Untitled Document

2007 Dakar Daily
by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

With the two opening European stages behind him and today's (Monday 1/8/07) Stage 3 still in progress, America's #1 rally hopeful, Chris Blais, has finally arrived on the Dark Continent and the "real Dakar" is finally underway. Here's a quick snapshot of Stage 1 and Stage 2 via satellite-phone from Red Bull KTM US Dakar team physician and trainer, Dr. Johnathan Edwards, M.D.

Stage 1 - Saturday, 1/6/07
Prologue - Lisbon, Portugal to Portimayo, Portugal:
115 km liason 117 km liason - 232 km special - 464 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 1 route according to www.dakar.com == "The first surprise - this is still only Europe, yet we can already see sand, without even going to the beach. The start of the special promises a few not too serious mishaps... just a foretaste of Africa. Then the technicians will be free to snatch back a few seconds in the bends through the forests of pines and corks. Going after the scratch time, trajectories are worked out to the nearest millimetre."

Blais gets the party started with a 7th place day 1 finish
Chris Blais and his "new" KTM (see note NOTE below) survived, somewhat uneventfully, the 100km mostly sand special. As the official start of the rally, the prologue doesn't serve much in the way of determining who's gonna shine in the brutal African stages -- it's much more a showbiz spectacle which serves as a showcase for the event organizers and sponsors to kick off a spectacular event in a spectacular way.

Based on his returning for a 3rd got at the Dakar and having finished just minutes off the podium in 2006, Chris is an early favorite for rally watchers and according to Doc Edwards he's getting lots of attention from print and TV reporters covering the 2007 rally. Doc is seeing a more aggressive rider in Chris and we all hope that this portends an early attack mode for the easy going California desert specialist.

Stage 2 - Sunday, 1/7/07
Portimayo, Portugal to Malaga, Spain
15 km liason - 67 km special - 463 km liason - 545 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 2 route according to www.dakar.com == "507 km, including 67 km against the clock, are on the menu for this second stage. There is a change of scenery for the competitors who will tackle the Portuguese mountains along a route reminiscent of WRC races. On these steep rugged roads, caution will of course be the watchword for all the riders. The region's own Ruben Faria could take advantage to cement his lead at the head of the rally."

Time out for engine trouble - Blais 18th after stage 2
What could have (and probably should have!) been Chris Blais's first visit to the podium was compromised due to a mechanical gremlin that sidelined his #9 Red Bull KTM 660 Rallye. In a nutshell the problem was a pinched oil breather tube created a pressure build up in the engine resulting in the loss of a substantial quantity of engine oil (about 700cc - almost half of the supply!) and sub-par performance for Chris' KTM 660 LC4 engine.

"Thank God it didn't happen tomorrow on the first major stage (Stage 3) in Morocco." Explained Dr. Edwards. "With today's short special, the lack of oil wasn't as traumatic and while it took him out for a short time, his engine sustained no damage."

NOTE ABOUT CHRIS' #9 KTM 660 Rallye: While many on the KTM factory (Galoises and Repsol teams, for instance) are riding the newer, potentially faster 690 KTM's, Chris has opted for what he believes to be the more dependable 660 machine, virtually identical to what Cyril Despres and Marc Coma rode in the 2006 Dakar. Only time will tell but Chris and chief technician Matt Spencer believe that the proven reliability of the 660 model, the same bike that took Chris to 4th place in 2006, will give up little to the newer, larger KTM's.

1/8/06: Stage 3 - Nador to Er Rachidia
It's too early to report (4:30 am San Diego time) but so far, according to tracking radar Chris is hauling ass and taking names. Look for a follow-up report later -- SC

CHASING DAKAR: GET THE BOOK!
What's it take to do the Dakar? Find out on the pages of CHASING DAKAR, the handbook that gives you an inside line on adventure and rally racing written by guys who've been there: Dr. Johnathan Edwards M.D., with multi-time Dakar and Baja veteran Scot Harden
www.ChasingDakar.com

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

1/9/07 post from www.dakar.com this morning 16:21 GMT

SOUTH AFRICAN ELMER SYMONS #107 IN FATAL ACCIDENT

The organisers of the Dakar were this morning informed of the death of South African Elmer Symons, rider number 107, during the 4th stage. At the age of 29, Elmer Symons was taking part in his first Dakar as a competitor having participated in two others as part of an assistance team. The rally organisers waited for the arrival at the bivouac of his brother Kingsley (Phillip) Symons, who was providing assistance for him, in order to express their support and sadness.

