Dakar 2006 - Stage 4

[klaus]

stage 4 - Tuesday 3 January 2006 | Er Rachidia > Ouarzazate (http://www.dakar.com/2006/DAK/LIVE/us/400/parcours.html)
Connection 56 km
Special 386 km
Connection 197 km
Total 639 km
Gateway to the desert

This could be considered as a Dakar classic, but there is something unknown here too. It is perhaps the rally’s most varied special. With the first dunes, it will doubtless be the time to get out the shovels and sand mats, before taking on the shotts, stretches of sandy or stony wadis... It’s a time for co-drivers to bury their head in the road book, not in the sand.





http://www.dakar.com/PHOTOS/DAK/2006/400/PARCOURS.gif

http://www.dakar.com/PHOTOS/DAK/2006/400/FRANCE_ETAPE.jpg

[plantman]

a glitch or has robby stoped

[01_el_tiburon]

a glitch or has robby stoped

looks like he stopped, cause it hust moved, sclesser buggy is kicking *** it seems like

omar

[klaus]

Schlesser won yesterday, so maybe this year is his year ?

Also the bikes are finishing right now. Looks like KTM is dominating in a big way.

Chris Blais listed 12th, Andy Grider no listed yet as of this time.

[01_el_tiburon]

you still up or u just got up by any chance ???????????????????

[plantman]

schlesser just finished the stage but robby hasn't moved very far

[klaus]

RG is moving, so that means the tracking works and he is or had problems.

Can't wait to get official word on it.

[KeithTurk]

Hey I can post finally.... FIRST off I'd like to thank you guys for giving me some of the tools nessesary to watch this thing on my computer.... the dang OLN channel here in Southern Alabama isn't working... so I'm starved for information...

Robby seems to be hanging out...

[Icewalker]

Current Standings Last time I did a refresh:

1 307 SAINZ (ESP)
SCHULZ (ALL) VOLKSWAGEN 03:52:48 00:00:00
2 315 MAGNALDI (FRA)
DEBRON (FRA) SCHLES-FORD-RAID 03:54:48 00:02:00
3 302 ALPHAND (FRA)
PICARD (FRA) MITSUBISHI 03:55:58 00:03:10
4 305 DE VILLIERS (AFS)
THORNER (SUE) VOLKSWAGEN 03:56:04 00:03:16
5 301 SABY (FRA)
PERIN (FRA) VOLKSWAGEN 03:57:41 00:04:53
6 303 KLEINSCHMIDT (ALL)
PONS (ITA) VOLKSWAGEN 03:57:56 00:05:08
7 308 AL ATTIYAH (QAT)
GUEHENNEC (FRA) BMW 03:58:19 00:05:31
8 314 SCHLESSER (FRA)
BORSOTTO (FRA) SCHLES-FORD-RAID 03:58:20 00:05:32
9 316 SERVIA (ESP)
ALCARAZ (FRA) SCHLES-FORD-RAID 03:59:17 00:06:29
10 309 MILLER (USA)
VON ZITZEWITZ (ALL) VOLKSWAGEN 04:00:29 00:07:41
11 304 ROMA (ESP)
MAGNE (FRA) MITSUBISHI 04:04:08 00:11:20
12 300 PETERHANSEL (FRA)
COTTRET (FRA) MITSUBISHI 04:10:32 00:17:44
13 306 MASUOKA (JAP)
MAIMON (FRA) MITSUBISHI 04:20:45 00:27:57


Jeff

[Icewalker]

Andy Grider classified as 31st on the stage. Chris Blais classified as 12th.

Jeff

[pjc]

Looks like a DNF for RG today. Bummer! Miller is still in the hunt.

[JrSyko]

What happened? That means his Rally is over correct? I hope not...

[Rory]

Looks like a DNF doe RG today. Bummer! Miller is still in the hunt.
Robby is moving again. Looks like he had to wait for a service truck to wait for parts.........I'm guessing.

[Vtr_Racing]

Great updates. Keep em coming.......

[bufeo]

Hey IceWalker,

Glad to see you here. (Can't seem to get into 4wd today.)

These updates are great...but frustrating 'cause we don't get the whole picture. Grider coming in 31st for example and RG so slow...not to mention the myriad other questions we all have.

Looks like Miller is hanging right in there.

[Chase 2]

I heard that Hogwild had a rear sproket problem yesterday. Today, I can't get updates from their site, I hope they didn't have to abandon already.

