persmap 2008 eng
TRANSCRIPT
Le Dakar 1978 - 2008
Intro.
Rally known as Paris – Dakar has its beginning in 1978. 80 cars and 90 motorcycle riders came to start this long competition in Paris Trocadero. 70 of them struggled for 10.000km through Algeria, Nigeria and Mali to arrive at the famous Lac Rose in Senegal.
The following brands were most popular back than: Yamaha, Honda, Range Rover, Renault and Peugeot. The first “Dakar Ancient” in the history of the race – Ciril Neveu on his Yamaha
“Cyril Neveu” 5 time winner.
Within years Le Dakar rally has expanded to an event unlike any other. Millions of fans follow their favorite competitors closely in the media.
2005. 2005 was decisive for Pascal de Baar and Rob Deckers (previously with MD Trucks team), since they’ve ridden for the first time and got completely infected with “Dakar Virus”. Virus which, as turns out later, carries big consequences.
2006.
“Virus” grew stronger and contributed to the new establishment: Dutch Team Dakar. A team quite successful, with 50% arriving at the podium.
2007. In March 2006 memories about recent success led Pascal de Baar, Richard de Groot and Henk Vercoelen to form the base of the largest Dutch motorcycle team ever.
7 competitors, each on his favorite machine, showed up at the start in Lisbon. Assistance crew counted 7 members. Everyone made it until the rest day in Atar. Four got to see the podium in Dakar. Score: 57%
Top left to right.: Marnix Deibert, Jeroen Brouwers, #138 Johan van de Laan, #211 Marcel Pronk, Pascal de Baar, #134 Richard de Groot, Jan van de Bor, #50 Ragnar Katerbau en Ronald Happel. Bottom line from left to right.: “Puk” , Rob Deckers, “Dick” en Ed Wigman.
Le Dakar 2008 Preparation. Dutch Team Dakar has just cooled down after last year’s performance, when each member lasted in the rally until the rest day, and sometimes the assistance needed to fly necessary parts in, nevertheless first steps towards 2008 edition have already been made.
Assistance got the “Brummeke” replaced into Ginaf 6 x 6. Vehicle comes from Hans Beckx garage and is currently being prepaired.
Riders have gathered together and decided to form a spectacular team, as the occasion is spectacular itself – 30th special edition of Le Dakar!
A Team of 6 motorcycle riders and 2 race truck riders behind the wheel of Ginaf 4 x 4 – Ronald and Pascal is the outcome.
Sand, heat and privation.
Le Dakar is no more but race against time, yourself, skills and the desert. 10.000km of struggle, and it all to arrive at Lac Rose, at the beach of Dakar, capital city of Senegal in West Africa. 5th of January is when rally will begin, holding promises of being spectacular as never before. More than 950 truck, car and motorcycle riders from 37 different countries have decided to take a challenge of participating in the heaviest desert rally ever. Rally being described as extreme, dynamic and presented by the media worldwide.
#138 Johan van der Laan challenging through the desert
Those days, when an amateur and an excited mechanic could cross the finish line, are gone. Know-how, solid preparation, technique and proper budget are the minimum required to even think to succeed. Professional assistance team, able to fix your machine at night, once you’re back at the camp and exhausted and can only think of few hours rest, is essential.
It would be a miracle to cross the finish line in Dakar with no sufficient financial backup. Therefore Dutch Team Dakar continues to seek for more solid partners willing to offer their support. This folder is meant to give you a good insight view on the team whom motto is:
“With all powers to complete Le Dakar 2008”
The power of media. Whoever becomes a Dutch Team Dakar sponsor, can expect a lot in return. Next to the fact, that this rally is a fantastic sport event, positively influencing the image of the partners, it attracts enormous media focus (so partners get attention as well!) from all over the world. Besides, you can follow the rally through the internet, on www.dutchteamdakar.nl. Press, radio and television inform very thoroughly about the happening. Just last year the TV stations worldwide have transmitted over 643 hours about “Le Dakar”, on the average attracting the audience of 150 million viewers.
In 2007 RTL 7 transmitted daily 55 minutes and Eurosport half an hour exclusively about this rally. In 2008 it is expected to become even more popular not only in Holland, but also worldwide.
“De Telegraaf” and “Algemeen Dagblad” have also been keeping their readers daily up-to-date, and so did the “Sportweek”. Several well-known motor magazines have edited many interviews, team introductions and reportages before, during and after each competition. The “Dakar” popularity in The Netherlands and Belgium increases year by year.