According to Dr. Johnathan Edwards, Elmer's rally nearly ended two days ago when his team's assistance truck was disabled in Spain due to severe mechanical problems. Undeterred, Elmer and his brother Phillip stowed their gear (or small bits and pieces of it) into any nook and cranny they could beg or borrow. Several of Elmer's fellow competitors took pitty on his dire situation and extended a helping hand. Apparently, once a little of Elmer's race gear was stowed, precious little room was left for anything else.

"Elmer's brother Phillip somehow thumbed a ride down here (to Morrocco) in somebody's vehicle. Not sure who. I don't even think he was able to carry personal gear with him because there's just no extra room in any of the vehicles," Said Dr. Edwards. "I felt so sorry for Phillip last night as it was so cold here in the Atlas Mountains, I managed to hooked him up with clothing so he wouldn't freeze. Those Symon's brothers are a tough bunch."

I was very fortunate to have known Elmer Symons and anyone who'd had the pleasure of riding with him can attest to the fact that he was possessed by the unique spirit that Dakar competitors are made of. Participating in the 2007 Dakar - his first entry as a racer (this was his 3rd entry in the Dakar; having wrenched for Scot Harden in 2005 and James Embro in 2006) was his lifelong dream. Elmer's grin and good humor were contagious and he will be sorely missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his brother Phillip and he Symons family, his fellow teammate James Embro, and to the many friends that Elmer touched during his short life.

-- Scott Cox

Stage 3 - Monday, 1/8/07
Nador - Er Rachidia:
205 km liason - 252 km special - 191km liason - 658 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 3 route according to www.dakar.com == "Head-spinning! The start of the business is very serious, particularly in terms of navigation. On the first part of the special, there are very many navigation changes. This is a real maze of tracks. But even once out of this labyrinth, no lapses of attention will be tolerated. And though the rocky trails seem ideal for speed, the many wades will soon bring the drivers back to reality. Take care!."

Blais blisters Morrocco with 2nd place stage finish; now 5th overall
After a day of disapointments yesterday including engine maladies and 11-minutes of down time, Chris Blais and his big blue #9 Red Bull 660 KTM wasted no time launching off the boat at Nador, Morrocco and making his 3rd return to African soil a memorable affair. With eye-of-the-tiger focus, Blais set for himself a blistering pace, blowing by scores of riders as if they were trailriding. Make no doubt about it, this soon to be 3-time Dakar veteran isn't here to ride with or follow anyone in 2007 - his sights are set for stage wins and a podium finish on the shores of Lac Rose a couple weeks from now.

Here's what the sat-phone call from Dr. Johnathan Edwards sounded like.

"Chris went from 81st at the start to 15th at the end of the stage. Despite the very dusty conditions, and a minor crash at end of the special, Chris rode very well and he really kicked ass! It's been a lot of work but Matt (Spencer, Blais' technician) and I are handling it and we're all in pretty good spirits."

Additional comments from Doc Edwards about other American hopefuls:

#232 Casey McCoy (Team Rally Panamerica) is riding his own race and getting accustomed to his first African rally. A badly broken leg suffered in pre-Dakar testing a couple of years back delayed his entry into the world's toughest race but the fast and friendly Mammoth Mountain, California ski resort general manager is every bit a world class off-road racer. According to Doc Edwards, "Casey's leg is hurting him after three days on the bike, but he's still hanging tough."

#25 Jonah Street (Team Rally Panamerica) is logging another awesome performance in this, his 2nd Dakar. After three days of throttle twisting, Street finds himself 4th overall, just under 7min behind overall leader, #4 Esteve Pujol.

