ASO DAKAR NEWS – FIRST STEP: REGISTRATION

Applications can now be sent to the organisers of the Dakar, who during the next two months will start a selection process, in particular for the bikes. The most conscientious competitors will most likely plan to register for the two Dakar Series label races in South America. There are 7 months and 22 days remaining before the start of the Dakar 2014. It may seem a long way off , but the rally’s riders and drivers are used to long distances and many have already been in preparation for several months. With the opening of registrations, the date of 15th May is a first step towards the rally, but almost a quarter of the applications will be rejected in the bike and quad categories in order to run a competition that is acceptably safe and hospitable. As such, 449 vehicles in total, representing 53 nationalities, took starter’s orders last January. A similarly imposing community of lovers of wide open spaces will be expected in Rosario for the start of the 2014 edition.

As part of the calendar of preparations for this new crossing of South America, many competitors will take part in the two Dakar Series events organised this year. Almost a third of the riders, drivers and co-pilots on the Dakar 2013 represented the host continent. They will come together on the Desafio Ruta 40 in June, and then on the Desafio Inca in September, racing over terrains and in events that are ideal for fine-tuning their riding and driving skills. On bikes and in cars, the spirit will also be highly competitive, since the combined standings of the two races will give rise to the creation of the first title of Dakar Series champion.

The Dakar 2014 calendar

· 15th May: opening of registrations
· 16th to 22nd June: Dakar Series / Desafio Ruta 40 (Argentina)
· 7th July: closure of registrations for bikes/quads
· 4th to 6th October: Dakar Series / Desafio Inca (Peru)
· 1st November: closure of registrations
· 2nd to 4th January 2014: technical and administrative scrutineering in Rosario