As a Dutch Team Dakar sponsor in 2008 you can certainly expect a great attention from millions of viewers.
De Dutch Team Dakar’s mentality.
This strong sportsmen group realizes about the importance of their sponsors. Individually, and of course as an integrated team, they do their best not to let sponsors down. Dutch Team Dakar is driven to compete and succeed. However, it’s still the sporty sprit and close cooperation with the colleagues that count the most. This attitude can only be a positive influence on all brands and companies, which join and support the team. Dutch Team Dakar does their best to be frequently and positively presented by the media. And that is what for you, as a partner or sponsor, is a not-to-miss advantage! Please read this prospect slowly and carefully. We are sure that Dutch Team Dakar would contribute to attract attention for their sponsors in a sporty and dynamic way.
One of many articles...
Le Dakar 2008 route
Calendar DAKAR 2008
2nd, 3rd and 4th of January 2008 Technical and administrative check for competitors
4th of January 2008 (morning) Technical and administrative check for competitors
4th of January 2008 (afternoon) Briefing for the competitor’s assistants
4th of January 2008 (evening) Briefing for the competitors
5th-19th of January 2008 Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal
13th of January 2008 Rest day in Nouakchott
19th of January 2008 Finish and prize-giving
A closer view at the lands Portugal:
Spectacle unforgetable 2008 edition will begin in Lisbon again. Dutch Team Dakar has their own hospitality unit for sponsors and guests to ensure they can experience the atmosphere of “Le Dakar” as well.
Technical and administrative inspection will be proceeded here. The prologue will take place and the route will continue to southern part of Spain, from where it will follow to Morocco.
Millions of viewers are expected to arrive as it will for sure become an unforgettable event.
Morocco and Mauritania:
Is the compass ready ?! 30th edition of Dakar rally is a guaranteed do and competitors cannot wait to navigate through deserts and arid land.
The distance between them shall increase rapidly as they’ll have to struggle navigating through the wild land of Mauritania. Their skills will be put out to a first serious test.
Senegal:
A touch of Africa Veterans and newcomers will both be delighted to experience the difference between poor desert and beauty of tropical plants in the jungle.
All rally elements and challenges from previous editions have been changed in this one. Competitiveness and skills will again be measured.
Lac Rose:
The finish line…. Dakar Adventure ends in Senegal, in its capital city - Dakar, located nearby the cheered Rose Lake (Lac Rose). Whoever can tear across this wonderful rosy beach at the finish day, can proudly call himself a “Dakar Ancien” from that moment on. One has made it!
Dutch Team Dakar competitors
Ronald Happel – Race Truck Driver
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “Africa, desert and Dakar Rally are my passion and my life.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “Dakar 2008 will be heavy, but for me also very special one because I now compete. I have been an assistance truck driver for the past 3 years.” Participation 4th time, 1st time as a competitorPlace of residence HazeldonckAge 34 Profession EmployerHobbies Africa, Dakar, TrucksExperience Tuareq Rally, Morocco, Tunis, 3 x Dakar Rally assistance truck
driverE-mail [email protected]
Ronald will drive Le Dakar 2008 as a driver of Race Truck able to achieve 150km/h
Pascal de Baar
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “The history of Dutch Team Dakar goes back to 4 years ago and that’s where we’re at now. To expect everyone to do it again is much, it becomes “way of life” in a way. You can compare it with breeding season.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “I’d like my new dream to come true – to finish with the truck, enjoy it and make it in the top 10!”
Participation 4th time Place of residence Beekbergen Age 38 Profession Trader Hobbies Dutch Team Dakar Experience 3 years Dakar rally on the bike E-mail [email protected]
Pascal will drive in Le Dakar 2008 as a navigator/ 2nd driver in the Race Truck
Wouter de Graaff – Race Truck Fitter
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “I do it because I think Le Dakar desert rally is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “I think Dakar 2008 edition will be very hard for riders; there will be more long and marathon stages.”