Next report: Stage 4 - Tuesday 1/9/07
Ouarzazate - Tan Tan
164 km liason - 325 km special - 279km liason - 768 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Add these websites to your Dakar reading list:
www.resmarket.com/dakar
www.dakar.com official website for the 2007 Euromilhoes Dakar Rally
www.blaisracing.com Chris Blais' website

Header photo by J. Van Oers courtesy KTMimages.com

CHASING DAKAR: GET THE BOOK!
What's it take to do the Dakar? Find out on the pages of CHASING DAKAR, the handbook that gives you an inside line on adventure and rally racing written by guys who've been there: Dr. Johnathan Edwards M.D., with multi-time Dakar and Baja veteran Scot Harden
www.ChasingDakar.com

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

1/10/07 - THE GOOD GUY FILE: Johnathan Edwards, M.D.
Pulling off an event like the Dakar Rally requires the participation and sacrifice of many fine men and women every year, and not just the fast guys with numbers on their backs or rooftops. Long after the dust settles on each daily special test and transport section this army of silent warriors does without basic necessities (read: eating and sleeping) in order to keep their riders and drivers in the hunt. You won't read about them on rally websites or see their faces in your favorite magazines -- truth is they're not in Africa to lead a stage or race for a podium finish. But when it comes right down to it these truck drivers, mechanics, technicians, tire changers, chefs, communication specialists, and computer techs are the behind the scenes heroes who make it possible for a chosen few to ride, drive and survive until tomorrow.

Again this year the Dakar Rally in general, and #9 Red Bull KTM rider Chris Blais in particular, is very fortunate to have one of the best "silent warriors" in the rally business along for the ride. He's Johnathan Edwards, M.D., of Las Vegas, Nevada, and hopefully by the time you've read this, after he's secured his own rider and who knows how many others in need of a diagnosic, treatment or just some reassuring words - in english or french - Amercia's own "Dakar Doc" will have finally found a chance to steal a few winks more than the "about an hour" that he settles for most nights on the Dakar.

Sleep tight rally racers, the good Doctor's on duty tonite.

-- Scott Cox

Rest in Peace, Elmer Symons - Since yesteday's tragic death of Elmer Symons during Stage 4, there has been a tremendous outpouring of grief and heartfelt condolences toward Elmer's brother Philip, the Symons family, and to his friend and JJE/SSC teammate James Embro. Without exception everyone who knew Elmer was impacted by his happy spirit and high level of enthusiasm for motorcycling. He was a gifted rider, a skilled mechanic, and friend to all. It seems like just yesterday that Elmer was introduced to us here in California by legendary off-road racing star Malcolm Smith, himself a Dakar veteran, and the man who played a huge role in making Elmer a part of the American off-road racing scene.

Stage 4 - Tuesday 1/9/07
Er Rachica - Ouarzazate
96 km liason - 405 km special - 178km liason - 679 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 4 according to www.dakar.com -- Dunes all round the horizon
A first lesson in endurance. The second Moroccan special is a long one, and above all very varied - just like the whole of the Dakar 2007. For the novices, this is where the full-scale apprenticeship starts as they discover the dunes and experience their first thrills. This is also the moment to confronter the multiple traps in Africa. The priority of the moment: don't get carried away.
A "private" bivouac will be set up for motorcycle racers approximately 100 kilometres from Ouarzazate. Assistance vehicles will not be allowed to enter the working park, as this will be an area where only competitors can work on their motorcycles.."

Heads-up ride moves Blais to 4th overall
Most of today's communications had to do with the status of fallen rider Elmer Symons but what we did learn was that Chris had a very uneventful day. This was his third sojourn through this region of Africa and with a non-supported "riders only" bivouac this night, #9 didn't make unnecessary moves that could damage his motorcycle and take a toll on his physique. 6th place for the day, 4th overall.

As expected as the action has stepped up, so too has the attrition rate. Rider dropouts took a heavy toll on Southern California rookie teammates Brian Schuckle and Mike Kay (both Husqvarna) and American fastman, #25 Jonah Street (Team Rally Panamerica).

Stage 5 - Wednesday 1/10/07
Ouarzazate - Tan Tan
164 km liason - 325 km special - 279km liason - 768 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 5 according to www.dakar.com -- The wheels in the Atlas Mountains Dakar regulars will have rallied from Ouarzazate to Tan Tan on three occasions in recent. Yet despite this, they'll never have taken the 2007 route on a long-distance trek before. On this special, the drivers are going to be getting a taste of the Atlas Mountains, a feast for the eyes that means the trucks will have to take a slightly different route, a few kilometres shorter. On average, the scenery is dramatic, lunar: for the connoisseurs, a mixture of the Ventoux and the Izoard."

