Stage 14- The Final Stage

Cordoba to Buenos Aires

Today was the last and final stage of the 31st Annual Dakar Rally. Out of 530 original competitors only 268 were able to finish the world’s most grueling race.

Giniel De Villiers of South Africa won the stage and the rally for the first time in his career, becoming the first African to win the Dakar.

Robby Gordon in the #309 Monster Toyo Hummer finished today’s special in the 23rd position to hold onto a podium finish of 3rd, Gordon’s highest overall finish in his five Dakar Rallies. Discussing today’s run, Robby said, “Team Dakar USA did what we had to do today – we raced conservative enough to preserve our overall position at the end. All we needed to do today was run a smart, cautious race and cross the finish line at the end.”

The other half of Team Dakar USA completed the rally in 13th overall. Eric Vigouroux, driver of the #324 Vanguard Hummer stated, “It has been an incredible experience being part of this team and something that I will never forget. Finishing 13th is an incredible feat, and I just want everyone to know how much this has meant to me”.

Already thinking about Dakar 2010, Robby went on to say, “I want to thank all our sponsors, our partners, and everyone that helped in the success of this year’s Rally. We couldn’t have done it alone, so I want you each to know how much we appreciate everything. We are already starting to plan for next year’s Dakar Rally while this year’s is fresh in our minds. The rumor is that we may be back in Argentina, so I feel confident that we can come back and win next year”