Participation 2nd time, 1st time as a fitter Place of residence Waalwijk Age 32 Profession road patrolman at ANWB Hobbies Enduro, Cross, fitting Husqvarna, go-for-it attitude Experience Enduro, Moto Cross, Rallye, National and few International
Enduro Competitions, 2nd best in Tuareg Rally 2007, 1 time Dakar motorcycle fitter 2007
E-mail [email protected]
Wouter will assist in Le Dakar 2008 as a fitter for the Race Truck
Alex van den Broek
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered:” My adventure with enduro sport becomes more and more serious, therefore the wish and aspiration to participate in the biggest off-road challenge increase every day.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “I want to finish – that’s all that matters. It is my only priority.”
Participation 1st time on the bike Place of residence Zundert Age 35 jaar Profession Representative by Progrip and Lazer, owner of Alex van den
Broek Events (Trial shows and Clinics)
Hobbies motorcycle riding (all, what comes on 2 wheels), mountain biking
Experience 30 years Motor trial, 5 years Enduro E-mail [email protected]
Alex rides Le Dakar 2008 on Honda
Motorcycle: Honda, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Displacement: 450 cc Ignition: Kokusan DC-CDI 4K5 Carburettor: Keihin FCR 39 Lubrication: Pressure lubr, Eaton pump Transmission type: 5 gears Primary drive: 31:79 Clutch: wet multidisc clutch, hydr Final drive: X-Ring chain 520 Chassis and running gear frame:
chromium-molybdenum, powder-coated
Fr suspension: WP-USD48 mm multi adj. Re suspension: WP Monoshock Tires, frnt/ rear: 90/90-21"; 140/90-18" Front brakes: 300 mm Brembo 2-piston Rear brakes: 220 mm Brembo -1piston Weight approx.: 158 kg Fuel capacity approx.: 48 l
Robert van Olst
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “One who becomes crazy will stay that way! To finish Dakar Rally is a big score I can’t help trying to get. And if I can try as a member of Dutch Team Dakar – that’s even better.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “Shit loads of dunes and sand! Lots of fun! Suits me!”
Participation 1st time on the bike Place of residence Erm (somewhere in Drenthe, close to Emmen) Age 36 Profession employer will all his heart Hobbies jogging, motorcycle riding and … motorcycle riding Experience few Tuareg rallies, Alto Turia E-mail [email protected]
Robert will ride Le Dakar 2008 on KTM 525 EXC
Archive photo of KTM 525 EXC
Richard de Groot
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “I have already competed and finished Dakar twice but I guess it’s just in my blood to go into the dessert again in January.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “2008 Dakar Edition will be special for me because it’s the first time I’ve chosen for Yamaha 250cc and am pretty confident not only to cross the finish line but also to win in this category.”
Participation 3rd time on the bike Place of residence Noordwijkerhout Age 38 jaar Profession Employer Hobbies Off-Road, Experience National Enduro Competitions, Rally, 2 x Dakar (finish) E-mail [email protected]
Richard will ride Le Dakar 2008 on Yamaha 250 Rally
Archive photo of Richard de Groot, Le Dakar 2007, Yamaha 450 wrf two track
Marcel Pronk
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “Last year I was 40th overall and 7th from the newcomers. Would simply like to try riding on a different, lighter bike this year to see if I can improve on previous result. I also got infected with “Dakar Virus”.
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “More sand, longer track in Mauritania and longer specials have been promised. We hope for this Dakar to be heaviest ever and it would be great to end up on the 30th place.”
Participation 2nd time on a bike
Place of residence Egmond aan Zee Age 33 jaar Profession Employer Hobbies Enduro, skiing, traveling Experience Road racing, cross, European Championships, ISDE, Enduro,
Rally, Le Dakar 2007
E-mail [email protected]
Marcel will ride Le Dakar 2008 on Gecko CRF450X
Tank: 32 litres Weight: about125kg. (empty) Engine: 450 cc 4 stroke 45 hp. HGS Exhaust Pipes (developed for us to be used in cross country rallies) Twin Air Power Up Kits Haan Wheels (cush-drive rear hub developed and build for us using 2.5 wide rear rim to take rally tires, oversized spokes)
GRS (Gecko Racing Suspension) all internal are reworked and tested for rally raid, spring weight changed accordingly. All Brackets and Guards are built locally from the highest grade aluminum and test in race.
Conditions: all relevant stress bearing bolts are replaced to maximum strength for rally raid. Complete bike is safety wired. The complete bike is tailor made to suit the rider and competition in will be ridden in. The bike has generated a lot of interest from Honda Japan and Honda’s technical staff have visited and assessed the bike post race. We are now a Honda dealer looking after all Honda R&D along with race bike preparation and support for the 2007/08 season. The teams will carry the name Gecko / Honda Racing.