Blais rolls a trio of 5's: 5th stage, 5th on stage, 5th overall
After a night on his own, with no assistance from Red Bull KTM technician Matt Spencer or guidance from team physician/manager Doc Edwards, Chris stuck to his careful plan by maintaining a brisk pace but avoiding pitfalls that can quickly end the event. According to Edwards, Chris is in excellent condition, still very focused and motivated.

"When I finally saw Chris at he end of the Stage 5 special, he looked great; very alert." Said Edwards. "He's really riding a smart race and saving himself for the next couple of marathon stages that will serve to thin our the field. Between now and the weekend, there will be some very rugged challenges ahead. But Chris is ready for them."

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com
Thursday-Friday January 11-12, 2007

IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Chris Blais reflects
on his performance:
5th overall Stage 5.

from dakar.com

"It was a good day for me. I thought I had ridden well, but I still lost 14 minutes. I made a slight navigational mistake just before CP2. It was a stupid way to lose time. After the night without assistance, I was obviously worried about the state of the bike. By the time I got here, the rear tire was completely bald. Today, I was thinking of Elmer Symons while I was riding. He was a good friend and often came to see me. It's really bad. He'd been talking about doing this race for five years. With Cyril (Despres) and Marc (Coma) we spoke to all the riders to tell them to be really careful, to follow the road-book instructions and not to leave the right track, especially in the morning with a full tank and tiredness from the night before. It's something that we professional riders should also keep in mind."

Stage 6 - Thursday 1/11/07
Tan Tan - Zouerat
414 km liason - 394 km special - 9km liason - 817 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 6 according to www.dakar.com -- Navigation by heading
"Here's the longest stage of the rally - by the end of the day, almost a thousand kilometres will have been clocked up! To set off on this long preliminary liaison leading to the Mauritanian border, you have to get up extremely early in the morning. Then you need to apply yourself to navigation by heading and off-road, yet more techniques for drivers and co-drivers to get to grips with again. At this stage in the rally, just one piece of advice: play for economy."

Blais steps up again: 4th overall after Stage 6

Last night I had a chance to speak via satellite phone with Dr. Edwards. While elated with Chris's vibrant health, his great performance on the bike, and moving up the ranks to 4th overall going into Stage 7, he was concerned that the weather will continue to deteriorate and they are now faced with rally racing's worst combination: a long, tough stage and zero visibility due to blinding sandstorms.

"Chris is doing awesome and we could not be happier with his condition." Said Edwards. "He's alert and not showing signs of fatigue that the other riders are suffering from at this point in the Dakar. On the other hand, the sandstorm we're getting hit with right now is brutal. We are in for a tough day tomorrow!"

Stage 7 - Friday 1/12/07
Tan Tan - Zouerat - Atar
4 km liason - 542 km special - 34km liason - 580 km TOTAL DISTANCE

"The stage according to dakar.com -- 580 km, including 542 km against the clock, are on the menu for the seventh stage, including sand, sand and more sand, on the tracks and off-track on the dunes. There will also be camel grass and a few fast sections. In fact, it is one of the most varied stages of this 29th edition, but probably one of the most difficult. Experience in the desert will once again be primordial, and in this domain, the Mitsubishi drivers will be favourites..."

Late breaking news early Friday morning from Stage 7
Still too early to tell but it appears that the special test has been cut short today and the rally will divert to paved roads to the next bivouac. The reason? Tremendous sandstorms and low visibility.

It also appears, according to early communications that Chris stopped his ride today to assist a fallen rider. Here's the scoop from dakar.com:

2:45pm -- After attending to and waiting with Spaniard Jordi Viladoms, who fell today and broke an arm, American Chris Blais might have his metered time rectified.

Add these websites to your Dakar reading list:
www.resmarket.com/dakar Daily Dakar report archive
www.dakar.com official website for the 2007 Euromilhoes Dakar Rally
www.blaisracing.com Chris Blais' website

Header photo by J. Van Oers courtesy KTMimages.com

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com
Monday January 15, 2007

Stage 9 - Monday 1/15/07
Tichit - Nema
4 km liason - 542 km special - 34km liason - 580 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 9 according to www.dakar.com -- Searching for the route
"This big chunk of desert may seen hard to swallow. Here we are on one of the great classics of the Dakar, revisited and improved for the occasion. Landmarks are extremely few and far between - the finest navigators are going to have their say. For the less inspired, Plan B involves picking the right tyre-tracks to follow. Reaching Nema in daylight is a victory in itself, for after nightfall, everything seems to take twice as long."

