Thread: Dakar 2011 ?? Ausie standings

It has been a record number of Australians entered in this years Dakar (10) in both car and bike categories. I know that one Australian had to withdraw from the bike category, but does anyone know where the Australians stand at the moment (2 more stages to go), particulary Bruce Garland in the car class?

Thanks,

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

anyone see the trucks through the desert?
How special was that!!

I think it was on stage 7 or 8 Chagin was the 4th fast car overall and came in a few minutes behind the motorbike stage winner Marc Coma. Chagin made up over 30minutes on his team mate Kabirov. It is great to watch the truck drivers power slide around some of the corners.
On one of the "special features" video they said Kamaz have over 500,000 employees.
Looks like Carlo Sainz may struggle to get on the podium. It is such a tough race, and your fortunes can turn so quickly. It is definately not over until you cross that finish line.
Not only are the special stages hard, but you have to take in account that they will have a 2 or 3 hour laison before the stage and sometimes almost the same after. I think that the factory riders will sometimes get transported, but all others drive / ride.
I know that they are not in the same league but would love to give Fink or the Safari ago, or at a bare minimum ride across the Simpson.