Johan van der Laan
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “My interest in Dakar has its very beginning in the eighties. It got stronger when Gerard Jimmink was competing in 1995 and 1996. When I finally got to ride in the dunes myself in 2003 (with Pascal, Richard and Marcel), is has become clear – just go do Dakar!”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “Because I’ve ridden the rally twice on the same type of bike – KTM 660 Rally, time for a change has come. In 2008 I will be riding on Italian Husqvarna 510 enduro. I’ve made this choice pretty quick because I’ve been riding on “husky” since 1994. We’ll have to adjust this standard machine before it becomes a “rally-proof” one. By “we” I mean Ben van Erp, Wouter de Graaff and myself a bit. It certainly is a challenge and experts seem a little confused about my choice. But I have faith in Husvarna and can only tell you it has passed first tests very positively.”
Participation 3rd time on the bike Place of residence Dwingelo Age 42 jaar Profession Employer Hobbies Skiing, cross, football Experience Enduro, National and European Championship, ISDE, 2 x Dakar E-mail [email protected]
Johan will ride Le Dakar 2008 on Husqvarna 510 enduro
Bob Coerse
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “I find it most beautiful, adventurous event in the world and since last year this thought keeps growing stronger.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “After disappointment from last year - being out of the game at the end of the stage 12, I hope to arrive at the podium this year.”
Participation 2nd time on the bike Place of residence Loosdrecht Age 48 jaar Profession Employer Hobbies Enduro, mountain biking, skiing Experience Cross, enduro, National and European Championship, 3x ISDE,
2x Tuareg Rally, Berlin – Breslau, Le Dakar 2007 E-mail [email protected]
Bob will ride Le Dakar 2008 on KTM 525 EXC
Motorcycle Honda, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Displacement 450 cc Ignition Kokusan DC-CDI 4K5 Carburettor Keihin FCR 39 Lubrication Pressure lubr, Eaton pump Transmission type: 5 gears Primary drive: 31:79 Clutch: wet multidisc clutch, hydr Final drive: X-Ring chain 520 Chassis and running gear frame:
chromium-molybdenum, powder-coated
Fr suspension: WP-USD48 mm multi adj. Re suspension: WP Monoshock Tires, frnt/ rear: 90/90-21"; 140/90-18" Front brakes: 300 mm Brembo 2-piston Rear brakes: 220 mm Brembo -1piston Weight approx.: 158 kg Fuel capacity approx.: 48 l
Assistance truck Dutch Team Dakar
Technical specifications Ginaf X 3331 Wheelbase: 5.05 metre
Length: 7.35 metre
Width: 2.50 metre
Weight: 16.5 ton (loaded)
Cabin: sleepcanbine CF 85 with safety roll cage, three seats Engine: DAF XE 355C
Power: 441kW (600hp)/ 1900 rpm
Torque: 2100Nm/ 1200 – 1900 rpm
Engine cubic capacity: 12.6 litres
Gearbox: ZF16 S221 16 front and 2 rear
Front axle: GINAF/Sisu APG 14250 (i = 4.09)
Rear axles: Sisu APG 14250 (i = 4.09)
Suspension: Weweler special rally version. Different from standard GINAF
Compression: Own exclusive design. Two compressors per wheel
Break drums and break assembly: EPS Pagid Benelux Ltd. special rally version
Chassis: GINAF
Paintwork chassis, cabin and reconstruction: Ematra Transport repair using special car paint provided by Mol Coatings Ltd.
Reconstruction: Special fit-to-size
Tires: Michelin 14.00 R20 XZL
Cooling system: Standard GINAF
Coolant: Shell Glycoshell
Lubrication: Lincoln provided by Brotec International
Vehicle is 100% adapted to be a mobile workshop.
Assistentie Dutch Team Dakar
Jack Brouwers – driver in the assistant’s truck
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “Because I find it a great combination: challenge, piece, rush, not much sleep, stress; and all this day by day. Another reason is to see the country and meet locals. We do business with Africa on a daily basis so to go, meet people, learn about them, and their culture is great – perfect combination of work and hobby.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “I am expecting it to be a greater challenge than in the past which also means it will be heavier for the assistance. And that’s exactly what we want.”