IN HIS OWN WORDS: Chris Blais via satellite phone from Monday's Stage 9 bivouac in Nema, Mauritania. Still on the gas after many days of punishment, he finished 6th today and is now 4th overall.
Photo J. Van Oers.

"After 9 stages I'm still here, I still feel pretty good, and I have to agree that as the promoters advertised things have gotten serious. Yesterday (stage #8) was definitely the longest and most difficult day so far. Very early yesterday I got stuck 3-times and really found it tough to dig myself out. By kilometer 30 I thought I'd used up everything I had but somehow I got my act together and pushed on. Those sand dunes were really kicking my ass but even in spite of losing a little time it still turned out to be a pretty good day for me.

"Fortunately I haven't had to suffer like many of the other guys have. Marc Coma (Respol KTM #1) went down in the rocks hard and banged himself up and that was true for some of the other fast guys, too. There have been a lot of mechanical breakdowns and each day more riders are forced to drop out. Today Cyril Despres (Gauloises KTM #2) crashed and had trouble with his navigation gear from the start.

NOTE: As it turns out, Despres had to navigate manually scrolling his roadbook throughout today's special test section. Here's how Despres described it:
"Yesterday (Sunday) during the assistance evening, I must have lost my mechanical skills. This morning (Monday) at the start of the special stage, there was a wire loose in the road book. I had to scroll through it manually all day. It’s as if I had to twist candy-frost on a stick for 7 hours straight at a fun fair. So I had to pay even closer attention. Additionally, being physically tired, I had to be extra focused!

Blais: "Today (Monday, 1/15/07) was a good day. I rode better than yesterday but I crashed like an idiot when reaching to get a drink of water. I should have been paying better attention but I'm Ok -- a little sore now, sitting here talking to you on the phone, but when I'm on the bike and racing I don't have any problems. Matt (Spencer) has been doing an awesome job on my bike and equipment and the Doc (Dr. Johnathan Edwards) is all over the place making sure that I'm taken care of and ready to go for the next stage. We really have a great team.

An old friend checks in:
Andy Grider, 2006 Red Bull KTM U.S. Dakar team veteran
2007 navigator for #320 Robby Gordon Hummer

This year Andy Grider has traded his KTM in for a shotgun ride in Robby Gordon's #320 Hummer. Andy's ride was cut short last year after a fantastic early stage performances when he crashed out in Morocco.

"It's been a lot of fun this year," said Andy. "A lot different riding in a car (the Hummer) a lot less taxing than piloting a motorcycle. I have gotten to know Robby (Gordon) and find him to be a very likable guy. Not at all what you sometimes read about in the press. Ours is a team of Dakar rookies, other than Robby and one of the other guys, but so far we are doing pretty well."

"Overall our Hummer has been a very good vehicle. We could use a little more top end (175 kilometers per hour max versus 190 kph for the Misubishis and 215 khp for the Jean-Marie Schlesser car) but it really does a great job in the technical stuff and Robby is a fantastic driver.

Yeah, we can just all get along.

Love in the dunes

When I spoke with Chris and Andy this morning...They both made a point about how much the teams, riders and drivers do in fact get along and support each other. Imagine, Americans reporting from abroad with good news about their own international relations.

Chris Blais: "I hang out with the other the other riders and teams including the Respol (Coma) and Gauloises (Despres) teams. And we get along, no problem. I haven't experienced any negativity."

Andy Grider: "I want people to know how much the Dakar is like good old fashioned off-road racing bacl home. Regardless of who you are or who you ride or drive for, we're all in this together and every day our fellow competitors look in on us to see if we're Ok, and to ask if they can help us. The VW team is huge here - the main show - and each night they check up on us. It's great."

LOOKING BACK: Saturday 1/13/07 was a rest day - a welcome opportunity to repair, relax and get ready for Stage 8. Hoping that Chris, Doc and the rest of our compatriots would just like to kick it for a few hours I didn't make any calls over there and harrass them for the latest poop. - SC

Stage 8 - Sunday 1/14/07
Atar - Tichit
35 km liason - 589 km special - 2km liason - 626 km TOTAL DISTANCE
stage 8 - Sunday 14 January 2007 | Atar - Tichit

Stage 8 according to www.dakar.com -- En route for the oasis
"This special has several facets. The course is quite well-marked, with stony tracks at the beginning of the course; then the enthusiasts will be entitled to a dose of sand in the middle of their day. Patience will be the drivers' best ally for finding the oasis: the final track has no hidden traps, just so long as you keep your eyes peeled. The panorama that awaits the competitors is more than worth it. Backup vehicles are not allowed in Tichit."

