Gordon now finds himself 4 hours, 7 minutes and 36 seconds down to Al-Attiyah overall. He has 11 stages remaining to make up as much of the deficit as possible and to add to his impressive nine career stage victories in his 10-year Dakar career.RGordonDakarST2PH2

Al-Attiyah was 8 minutes and 30 seconds faster than second-place finisher Giniel De Villiers of South Africa, and 10 minutes and 4 seconds better than Bernard Ten Brinke of the Netherlands. Those three drivers hold the overall top three spots in the Rally.

Day 1 leader Orlando Terranova of Argentina slipped to 10th in the overall standings with a 10th-place finish in the stage, 24 minutes and 1 second behind Al-Attiyah.

Tuesday’s third stage (258 kilometers/160 miles) will take drivers from San Juan to Chilecito through one of the most beautiful regions in Argentina, overlooking steep peaks and plunging into deep canyons. Gordon has no other choice but to drive hard and finish among the leaders in hopes of an improved starting position for future stages.

For more on the race, visit Speedville.com’s coverage at: http://speedville.com/barreda-al-attiyah-take-control-early-dakar-rally/

Follow the Dakar Rally through live timing and scoring as well as live updates at planetrobby.com.

You May Also Like

Bendix Releases Technical Materials for ADAS Support

They are designed to help technicians properly set up, inspect, and diagnose several components integrated with ADAS.

The latest technical materials from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) are designed to help technicians properly set up, inspect and diagnose several components integrated with advanced driver assistance technologies, including trailer antilock brakes, steering systems and forward-looking cameras.

“The safety systems on today’s commercial vehicles are more road-proven and effective in supporting safe drivers than ever,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president, sales and marketing. “They’re also more complex and interconnected, which means we need to thoroughly support the skilled people who keep them in top operating condition."

Battery Charging and Diagnostics

Here are six tips to use when diagnosing a vehicle with a dead battery. 

Protecting Carbon Fiber Wheels During Service

Carbon fiber wheels are so delicate, cleanliness is next to godliness when mounting and demounting them.

Updating Your TPMS Tools Regularly Matters

You can ensure your read is accurate by updating your tool regularly.

Cabin Air Filters

Cabin air filters will protect the health and well-being of the driver and passengers.

Other Posts

Continental Celebrates Expansion in South Carolina

The 90,000-square-foot-building has capacity for 350 employees and is designed and built for future expansion potential.

Dana to Participate in Easter Jeep Safari 2024

The event will take place in Moab, Utah, March 23-31.

MEMA Applauds EPA on Light- and Medium-Duty Emission Standards

MEMA says the EPA final rule includes an amended and more comprehensive analysis of technological alternatives.

ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts

The latest additions expand coverage to more than 5 million vehicles in operation.