Participation 2nd time as driver Place of residence Een West Age 33 Profession Truck trader Hobbies Dakar and off-road Experience 1 x driver in the assistant’s jeep
E-mail [email protected]
Jack will drive Le Dakar 2008 in the assistant’s truck
Jarno Brouwers
Asked why he’s decided to compete answered: “Alex v/d Broek asked me to compete, it has always been a dream to compete. That’s the reason why I think it is really cool to assist this team.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “It is the first time that I compete in Le Dakar, so I still have to discover everything, but i will try to maintain the bicycles as best as I can and I will try to create a good ambiance.”
Participation 1st time as an Assistant Place of residence Minderhout Age 27 Profession Receptionist company cars Hobbies Dakar, motocross Experience 20 years motocross and a few years company cars mechanic E-mail [email protected]
Jarno will drive Le Dakar 2008 in the assistant’s truck
Jan van de Bor – assistant’s truck navigator and motorcycle fitter
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “I have been asked to do so in 2005 and still find this challenge interesting.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “After 2 years of navigating in the jeep we’ll sit in Ginaf 6 x 6. I am curious how cozy it will be with the new team members. I already have a good impression.”
Participation 3rd time navigator/ fitter in the assistance Place of residence Voorthuizen Age 43 Profession Employer
Hobbies Dakar, mountain biking, skiing Experience 2 x Dakar assistant E-mail [email protected]
Jan van de Bor will drive Le Dakar 2008 as navigator in 6 x 6 assistance truck
Lex van Dijk – motorcycle fitter
adventure/ a boy’s dream. I’ve been to the start with Bob Coerse many times. We also wanted to participate! The time has come to “do” Dakar as assistant and most likely to compete later on.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “New experience, hard work and joy.”
Participation 1st time
Place of residence Purmerend Age 47 Profession Employer (motorcycle business) Hobbies Road race, fishing, supermotard Experience Since my 16 motocross, enduro, and road race E-mail [email protected]
Lex will drive Le Dakar 2008 as fitter in 6 x 6 assistant’s truck
Assistance jeep Dutch Team Dakar
Technical specifications Toyota Landcruiser 100 4.2TD
Brand: Toyota
Type: Landcruiser 100 4.2 TD
Wheelbase: 2.85m
Length: 5.19m
Width: 1.94m
Weight: 3.26 tones (loaded)
Cabin: Type 100 with safety roll cage, four seats
Engine: 6 cylinder turbo diesel with intercooler
Power: 150kW (204 hp)/ 3400 rpm
Torque: Nm/ 1200 rpm
Engine cubic capacity: 4.2 litres
Gearbox: manual, 5 gears
Gears: 5 forward, 1 reverse
Suspension: Standard Toyota
Compression: Reiger, special rally edition
Tires: Dessert Warrior 275/60
Vehicle is 100% adapted to be a mobile workshop.
Marcin Krüger – assistance jeep driver
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “Since I got my first motorbike when I was 5, this sport has become a part of my life. Within last 24 years I’ve been trail driving, tried my luck on the circuit, switched to motocross to finally discover joy of enduro.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “The opportunity given by Dutch Team Dakar to drive the assistance jeep was something I didn’t hesitate to accept. This is my chance to see if I’ll ever try my luck on a bike.”
Participation 1st time Place of residence Torun, Polen Age 35 Profession Truck trader
Hobbies Motorsport Experience Africa, Enduro E-mail [email protected]
Marcin will be a driver of the assistance jeep during Le Dakar 2008
Ragnar Katerbau – Team Captain & Assistants Jeep Navigator
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “Because preparation with Dutch Team Dakar is an amazing adventure, rally itself a great challenge, where team spirit is very important.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “I hope it will be so special that it will bring all Dutch Team Dakar members, with our Newcomer Rally Truck, to Lac Rose!.”
Participation 2nd time (1st time was on bike – finished) Place of residence Voorburg Age 41 Profession patent researcher at European Patent Office (since 1989) Hobbies Off-road, skiing, surfing, running, squash Experience Enduro, Motocross, Trial, Rallye, International Championships
since 1999: 7 years NC Inters, 4x ISDE, few European Championships, 2 x French Championship, 1 x Austrian Enduro Championship, 1 x Dakar
E-mail [email protected]
Ragnar will drive Le Dakar 2008 in the assistance jeep
Martin Roesink Race Truck Fitter
FOTO Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “ “Le Dakar”, great stories and fantastic images. When they invited me to come to Dakar as a truck fitter I decided that I wouldn’t miss this adventure for the world
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “To reach Dakar with a beautyfull team and to get some adventurous experiences”.
