hmmm.....Maybe the super scoop creates a super venturi effect for the super tire inflation deflation system
Getting good air flow through a rear engine race car with a windshield is very difficult to do. I've heard that do to lack of experience with the guys building Nasser's cars, that it could be one of the things that bites them in the butt.
...and Mini is a marque that actually EXISTS, so I don't see the point really. I realize some of the pragmatic aspects of this outwardly puzzling choice, but TO ME, said choice reinforces somewhat the "out-of-touch-redneck" impression European motor sports teams have historically tended to have about our own (re: Enzo & Henry). This seemed reinforced at Dakar 2012 by what I saw as an attitude of condescension & ridicule toward RG by Stephane Peterhansel, among others. Unavoidable given the sponsorship situation perhaps, but that's how it sits with me.
Great thread guys, and as you can see from my screen name I'm one of those so-called red necks from NC. Git R Dun! I think RG is a marketing genius...the Hummer has ties to all that is American. We still utilize the Hummer or a variant of it to carry our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen on the battle field. No other current vehicle (at the selction time) could be more patriotic, have stronger ties to the adrenaline junkie that is our modern day warrior, or that "made in America" label. What the heck has the Mini done for the French military...Oh nothin since the French military has done absolutely nothing either.
You do realize you are talking about the French? Who, for better or worse they are famous amongst us colonials for their condescension. I doubt rebranding his truck would change that, especially given his give-zero-fucks attitude.
Let's just forget that they helped up greatly during our own revolution way back when and gave us that cool statue. Yeah, those cheese eating surrender monkeys don't do anything good in the world. Should be a good race this year. Hopefully Robbie has learned enough to finish all the legs this year without tweaking the organizers too much. Who are the other big competitors? Do the Spanish have a big push going this year?
The only way he will not "Tweak" the organizers is if decides to run second to the chosen teams. Don't really see that happening, so guess the "Tweaking" will start on Stage 1. Git R Dun RG!
Why didn't Gordon just install a rev limiter on Nasser's truck after the first belt failure? Stick some extra plush carpet under the gas pedal or something
RG had a dream to WIN the Dakar under an American car sponsorship, Hummer, and has continued to carry on as a personal quest. If he were to win the Dakar with his home built rear wheeler, he will devastate the entire Dakar Rally Sponsorship Program concept... Proving that major auto manufacturers don't know what they are doing by failing to dominate the world's most complex auto race. It's no wonder the ASO will do what ever it needs to, as witnessed last year, to keep it's top manufacturers and their employee drivers in the winner's circle, at all unethical costs. RG is merely imposing a will cultivated by 100's of years of oppression by European aristocrates. It's an American spirit to those of us American. But it's also a David vs. Goliath story for anyone told they couldn't achieve greatness against corporate bureacracy. His winning would be the equivelent of the 1981 US Hockey team defeating the Russians for the Gold. And as evidence why RG chose to mimic the H3... It's a DAMN FUN VEHICLE, Y'ALL...
Hmmm I guess some forget about Jean-Louis Schlesser, or more likely you never knew about him because you just following the Dakar because Rubby is racing it.
Does since 1979 count? I was fortunate to live in Paris from 1982-1988 and follow the 24-7 daily coverage, which has kept me a Dakar junkie for MANY, MANY years. I don't think Schlesser counts as an American trying to bring home the win as an American manufacturer. However you do bring about a good point... I believe Schlesser was the reason the ASO modified categories to protect the major manufacturers... if I'm not mistaken.
The problem was that Nasser would downshift while the engine was already at a high rev, which forced it even higher. An ignition rev limiter won't help with that.
I wasn't making a judgement on them, I have some friends who are French and despite their shortcomings are great people You can't tell me that you haven't heard at least once how rude the French are to Americans, be it true or not. I was like ten when all that was going down
