History of the Dakar Rally: Its Categories and the Reason This Event Is Called the Most Violent Race
YOGYAKARTA - You may already know or have heard of the Dakar Rally. This event is not about ordinary racing, but also physical strength, mental strength, and technical ability in facing extreme terrain. For further information, this article will discuss more in depth about the history of the Dakar Rally or Dakar Rally, categories, and the reason why the Dakar Rally is considered the most violent race in the world.
This race event makes Europe and Africa as a track region with a distance of more than 7,000 km starting in Paris and ending in Dakar.
The racers will be faced with a beautiful and challenging desert landscape. The Dakar rally is also one of the most popular and most violent racing events.
History of the Dakar RallyAs reported by Antara, the history of the Dakar Rally began when it was accidentally discovered by Thierry Sabine. He is a French racer who accidentally got lost in the Sahara Desert area in 1977.
When witnessing the beauty around him while lost, Thierry got the inspiration for people to also enjoy the beauty he saw. This is where the Dakar Rally was born.
How Far Do You Have to Travel in the Dakar Rally?The total distance that the racers must travel during this event can be said to be very fantastic. Every day, they have to travel and cross the harsh desert of more than 500 km.
The distance of the Dakar rally with the regular rally is certainly very different, where the Dakar rally can cover more than 500 km at each stage, while the regular rally is only about 10 km.
Why is the Dakar Rally the Most Violent Race?The Dakar Rally is said to be the most violent race because of all the phenomena that occur on the track. The racers must prepare physically and ability far above average.
They will cross the very hot desert and sandy and rocky roads. If something happens, they themselves must make repairs to their vehicles. Therefore, this race is very physically demanding and challenging for the racers.
Driving a vehicle in the middle of a hot desert and rocky and sandy roads is certainly not an easy activity. The racers will cross the desert under the scorching sun and the dust and sand encountered during the journey. Unlike other races held on a track or circuit that has been provided and meets the standards for racing.
What are the categories of the Dakar Rally?There are various categories of the Dakar Rally which are divided based on vehicle types. Below are the categories:
MotorcycleThis category was first introduced in 2005. The motor that can participate is a motor with a limit of 450cc for double cylinders, while for single cylinders there is no capacity limit.
QuadsInitially, quads were part of the motorcycle category, but since 2009, quads have become a separate category. This vehicle must consist of a single-cylinder engine with a maximum capacity of 750cc or 900cc.
TruckTrucks competing in the Dakar Rally weigh more than 3,500 kilograms. This category was first introduced in 1980 and divided into several groups, including production series trucks, modifications, and rally support trucks.
CarThis category includes vehicles with a weight of less than 3,500 kilograms, for example, buggies to small SUVs. These cars are further divided into several groups based on engine type and drive.
UTV (Utility Task Vehicle)UTV became a separate category in 2017 and is becoming more popular. In 2021, this category was again divided into light prototypes (T3) and production vehicles (T4).
ClassicStarting to be introduced in 2021, this category is specifically for vehicles produced before 2000 or new vehicles made with classic specifications.
That's the review of the history of the Dakar Rally and its categories. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.