Participation 1st time Place of residence Olst Age 43 Profession Chief mechanic trucks Hobbies - Experience No Dakar experience E-mail [email protected]
Martin will drive Le Dakar 2008 as a truck fitter in the Assistancejeep
Peter Bloem – treasurer
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “ No, I’m not driving myself in “Le Dakar”. I am a treasurer in this fantastic team. This is my 2nd time and it’s a great experience.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “1st time was to get to know “Le Dakar” phenomena, this year because I just want to enjoy it.”
Participation 2nd time Europe Assistance Place of residence Duiven Age 51 Profession Employer – Vitro Finance Ltd. – administration office
Hobbies Riding motorcycle, motor sport etc. Experience Ride a bike since my 18, sometime cross and enduro E-mail [email protected]
Peter will sit on a bench with RTL7 during Le Dakar 2008
Jarno Eggink – webmaster, public relations
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “It is simply the last adventure of its kind on this civilized earth. It is also my dream to compete some time in the future.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “To have super organized Dutch Team Dakar arrive at the podium.”
Participation Last year Dakar 2007 same task Place of residence Dieren Age 30 Profession Employer (JDI-ICT) Hobbies Dakar, Moutain biking, Enduro, Skiing, sailing Experience A bit of everything E-mail [email protected]
Jarno will seat behind the screen during Le Dakar 2008
Frank van Splunter – assistance Europe
Asked why he’s decided to assist answered: “I have been organizing trips like “24hours to Le Mans” for years and through my work came across Pascal who has infected me with the “Dakar Virus”. A position in a team has just become available back than, so I offered my service immediately. Shortly after that my employer decided to get the assistance jeep and from that moment it all went very fast and now we’re already preparing for my 3rd year Dakar. My goal is to participate at least once as a competitor/ assistant because I’ve only been involved in the administrative tasks so far.”
Asked about expectations related to 30th, unique edition answered: “100% score for all Dutch Team Dakar members!”
Participation 3rd time Place of residence Leusden Age 38 Profession Office Manager Hobbies Dakar, Le Mans and all other motorsports Experience 3 years Dakar, 8 years Le Mans E-mail [email protected]
Frank participates in Le Dakar through PC and TV
Wuf you ... or Wuf me?
Media
The challenge, atmosphere, adventure and deprivation make every Dakar attractive for media
unlike any other event. Its strength of building a massive audience is being reflected in media,
business life and, not to be forgotten, internet.
TV stations from all across the globe transmit in total over 643 hours about the rally, which provides the average of 150 million viewers. RTL 7 transmits daily 55 minutes and Eurosport half an hour exclusively about this rally. “De Telegraaf” and “Algemeen Dagblad” have also been keeping their readers daily up-to-date, and so did the “Sportweek”. Several well-known motor magazines have edited many interviews, team introductions and reportages before, during and after each competition. The “Dakar” popularity in The Netherlands and Belgium increases every year.
International press daily during the rally – overview worldwide:
3941 articles France
2983 articles Spain
1647 articles Great Brittain
613 articles Holland
555 articles Belgium
255 articles Italy
Daily TV transmission – overview worldwide:
RTL 7 Holland TV2 Noorway
Eurosport Europe CCTV China
VTM Belgium TV TOKIO Japan
SPORZA Belgium RTL Klub Hongary
RTBF Belgium Braveheart Thailand
France Television France Al-Jazeera Saudi-Arabia
ARD Germany TVP Poland
ZDF Germany LBCI Lebanon
TVE Spain RTS Senegal
SIC Portugal TV globo Brazil
Next year one of the senders is expected to focus specifically on Dutch viewers, when presenting Le Dakar 2008. 1 hour broadcast is anticipated daily after the evening movie, but except for this, replay will probably be transmitted around 18:00 every day. Rumours say that RTL 7, well-known for its sport programs (average of 700000 viewers a day) is considering showing the event live from the helicopter. Dutch Team Dakar has chosen for 30 minutes exclusively transmission by this national station to make sure all sponsors get enough attention.