[curtnrod19]

anymore new on robby? it looks like he's not moving at all. hope he can fix it just enough to get to the tar and make it to the finish line..
Blais in 10th overall and Grider in 24th. i think that Blais, and Robby are just taken it easy for now uh?

[elsancho1976]

gordon's in.. 3:54:41 back on the stage

[curtnrod19]

yeah on the screen it shows him moving a little.. if they dont finish a stage what happens?

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

gordon's in.. 3:54:41 back on the stage

No problem. 11 more stages left! This Blows Nuts! I need to get an update.

[Chase 2]

There's a bunch of guys tomorrow who are going to need watch their rear view mirror tomorrow. I see RG as being on a mission to get to the front so he will get his stage wins.

[SanoDano]

In the special, Gordon finished 86th in stage 4, with a time of 7:44:29, some 4 hrs 30 min behind the leaders for the overall.

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

There's a bunch of guys tomorrow who are going to need watch their rear view mirror tomorrow. I see RG as being on a mission to get to the front so he will get his stage wins.

Yes, I see the chrome horn in about 50 guys future.

BTW, Unless Mark's car gets hit with a nutron bomb I don't see you writing any checks. LOL

[bufeo]

Here's a report from KTM
---------------------------------------
RALLY
Dakar 2006: 4th stage: ErRachidia > Ouarzazate (03.01.2006)
----------------------------------------
Two Spaniards ad “The Bike” Leading.
This fourth stage between ErRachidia and Ouarzazate was reported have the most terrain changes of any during the 2006 Rally. The context was as expected. Due to their position of the previous day, Caldecott and Grider left first this morning, at 6:00 A.M.

However, experience and navigation proved to be most important as both the Australian and the American got lost after some kilometres, and the American also had a problem of gasoline. In fact their navigation “job” was taken by IsidreEsteve; the Spaniard virtually led the group and passing for first at CP 1 and CP 2 (km kilometres 125 and 221). The problem is that navigation requires a lot of concentration and many tough decisions in a split second. For that reason, the average speed of the “navigator” dramatically slows down and the ”followers” can easily come upon the leader.

CyrilDespres accomplished this on yesterday’s stage, but today has been the turn of MarcComa, that has been perfect. Following the traces, the rider of the Team Repsol KTM rapidly recovered his starting gap up to the finish line. Finally the stage was not as difficult as EtienneLavigne announced at the briefing yesterday night. The director of the Dakar also warned the competitors about the first dune crossings of the stage. Also the Merzouga erg were passed by the riders without difficulties.


Fastest at the two check points this morning, Isidre Esteve won the today’s special test, but Repsol KTM champion Marc Coma, that finished second just before his fellow Carlo De Gavardo, is now the new leader of the race, with an advantage of five minutes. “The tactic process of this stage was not so easy. This morning Caldecott and Grider got away very early and at a very high speed. If they did not get lost, maybe the result of the stage would be different. One of the first things that must be learned is that speed has to be secondary. The first priority is not to make mistakes and then you have to sustain a sharp rhythm. And finally you have to be supported by your complete and absolute concentration. It is difficult to handle this delicate balance between the elements.

This morning the stage was stony but relatively easy until the dune section, and I crossed the dunes more and more confident. Then there was a section where the navigation was more complicated. I calmed and I y studied the situation, then I chose the right track in a real labyrinth of tracks. The final section was more fast. Can I give you my opinion on my race? I feel good, ad I try to be always clever and calm. The goal of the leadership has today been accomplished, and the main meaning of this success is that the work of the entire Team is perfect”.

The winner of the stage was happy but a little preoccupied: “Tomorrow” said IsidreEsteve, “I will open the trace, and a lot of work is waiting for me”.

The other Gauloises KTM team member CyrilDespres preferred to trace a balance of this first part of the Dakar: “Yesterday I was happy because of the result, today because I enjoyed the passage of the first dunes. I can say that the race is only at his beginning and that I made a god job. All is working well”.

Tomorrow the stage will reach TanTan, It will be “simply” the first of a “over 800” trio. Exactly 819 kilometres, with the fifth special test of the Dakar 350 km long. No dunes in the profile of the special test, but two long technical sections. Further more the race will go down to the sea level. Heat can begin to affect the hard work of the competitors.
-----------------

Interesting criticism of Grider and Caldecott in a not-so-subtle way. BTW, I'm not responsible for the translation. :)

[Ryan_Arciero]

I talked with Mark yesterday and he wasn't feel all that great. He was complaining of a really bad headache, but all in all everything went great. He said the dust was really bad and he had to pass a crap load of bikes which took some time.

