La Rioja, Argentina (January 3, 2010) – Today marked the second stage for the 2010 Dakar Rally and was delayed at the start due to weather in the area for an half an hour. Once the weather cleared up it was time for Team HUMMER to keep up with the success they had the day before. Robby Gordon was the first HUMMER off from Cordoba and was ready to run hard in order to win. Despite the terrain favoring other 4-wheel drive cars than the 2-wheel drive HUMMER, Robby Gordon was able to keep pace and even lead the stage at one point. Only major issue of the stage was a flat left front tire which was caused by a big rock on the race course. “Only problem we had today where we lost a lot of time was a flat tire – Andy and I haven’t practiced changing a tire in a while. To lose 12 minutes isn’t too bad at this point and it’s all desert tomorrow so it should be good for us.” Commented Robby Gordon. Robby Gordon and the Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER would end up 11th in the stage and 9th in overall time – 12 minutes 28 seconds back from the leader.

The Chile HUMMER driven by Carlo Degavardo had an better day on Stage 2 than Stage 1 were he would end up 36th for the stage and become 38th – 1 hour 13 minutes back from the overall leader.

The Vanguard HUMMER had a big incident on race kilometer 5 were the driver made a mistake over correcting the steering which lead to the HUMMER rolling over twice, landing on its roof down a cliff. Luckily both driver and navigator were un hurt in the big crash – not to say the same for the Vanguard HUMMER. With the Vanguard HUMMER stuck down the cliff with zero help to get pulled out, the driver and navigator felt helpless as they saw their hopes of having a competitive Dakar Rally drive pass them. Hours later after one of Team HUMMERs’ support trucks got to the Vanguard HUMMER, they were able to get back on their way but with so much damage they would end up hours behind. The driver was forced to limp back to the bivouac in La Rioja were the team would be there waiting to assess the damage.

Stage 3 is set from La Rioja to Fiambala, a liaison for 259 kilometers and a special that will be 182 kilometers. A total distance of 441 kilometers in length. The first car is set to leave the bivouac at 7:07 am local time with Robby Gordon in the Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER rolling off in 11th place.

Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com, and Robby Gordon’s twitter page for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. Versus will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. The show is set to air daily from January 3rd through January 18th, check your local listing for exact show times. A 60-minute recap show featuring all fourteen stages will air on Versus on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00 p.m.

Team HUMMER: Opening Day

Buenos Aires, Argentina (January 1, 2010) – New Year’s Day was filled with emotions rising in anticipation for opening ceremonies of the 2010 Dakar Rally. In the middle of downtown Buenos Aires, more than 300,000 people watched as each driver was introduced. Robby Gordon and his navigator Andy Grider were fan favorites. After Robby Gordon was interviewed about last year’s impressive performance and what he expected for this year, he climbed back into his Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER as the announcer said to the thousands of people in the streets “…and now for what you have all been waiting for.” Robby Gordon backed up his Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER and jumped over the stage to the crowds delight.

“I feel good about the rally” Robby Gordon commented to the crowd. “I feel that our team is stronger than ever before with the addition of Carlo Degavardo and BJ Baldwin, our HUMMERs are stronger, faster and lighter. I look forward to getting off to a good start and the challenge that comes along with the Rally.” Robby Gordon was then asked what it’s like to be back in Argentina and happily replied, “it’s great to be back here in Argentina. You guys are wonderful and have a beautiful country.”

For tomorrow, there will be a 251-kilometre special stage from Colon to Cordoba. A total of 684 kilometers, including liaison stages, are on the agenda.

Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com, and Robby Gordon’s twitter page for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. Versus will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. The show is set to air daily from January 3rd through January 18th, check your local listing for exact show times. A 60-minute recap show featuring all fourteen stages will air on Versus on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00 p.m.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (January 1, 2010) –Team HUMMER celebrated New Year’s Eve by completing scrutineering. Teams from all over the world gathered at the Buneos Aires convention center to get race vehicles, support and assistance trucks along with press cars inspected for the 2010 Dakar Rally. It was a sight to be seen as Team HUMMER gathered their flight of vehicles and paraded down to the convention center. With Robby Gordon in his Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER leading the way, the crowd cheered and awed as he led the team through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival at scrutineering , other teams and competitors in the Dakar Rally were amazed by Team HUMMER’s Freightliner support trucks. This was the first time that the public have seen them up close and personal. The support trucks are significantly longer and lower than the standard chase or support truck. They feature 4 doors on a Freightliner cab with hydraulic steps, leather seats, King off-road shocks and air suspension. With the massive support trucks and HUMMER H3s parked outside of the convention center, fans and competitors alike all stopped to take pictures.