The Dakar Rally can also be followed on www.dakar.com, A.S.O. organizer’s page. To find out more about Dutch Team Dakar go to www.dutchteamdakar.nl . This mass viewed site (see: graphs under the text) gives us an opportunity to inform sponsors and whoever interested about our actions thoroughly.
Total number of “unique visitors and Page Loads 2007”
Facts speak for itself !!
General
Professionals as well as amateurs try their luck. It means 200 motorbikes, 150 cars and 65 trucks every year striving on track. Human being trying to cooperate with the machine. Endurance, concentration and improvisation skills are essential. Besides, shape and stamina are put out to a very serious test. It is nothing but a mechanical sport with not much opportunity to rest.
Safety
Safety is the most important factor in the rally. Every year organizers are implementing major changes to increase safety and, more importantly, to make it easier for as many as possible to finish the rally securely. For example last year the speed limit for motors went down to 150km/h. Just as in 2007, Iritrack remains mandatory. Organizer, but also you, using the internet, can follow every single competitor live on track. In case of emergency contact with the contestant can be made immediately, before he/she takes any action. It seems that the Formula 1 “HANS-System” will become obligatory as well. Furthermore, there is someone working together with the motor manufacturer to create a brand new outfit.
Big medical team, with few helicopters, ambulances, and mobile hospital at its disposal, will be present at the rally. One will be brought to the hospital with chopper in case of emergency. All rally contestants must carry few safety items, such as: few rockets, fluorescent landmarks, mirror, flashlight, aluminium blankets and Iritrack (combination of emergency landmarks, GPS and satellite telephone). It’s obvious it’s always the best to prevent any accidents, that’s why since June all competitors are busy following the special training program, prepared by sport medical specialists. “Shape” is one of the magic words in this spectacle. Endurance keeps your spirit up and helps you to prevent accidents.
Frost and Heat
Because of the start in Lisbon it must be reckoned with frost, but few days later in the desert temperature will rise up to 40 degrees Celsius. Sandy wind makes the air very dusty. This means that only exceptionally well-prepared vehicles can show up at the start. This year again motorbikes are not allowed to go faster than 150 km/h, despite they’re easily capable of reaching speed of 170 km/h. If the motor will break down during stage so badly it can’t arrive at the next camp, competitor and his machine, out of race, will be brought back to homeland by the organizers.
Logistics and maintenance
Motor requires regular maintenance every evening. If it has collapsed or got damaged, assistants must repair it before the beginning of next stage. They must often work all night long and shortly after drive even 1000 km to the next camp, while rider is enjoying his sleep after an exhausting day.
Preparation for the rally
As a part of preparation for Dakar 2008, team is intending to participate in many popular rallies, enduro, and cross events. In May we did 4 days in Italy, mid June some of us went to Romania and participated in “Red Bull Romaniacs”. Some of the team members will train in Spain, Granada. 2 of us will ride Dubai Rallye. Our Race Truck will be tested in El Chott Rallye in Tunis in November.
Alex van den Broek will take part in European Championship in Poland. KNMV has selected him to be a Trophy team member in Six Days Country teams Enduro in Chile in November.
Later on this year we will strive in Sahara desert in Tunis. During all these events Dutch Team Dakar will attempt to create a positive image and attract media’s attention. This also means we will do our best to put our sponsors in spotlights as early as possible.
Sponsoring
No serious team can exist and succeed in Dakar without proper financial support. Therefore we are still looking for few partners, who have a “healthy”, sporty and commercial view at the business, and who wish to gain publicity by being part of this worldwide followed event.
- Publicity of the sponsor exists in many forms. After talking it over with you, we could choose option, which suits you the most. It can be for example an advertisement on the website or a permanent place at the vehicles or motors. You can make the best choice, if, of course, there’s still enough space
- You know for sure that many publicity related costs are fiscally deductible - Extensive media presentation is expected to take place at the end of November. This is
something we keep for our main sponsor - We find it important to “score” in the media. That’s why we believe that the more “airtime”
the better - As one of the most important Dutch teams we will probably be part of making the TV
programs about the rally before it starts and while it takes place - There are many possibilities for sponsors!
You see, we will do our best to create positive image and not to let our sponsors down. We hope that our future cooperation can be the reason why we can score in sport and you can score in business.
With sporty regards,
Management Foundation Dutch Team Dakar
Foundation Dutch Team Dakar
Achterste Weide 55
6921 SG Duiven
The Netherlands
www.dutchteamdakar.nl
Fax 0316 – 282487