He said the Volkswagen was running great and he was just running his own pace.

I haven't talked to him today to see what the story is but I will let you guys know when I do talk with him. Remember he is still posting audio updates on www.usadakar.com when he gets a chance, but he hasn't updated on stage 4 yet.

On Robby's deal you guys have to remember he has no teammates only a service truck, so if something goes wrong and he doesn't have the parts or tools to fix it he is dead in the water until the services truck can get to him, which could take hours. That is why you see teams like Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Schlesser, etc.. having multiple cars. You have to have them in this kind of a race. One little problem that you can't fix yourself and you are screwed until the big trucks can get to you.

Well thats all I have for now, as I find out more I will let you guys know.

[shrek]

Ryan---If you DNF a stage, are you out of the rally???

Thanks in advance....

Shrek

[Ryan_Arciero]

No not neccessarily, you might just get a big time penalty, but you do have to show up for the start of the next stage or you will be withdrawn by the ASO, like Ron Bailey was last year.

[curtnrod19]

looks like Miller has been sittin at 632km for awhile now. is he having trouble you think? noticed the finish is at 639km, so maybe he's done with stage 4.. but im not to sure

[conejoracer]

The Dakar site has Robby finishing the stage 113th at 3h 43m behind the leader.

[bufeo]

In the special, Gordon finished 86th in stage 4, with a time of 7:44:29, some 4 hrs 30 min behind the leaders for the overall.

Hmmmmm. The results from Raid-live show this:

10th 309 Miller/Von Zitzewi.
Volkswagen T 4h00'29"0 + 07'41"0+ 01'12"0 10

105th 335 Gordon/Skilton
Hummer H3 7h44'29"0 + 3h51'41

(car/Stage time/behind Stage leader)

Places Miller in 8th OA and Gordon in 69th

Confusing ain't it????

[ChuckH]

Its like the tour de france, you have day and overall finishes from all the days.

Gordon was 105th today and his overall from all 4 days is 69th

[SanoDano]

Hmmmmm. The results from Raid-live show this:

10th 309 Miller/Von Zitzewi.
Volkswagen T 4h00'29"0 + 07'41"0+ 01'12"0 10

105th 335 Gordon/Skilton
Hummer H3 7h44'29"0 + 3h51'41

(car/Stage time/behind Stage leader)

Places Miller in 8th OA and Gordon in 69th

Confusing ain't it????

I may be wrong, but I think that teams (RG) are docked points for being late to the finish of the stage.

According to the "Posis" link on the Dakar website, Gordon finished 86th and now on the "Standing" link, it lists Gordon as 118th in stage 4!

Or it is too early to get accurate info from Africa.

[bufeo]

Its like the tour de france, you have day and overall finishes from all the days.

Gordon was 105th today and his overall from all 4 days is 69th

Thanks, Chuck, I am aware of this, but I found three different pieces of information and each had the Stage and Overall rankings different for Gordon.

I think SanoDano may be correct in that a couple of the "results" had not been corrected for penalties.

[Hermes Angeles]

I have a little question.

There's differences between Mark Miller VW and C. Sainz VW? Or are same spec Cars?

DO anybody know what happened to RG I Saw that he stopped at CP2 and not moved and then stop again en KM386 and same. Until some time he start to moved.

[TDORSloppy]

Can somebody explain these results???

http://www.dakar.com/2006/DAK/LIVE/us/400/posis_Ahour/2.html

[SanoDano]

Can somebody explain these results???

http://www.dakar.com/2006/DAK/LIVE/us/400/posis_Ahour/2.html


I'll give it a shot...If I'm mistaken, I'm sure someone will correct me.

Under the "Special" heading, "DSS" is the starting order, (i.e. overall standings) for the "Special Test".
CP1 & CP2 are stage times at checkpoints. "ASSS" is the finish times for the special test.

"DL" is the starting order/standings up to the current stage, "AL" is the standings after the stage/ starting order for the next stage.

[ChuckH]

DSS shows the overall place and time at the beginning of the timed portion

ASSS ( had to add a extra S ) shows the overall place and time and the stage time at the end of the timed portion

CP1-2 shows the overall place and time at that check point

[Ryan_Arciero]

Yes, Mark's VW is the exact same as what Carlos has. All Five are identical.

I just heard an uncomfirmed report that Robby had a problem with the Gear Box drive flange.