Scrutineering can be a long process as teams have to go through checklists with the organization. Team HUMMER was the final team to go through inspection and by the end of the day every vehicle had made it through with no issues. This was the first step to lead Team HUMMER on the road to a Dakar Rally victory.

Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com, and Robby Gordon’s twitter page for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. Versus will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. The show is set to air daily from January 3rd through January 18th, check your local listing for exact show times. A 60-minute recap show featuring all fourteen stages will air on Versus on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00 p.m.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (December 30, 2009) – Team HUMMER was off to an early start this morning getting the Chile and Vanguard HUMMERs finalized and ready for inspection, which is in less than 14 hours away. It was a hot and windy day in Buenos Aires with the team working together to cross off their checklists. With help from local authorities, Team HUMMER set up shop right across the street from the US embassy. With crowds gathered watching the team hard at work, they will carry on into the night making sure everything is right, perfecting every last detail.

The scene in Buenos Aires is the “calm before the storm.” There are teams from all over the world prepping their vehicles in order to take on the challenge of one of racing’s toughest terrains. Robby Gordon and his fellow teammates are each prepared for what lies ahead of them. “Our time slot is on New Year’s Eve at 2:15 PM local time. As far as my Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER is concerned, we had few minor things to check off the list. I was excited to learn that the terrain will be a little different this year with even more sand dunes. The HUMMERs are fast there, so it should be good for us,” commented Robby Gordon about the team’s preparation for the following day.

Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com, and Robby Gordon’s twitter page for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. Versus will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. The show is set to air daily from January 3rd through January 18th, check your local listing for exact show times. A 60-minute recap show featuring all fourteen stages will air on Versus on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00 p.m.

NASCAR Fans Commit More than 10,000 Hours to Help Those in Need

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 30, 2009) – Thousands of NASCAR fans across the country came out to support The NASCAR Foundation throughout the year, enabling the Foundation to raise and contribute $1.8 million in program services to nonprofit organizations across the country. A majority of the contributions went to affect the lives of children and families in need, especially in the areas of pediatric health, fulfilling “NASCAR Dreams,” education and community service.
The Foundation saw an increase in volunteer participation this year, in part due to a strong emphasis placed on community service through The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network – 10,000 NASCAR fans involved in community service projects. Record numbers of people came out to serve in their community this year, committing more than 10,000 hours to help those in need, including potentially saving 15,000 lives through The NASCAR Foundation Fourth Annual Blood Drive, raising enough funds to provide 250,000 meals to children and their families, raising awareness at the track about the importance of screening for breast cancer and collecting funds at the track that would enable over 150 kids to attend Victory Junction camp in Randleman, N.C.
“Thanks to the loyal fans of our sport, The NASCAR Foundation continues to fulfill – and exceed – our original vision for the organization,” said Foundation Chairperson Betty Jane France. “To be able to engage so many fans and to provide such a large amount in contributions is both exciting and gratifying. The Foundation is doing important work … meaningful work. We are extremely grateful for the fans’ support which makes that work possible.”
More than $350,000 was contributed this year to organizations with an emphasis on pediatric health, including pediatric cancer and trauma research. The work being done by organizations like The Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and Speediatrics is critical to helping children live longer and fuller lives.
The NASCAR Foundation also worked throughout the year to provide life changing experiences and educational opportunities for young people at the track. Throughout the season the Foundation worked with organizations to bring more than 400 kids to the track to get an inside glimpse to the sport, its personalities and learn about the engineering that goes in to putting a stock car on the track every weekend.
One of these groups was students from Phillip O. Berry High School in Charlotte, N.C. Through a NASCAR Day program, The NASCAR Foundation brought students from the school out to the track in May for a tour and meet and greet with 2009 NASCAR Day spokesperson Kevin Costner.
“The exposure that our kids got at the track really has motivated some kids to focus on their technical educational because now they see that if they can do what they need to do academically, then these doors will be open for them,” said Donald Fennoy, principal at Phillip O. Berry High School.
In May, Victory Junction added The NASCAR Foundation to the elite founder list for surpassing the $1 million-giving mark. Since its inception, The NASCAR Foundation has given more than $1.5 million to Victory Junction through a variety of fundraising means, including NASCAR Day. Collectively, those efforts have sent more than 500 deserving children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses to Victory Junction for a life-changing experience.
For more information on The NASCAR Foundation’s 2010 projects or on the impact the Foundation made within the motorsports community this year, visit WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation.