[Racer Duck]

By Nancy Knapp Schilke - Motorsport.com
The first true racing event of each new year is always the Dakar cross-country rally. The organizers of this endurance event are ready to bring the sound of racing machines to life as we welcome in 2008.

Overall geographical map: 15 stages, from 2008-01-05 to 2008-01-20, Lisboa to Dakar. Photo by A.S.O.


Euromilhões Lisboa Dakar 2008 is the 30th Edition of the world's most dangerous and challenging rally and today marked the beginning of the event with technical scrutineering in Lisbon, Portugal; home to the first two special stages. The racing action starts January 5th and ends 16 days later on January 20th in Dakar, Senegal.

However, one should note that in reality, for the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) the planning and preparation is year round. Ditto for the teams and drivers/riders -- many who compete in FIA organized cross-country rallies (CCR), other international CCR events plus several off-road races including SCORE's Baja 1000 -- no stone is left unturned for those who dare to take on Dakar!

On the heels of winning the FIA CCR title, both Carlos Sainz and co-driver Michael Perin commented on its importance for themselves and the Volkswagen team. "Of course, for every racer it's great to be winning. However, for me, the World Cup title was also a good symbol that showed how well we and the whole Volkswagen team are prepared for the 2008 Dakar Rally, as our main focus throughout the season was naturally on preparing for the 'Dakar'," said Sainz.

For many the first goal is to pass the technical and/or administrative checks. In the past, some have failed even when they thought they were completely prepared. Scrutineering is very important as the grueling event is unlike any other with a total of 15 stages covering 5736 km (3564 miles). Add to that the liaisons before and after each special and the grand total reaches beyond 9000 km (5592 miles).

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