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com
Wednesday January 17, 2007

Stage 11 - Wednesday 1/17/07
Nema - Ayoun
280 km liason - 000 km special - 0 km liason - 280 km TOTAL DISTANCE

This stage is replacing the Nema-Timbuktu stage initially planned

Stage 11 according to www.dakar.com -- "After the change of course recommended by the Foreign Ministry, the participants of the 29th Dakar enjoyed a half-day's rest in Nema swept across by the howling winds of the Sahel before heading - on a no timed route - to Ayoun-el-Atrous, a small town located tome 280 km from the start. At this stage in the raid, 142 bikers, 112 car teams and 60 trucks are still in the race; the retinue has lost a big third of its volume since Lisbon. The leaders in the race, who have now covered 3,416 kilometers against the clock at the sustained pace of 83,48 km/on average for Marc Coma on a bike and 90,87 km/h for Stéphane Peterhansel in his Mitsu, finally had the opportunity to enjoy the scenery without thinking race strategy or worrying about the threats of mechanical breakdowns."

Today, was a somewhat of a semi-rest day on the Dakar with no timed special test section planned. Riders and teams will travel by highway to the bivouac in Ayoun - a wise move toward safety of all participants prompted by the above mentioned Foreign Ministry.

Cruising comfortably down the tarmac on his still immaculate #9 Red Bull KTM 660 Rallye, Chris Blais had the opportunity to savor the success he's enjoyed so far this year. As of last night, he sits comfortably in the 4th overall position - mind, body, and motorcycle have all worked, according to Chris "Perfect. No problem."

Some in the rally are sold on the "new is better" concept. And evidence of this is everywhere. However, Chris and his technician Matt "Rock Steady" Spencer have opted to stick with "old" technology in the form of KTM's proven 660 Rally engine, versus the more modern, perhaps more powerfu (and, for some, less reliable 690 powerplant). Blasphemy? Results don't lie and they American's gamble has paid off. With just over 25-minutes separating him from the 3rd overall #8 Repsol KTM of David Casteau, who can argue with that? Bon chance, Chris!

Blais charges through on Stage 10

Stage 10 - Tuesday 1/16/07
Nema - Nema
10 km liason - 366 km special - 24 km liason - 400 km TOTAL DISTANCE

Stage 10 according to www.dakar.com This stage is replacing the originally planned Nema-Timbuktu stage which was rerouted for safety reasons. -- "No longer the same colours or materials, no longer the same demands. On leaving the Sahara and its strings of dunes, there's a very noticeable increase in the average speed. In the savannah now, you can start putting away the shovels and waffle-boards. But watch out - after visiting Timbuktu there's going to be another outing in Mauritania."

The 2007 Dakar enters the final stages

Technical gremlins didn't allow me to get a sat-phone call through to the Chris Blais. Suffice it to say that Apple Valley, California's favorite rally racer put in another stellar performance. 7th for the day, 4th overall going into Stage 11.

"GO CHRIS! GO!"

Farewell friend: Marcel Fortney

It is with great remorse that I must announce the death of a wonderful man and good friend, Marcel Fortney. On Monday, Marcel, 49, was overcome by a sudden heart attack while at home on his Templeton, CA ranch.

A much respected veteran of the motorcycle industry, with over 30-years experience, Marcel was perhaps best known as the AGV Helmet man. His first job was with Cycle Guide magazine and since then he worked for Fox Racing, Pirelli, Yoshimura, Artehouse, and most recently AGV Helmets. He also owned and ran several motorcycle dealerships in the San Francisco Bay area. Marcel and his trusted colleague "JH" are familiar faces in the race paddocks, boardrooms, and motorcycle shops across America. Marcel had an encyclopedic knowledge of, and love for, collectible motorcycles, cars, art and memorabilia. He enjoyed books, music, and horses but most of all Marcel was passionate about his family and being close to them.

Marcel exemplified the spirit that motorcyclists everywhere search for. Those of us fortunate enough to know him, to love him, and to work with him will forever miss his easy going manner and brilliant sense of humor.

Marcel leaves behind a wife, Christie, and 14 year-old daughter, Mackie. A private memorial service for friends and family is scheduled for Sunday, January 28th in Ojai, CA. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation's be made on behalf of Marcel's daughter:

The Mackie Memorial Fund
c/o Mid State Bank, 1207 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, California 93023
Account number: 410-218-611

For questions regarding donations please contact Pati Michaels at 805-646-0111.

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com

2007 Dakar Daily by Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com
Thursday January 18, 2007

Stage 12 - Thursday 1/18/07
Nema - Ayoun - Kayes
110 km liason - 257 km special - 117 km liason - 484 km TOTAL DISTANCE

This stage replaced the Nema-Kayes stage initially planned

Stage 12 according to www.dakar.com -- STAGE 12: AYOUN EL ATROUS - KAYES
"484 km, including 257 against the clock, are on the menu of the 12th stage. The competitors are now leaving sand behind and entering savannah ground. Typical WRC super fast sections are back on the programme with some forest sections as well. This should allow Volkswagen and Carlos Sainz to come back on top after their Mauritanian ordeal. All the more so that the Mitsubishi pilots, including of course overall rankings leader Stephane Peterhansel, will play it safe in order not to compromise the final sprint."

After an "easy" day on yesterday's somewhat leisurely liason stage 11 (yeah, as if there's anything that even comes close to "leisure" in the Dakar...), Chris Blais wicked it up with a wild ride, some mechanical voodoo, and good old fashioned village to village blasting.

BRAKE CHECK FOR BLAIS

"At about 30 clicks (kilometers) in today, the front caliper mounting bolts on Chris' bike backed out and he crashed," said Doc Edwards. "The brake locked on and tossed him into a heap. The good news is that Chris wasn't hurt, but he's pretty sore right now."

While the problem wasnt' fully diagnosed prior to our call today, the good doctor could only speculate why Chris has again (it happened last year, too) suffered from front brake demons nor what the root causes could have been. Like the seasoned pro that he is, Blais quickly got out a pair of cutting pliers and removed the cables and lines thus completely removing the front brake function from his Red Bull KTM 660 Rallye.

"A great thing about Chris is his ability to identify problems immediately and deal with them," Said Edwards. "He's probably the best mechanic out here amongst the elite riders and despite him getting slammed over the bars and onto the ground at 90kph (read: over 50mph) he was still able to solve a potentially ride ending problem and continue to race. Chris didn't wig out and lose his composure, he just kept on going without a front brake."

Fast thinking and faster action are a Blais trademark but this should have been a day to attack the front runners and eat into the 25+ minute deficit between he and 3rd place running David Casteu. However, a loss of over 10-minutes resulted from the impromptu brake job. Unfazed, Blais is still very much in the hunt for a podium appearance in Senegal this weekend.

TID BITS THRU TWELVE...
Props to Steve LaRosa for his cameo appearance on VERSUS TV - It's cool for him, and for Dakar hopefuls everywhre, that the VERSUS crew wired him up yesterday to give us all a rookies view from the saddle.

A big shout out to Casey McCoy who, according to Chris Blais, is "Doing good things. Making the show and riding his own race." And despite suffering from what Doc Edwards tells us is a "serious case of monkey butt" the Mammoth Lakes ski resort manager is kicking some butts!

A warm embrace to Malcolm + Joyce Smith for their planned fund raiser to benefit the family of fallen Dakar rider Elmer Symons #107. The Tuesday, January 23 event will take place at Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside, CA. Details can be found at www.MalcolmSmithMotorsports.com

TOMORROW:
STAGE 13: KAYES - TAMBACOUNDA

From www.dakar.com -- 458 km, including 260 against the clock, are on the menu of the thirteenth stage. A very fast route awaits the participants. Rally pilots will again have an opportunity of having a whale of a time, even if copilots will still have to work on finding the right route in this maze of crisscrossing trails looping around baobabs. A made-to-measure playground for the Volkswagen that will try to get a new stage victory again while the Mitsubishi will mainly try not to make the same mistakes as they made last year on this same section.

Reports submitted by Resource Marketing, Encinitas, California 92024
Tel 760-436-9937 / Fax 760-436-3711
Contact: Scott Cox dakar@resmarket.com