[Hermes Angeles]

Thanks for the info. :eek: :D

[klaus]

Source: Dirk von Zitzewitz Weblog (http://zitzewitz.com/dakar/?p=214)


Today there is another small Audio Update (http://zitzewitz.com/dakar/wp-content/audio-dakar-2006/4-03-01-2006.mp3) from Dirk von Zitzewitz (German).
The Summary of the phone call: Today went well, at the beginning it actual went extremely well. Until CP1 Mark Miller and Dirk von Zitzewitz where running in 2nd place. At around km150 they started to follow the dust of competitors in the Mitsubishi but unfortunaly that turned out to be the wrong way. Consequently they lost 4 to 5 minutes. Driving high speeds means nothing today. The true face of the Dakar Rally hasn’t emerged yet. Mark and Dirk are in good spirit and satisfied with the race so far.


Dirk had no knowledge of Robby. He saw him last on the stage working at the rear right wheel.


Statement of Mark Miller via Volkswagen Motorsports:
#309 – Mark Miller (USA), 10. Stage Position- / 8. Overall Position
“Its fantastic to drive the African dunes. We made the mistake to follow Noma through the dunes where we hoped for an advantage. We lost time.”
Today is the first Biwak of the race. Most of the teammemeber will camp in one-person tents and experience a cold night in Africa. The temperatures dropped below Minus 3 degrees Celsius.

[bufeo]

My educated guess that "...405 minutes" translates into 'four TO five minutes'. Just a guess, though. Don't anyone take me to task on it.

[FullsizeFun]

I just heard an uncomfirmed report that Robby had a problem with the Gear Box drive flange.


I bet the left side flange came loose. I dont know why the left side doesn't have "left handed" threads. It just backs itself out.

[Offspring]

These guys will not get much sleep from here on out. Think stage wins.

[SanoDano]

From Gordon's web site........

ROBBY GORDON HUMMER TEAM DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Stage four of the Dakar Rally from Er Rachidia to Quarzazate, in the North African desert kingdom of Morocco, should have been Robby Gordon’s day to move his “Dakar” Hummer H3 from eighth overall into the top five, but unexpected transmission problems have drastically slowed the American team, dropping them some 3 hours and 51 minutes to the race’s new overall leader, the Spaniard, Carlos Sainz.

Gordon had placed a brilliant fifth overall on the previous day’s Third Stage, a difficult dust filled run, from the North African port of Nador deep into the Moroccan desert to the finishing point at the town of Er Rachidia. Gordon’s run had raised his position in the overall scoring from 14th to eighth overall. That very advantageous starting position for this morning’s stage from Er Rachidia to Quarzazate had given Gordon and navigator Darren Skilton great confidence that they’d soon be challenging the race leaders for the overall position, even though they were eight minutes down on total time. “Yesterday we had the chance to run head to head with Jean-Louis Schlesser (the eventual winner of Stage 3) in his specially built V8 powered desert racer,” said Gordon, “and our Hummer H3 performed flawlessly.” The Frenchman, a long-time competitor in the Saharan classic finished some 12 minutes ahead of Gordon on total accumulated time but Gordon was unfazed by the seeming deficit. “We proved yesterday that we had the combination of power and handling to beat Schlesser, so today we simply have to make up the time,” said Gordon before the start.



Once this morning’s race had begun, on the timed “Special” middle stage of the Er Rachidia-Quarzaate trail, Gordon’s Hummer quickly began to demolish Schlesser’s time advantage for the race. “He had a solid 12 minutes on us at the start and we were seven cars back with two minutes spacing between us, so he had disappeared by the time we took to the course. Our Hummer was doing really well and we’d gained almost everything we’d lost when we began to realize that we had a serious transmission problem. A drive flange finally failed, which killed any chance of us taking the overall win.”



Fortunately Gordon was able to signal another competitor, who relayed the information of the problem to Gordon’s crew, which was awaiting his arrival in Quarzazate. Gordon and Skilton managed to keep the transmission working sufficiently to limp along at a frustratingly slow pace, but their tenacity paid off in that the two were able to cross the finish line, even though it took them 7 hours and 44 minutes to get there. The official finish for the stage will keep Gordon in the race, provided he and his crew can get the Hummer back to Quarzazate and cross the finish line of the Liasion stage in time to make the cut-off time to be an official finisher, and be qualified to start tomorrow’s Fifth Stage from Quarzazate to Tan Tan on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco. “There’s little chance now for an overall win,” said Gordon when questioned about his chances, “but if we can repair the transmission in time to start tomorrow, we can, and certainly will continue. This race has just begun and there will be several more chances to win one of the remaining Special Stages.


......lets hope the they are able to fix their problems and win a few stages.

[duchessofthedirt]

I just spoke to Darren and to confirm - the bolt holding the CV flange in the transmission sheared off. They had to stop everytime it came out and push it back in. The made it with two minutes to spare. They are definitely in for a long night, but feel they can fix the tranny and get a good run tomorrow. I believe tomorrow is a long one... 820 km.
Hope this helps everyone who was wondering. Thanks for following along! Anything else I hear from him I am sure to post!

[ChuckH]

I think the timed part tomorrow is about 210 miles, if all goes well he might make up some time.

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

I think the timed part tomorrow is about 210 miles, if all goes well he might make up some time.


Balls to the wall! RG can make up 30min.

[Jkrell]

Millers day four audio update page is there but I think they forgot to put the link on the audio page....heres the link, hopefully they'll get the link up soon..

http://www.usadakar.com/stageaudio_four.html

[duchessofthedirt]

stage 5 - Wednesday 4 January 2006 | Ouarzazate > Tan Tan
Connection 187 km Special 350 km Connection 282 kmTotal 819 km

Just an FYI

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

stage 5 - Wednesday 4 January 2006 | Ouarzazate > Tan Tan
Connection 187 km Special 350 km Connection 282 kmTotal 819 km

Just an FYI

Damn Right Girl!

Just an FYI....Your little friend better hang on!!!!! "The Old Robby" will show up tomorrow at the starting line.


LOL

[JasonHutter]

Chris, thanks for the updates. I have talked to Darren a few times and hung out with him at Horse Power Ranch in Baja this year. I hope for all the best with he and Robby and all the rest of the Americans over there.

Jason

P.S. Next time you talk to him be sure to tell him we're all watching and cheering them on! Thanks

[duchessofthedirt]

Thanks All! I will keep you posted. Darren can only use his cell up through Morocco and then he'll be using satellite. But, anything I hear I will relay when I can.
Anyone seen OLN? Don't get the channel so I haven't seen the coverage.

I am hoping for a clean, good-paced day tomorrow and catch up a little at a time and then TROMPLE everyone in the last few stages!!! Ha Ha!
Thanks to all of you for your support.

[bufeo]

...Anyone seen OLN? Don't get the channel so I haven't seen the coverage...

It's pretty good, duchess. And a belated thanks for your input as well.

Sometimes these "User Names" get in the way, but I'm Andy Grider's, dad-in-law, so we have a keen interest in the race too.

We don't get OLN on our 'house' cable, but our RV has a satellite dish, DirecTV, and they carry it. Every afternoon, a bunch of us gather in this little trailer to hoot and holler every time number 335 or 23 or 9 or 309 or...the list goes on...comes on the screen. Trouble is we have a 19'ATRV, more comfortable for my wife and me than a bunch of screaming older-delinquents. Fun though. And what's more, we get to drink beer at two in the afternoon. You'd think we were at our house in Baja!

Go U.S.A.
bufeo
Prescott AZ

[Brad Falin]

it maybe against all odds but maybe robby can make up 30 minutes every day till the end. He did lead the Baja1000 in 2004 with over an hour lead till his ring and pinion needed a time out at mile 600+

[subrunner]

I'll say this, RG's car looks like it works sooo much better than the Euros. Their cars seem to bounce around like pogo sticks. I think it's possible that RG could make up alot of time on the leaders on the right stage with no breakage.

That's just my take from watching the OLN coverage.

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

Blog updated.

[elsancho1976]

fly, i absolutely love that blog... definitely at the top of my dakar links.

[elsancho1976]

well even before the beginning of stage 5 Robby has already moved up a position with the withdrawl of Matsuoka. Cheer up fellas, 3 hours really is not alot of time. Good if not great things can still be made out of this race for RG

[duchessofthedirt]

BUFEO or Andy Griders Dad-in-law. Thanks for the note... wish I were there drinking beer with you. This is tough - everyday I'm up at the crack of dawn to see where they are. I should be used to it by now, but I'm not. Its a race and I think its great we are all able to follow along via the internet. Its a good thing Darren has been racing this only since internet or I would go crazy.
All my best luck to Andy as long as he shares : )
Thank you!

[elsancho1976]

heres a pic of robby in stage 4 dunes courtesy of raid-live.com