Dakar: Team Dakar USA preview

Team Dakar USA Clears First Hurdle: Scrutineering

Robby Gordon's Team Dakar USA arrived at the Belem Cultural Centre in Lisbon for scrutineering in an impressive all black convey that consisted of six off-road vehicles that included the H3 race Hummer, a T4 4x4 race entry, a 4x4 support truck, a 6x6 support truck, and two assistance Hummer H1's.

After almost a year of preparation for the most challenging off-road race in the world, the Monster Hummer team was given the green light to race in the 2007 Dakar Rally. The day of scrutineering included almost five hours of activities that included GPS training, document processing, photos, Iritrack installation and finally technical inspection.

Gordon's Toyo Hummer which caused a sensation last year was equally well received. The all black race truck was the last vehicle to complete the technical inspection process but the crowd was still thick with anticipation to see what has quickly become a fan favorite. Billboards throughout the Lisbon area feature the H3 Hummer -- including a 40ft high billboard cascading the side of the Cultural Centre.

"It's very exciting to be here," said Gordon, "The reception for the Hummer has been unbelievable. Our guys have worked so hard to get everything ready and I feel we are very well prepared. After last year we identified our weaknesses and went to work. The Hummer has been in the wind tunnel and we have put almost 10,000 miles of testing on it. We are ready and have one shot and we are hoping to make it count."

The first of 15 stages in the Dakar Rally begin tomorrow in Lisbon and travels to Portimão. The rally can be seen in the United States on the Versus Network. In addition Team Dakar USA has combined forces with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com.

-credit: tdusa