Race / Rally of Dakar (specifics about race) PLEASE!?

Question

Hi, teacher here needing some good answers to questions from my kids. In the rally / race of Dakar, do all participants wait at the Strait for the Cargo ship to load them (at the same time), if so, when they "release them" in Africa do they release them at the same time? Or do they release them according to the times they made it to the Cargo ship? Kids are wondering what the point of racing to the cargo ship is if they release them all on the other side at the same time. Any other specifics would be appreciated. Not general info - have that, but interesting tidbits for my students. I teach in the rural US and am inspiring my students to view that side of the world through this race. They love it and are asking so many great questions about the people / customs involved. Please help me to open their eyes to the world.

Thanks, Wildflower

oops! Somehow I thought the race began in Lisbon, Portugal? Wouldn't they race to the Strait? Sorry, I don't know much about this but am trying to learn for my students. (I would love to tape but don't have satellite / cable.)

Answer 1

Im confused with what your trying to ask... The only Cargo ship I can think of is the one that will cross the Strait of Gibraltar before hitting the shores of Africa where the true endurance contest begins... but as far as i know theres no "racing" to the ship. the cars are unloaded off the ship by the way they were brought onto the ship and are impounded until they reach africa... i could be completely wrong, im not too sure about the cargo ships.

you should tape the rally on the channel Versus (check local listings and times) and show it to your kids, theyd love to see it and will learn alot about the race and that part of the world!



80% amateurs - 20% professionals
40% of new competitors each year

39 NATIONALITIES :
• 60 % foreign competitors
• 40 % French competitors



www.dakar.com has alot of great information for you.

Petrol ON!

Answer 2

international Rally Championship - both Rallye Finland (because of the Ouninpohja particular degree) or Rallye Monte Carlo (because of the Col de Turini particular degree) DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters). the present Hockenheimring received't be so long because the 1980-2000 version, however the Parabolika continues to be a good position to witness automobiles overtaking and going flat out.