Here's What The Dakar Rally Is Like Up Close
About this episode
Journalist Mercedes Lillianthal shares her firsthand experience covering the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, detailing the challenges of reporting in such a remote and demanding environment. She discusses the hospitality of the locals, the performance of Jaguar Land Rover's Defender teams, and the physical demands of chasing the rally across the desert. The episode also touches on the complexities of being an independent journalist while working with an OEM, the evolution of the Dakar Rally, and the unique aspects of the stock class competition. Insights into the event's history and its potential for greater recognition in North America are also explored.
Dakar Rally
"...we chat with journalist and photographer Mercedes Lillianthal about the Dakar Rally. T-Tech contributor Matthew Guy and I discuss winter sunglasses and the return of Tony Smoke Stewart to the world of NASCAR."
The Dakar Rally is a famous race where drivers compete in tough off-road conditions. It includes different types of vehicles like cars and motorcycles, and it's known for being very challenging.
The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance event, known for its challenging terrain and long distances. It typically features a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and is held in various locations around the world, with recent editions taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Aston Martin
"...From Toyota's to Aston Martin's, eBay has thousands of cars, and the largest online selection of vehicle parts and accessories."
Aston Martin is a luxury car brand from the UK, famous for making stylish and fast sports cars. They are often seen in movies, especially James Bond films.
Aston Martin is a luxury British sports car manufacturer, known for its high-performance vehicles and association with James Bond films. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship, performance, and style in its cars.
Dakar Classic Series
"...if there's a money tree that presents itself and we win a lottery, we would love to actually compete in the Dakar Classic Series. It's kind of a dream."
The Dakar Classic Series is a race for older cars that takes place in tough off-road conditions. It's like a big adventure for classic car lovers who want to see how their vehicles perform in challenging situations.
The Dakar Classic Series is a rally event that celebrates classic vehicles, allowing them to compete in a challenging off-road environment similar to the original Dakar Rally. It emphasizes adventure and endurance, attracting participants who appreciate vintage automotive engineering.
Mitsubishi Pajero
"...we would love to actually compete in the Dakar Classic Series. It's kind of a dream. We've got a Pajero sitting right behind us behind the wall here."
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a type of SUV that is great for driving off-road. It's built to handle rough terrains, making it a favorite for people who like adventure and outdoor activities.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has been popular in various markets for its ruggedness and versatility, making it a suitable choice for adventurous driving, including rally events.
Jaguar Land Rover
"...to be able to go there on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover JLR, to see the..."
Jaguar Land Rover is a company that makes luxury cars, including the Jaguar sports cars and the Land Rover SUVs.
Jaguar Land Rover is a British multinational automotive company that designs, manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles under the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
Land Rover Defender D7X
"...to see the Defender teams, there were three teams competing with their new D7XRs. That was just wonderful to..."
The Land Rover Defender D7X is a tough and capable SUV that can handle rough terrains and is often used for off-roading.
The Land Rover Defender D7X is a variant of the iconic Defender, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and modern technology, designed for both adventure and utility.
Land Defenders
"... surrounding areas. So, you know, we drove stock defenders out into the desert and tried to catch them. You ..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough car made for driving in rough places like deserts and mountains. It's famous for being able to handle tough conditions and is loved by people who enjoy outdoor adventures.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It has a rich history dating back to the 1940s and is often celebrated for its iconic design and versatility, making it a popular choice for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Baja 1000
"...any big rally, Baha, you know, 1000, any of those types of rallies..."
The Baja 1000 is a famous race in Mexico where vehicles drive over rough and sandy areas. It's known for being very difficult and exciting for both drivers and spectators.
The Baja 1000 is an off-road race held annually on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its grueling course that includes a mix of desert, rocky terrain, and coastal roads, attracting a variety of vehicles and racers from around the world.
Ford
"How did Ford end up doing it from what you saw? That's a really good question. I saw some of the Fords come through on stage, stage three..."
Ford is a well-known car company in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, like trucks and cars.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
Honda
"And same with Honda too, with Hot Racing..."
Honda is a popular car company from Japan that makes reliable cars and motorcycles.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer recognized for its reliable cars and motorcycles, as well as its innovations in engineering.
differential parts
"...if they had tools, if they had consumables, if they had differential parts and spare engines and all those types of things, we had a really in-depth tour of all of that..."
Differential parts help the wheels of a car turn at different speeds, which is important when going around corners. They make driving smoother and safer.
Differential parts are components of a vehicle's drivetrain that allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially important during turns. They help improve traction and handling.
Nissan Patrols
"there were three privateer entries that had Nissan patrols."
The Nissan Patrol is a big SUV that is very good at driving off-road. It's used in tough races like the Dakar Rally because it can handle rough conditions.
The Nissan Patrol is a large SUV known for its off-road performance and rugged design. It is often used in challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for events like the Dakar Rally.
Toyota Land
"...e three defenders, there were two factory-backed Toyota Land Cruisers, and then there were three privateer ent..."
stock class
"...to be part of Dakar in this revamped stock class, they worked with them to update the regulations..."
The stock class is a type of racing where cars are mostly kept the same as they come from the factory, with only a few allowed changes.
The stock class in racing refers to vehicles that are built to remain close to their factory specifications, with limited modifications allowed to ensure fairness in competition.
Subaru
"...we're going to compete this weekend up there with our personal Subaru, things like that..."
Subaru is a car brand from Japan that makes vehicles known for their ability to handle tough conditions, like snow and dirt. They are popular in rally racing.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and performance-oriented models. They have a strong presence in rally racing, particularly with models like the Subaru WRX.
Formula 1
"Even if it isn't, like F1, obviously, when they race in other parts of the world, you can DVR it if it's overnight, or maybe it'll be casually shown on time delay, at least that was the case in the past."
Formula 1, or F1, is a top-level car racing series where drivers compete in fast cars on different tracks around the world. It's very popular and known for its exciting races and advanced technology.
Formula 1 (F1) is a premier international auto racing sport, known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races held worldwide. It features advanced technology and engineering, making it one of the most popular motorsports globally.
Toyota A90
"the external body. But what they can do, they can update a lot of different things like the differential internals. You know, they replaced the OEM fuel tank that was normally a 90 liter in the octa, I believe, to a 550 liter fuel tank, which is massive. I mean, this thing is massive."
The Toyota Supra is a fast and stylish car that many people love for racing and customizing. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car that has gained a cult following due to its powerful engine and tuning potential. Known for its sleek design and impressive speed, the Supra is often discussed in the context of racing and car modifications.
550 liter fuel tank
"...they replaced the OEM fuel tank that was normally a 90 liter in the octa, I believe, to a 550 liter fuel tank, which is massive."
A 550 liter fuel tank holds a lot of fuel, which means the vehicle can go further without needing to refuel. It's much bigger than the usual tanks.
A 550 liter fuel tank is a large capacity fuel tank that allows a vehicle to carry more fuel than standard tanks, which is beneficial for long-distance travel or off-road racing.
OEM fuel tank
"...they replaced the OEM fuel tank that was normally a 90 liter in the octa, I believe, to a 550 liter fuel tank, which is massive."
OEM means the original parts that come with the car when you buy it. An OEM fuel tank is the one that was designed and built by the car's manufacturer.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to parts that are made by the vehicle's original manufacturer. In this context, the OEM fuel tank is the standard fuel tank that comes with the vehicle from the factory.
35 inch BF Goodrich tires
"...they carried three full size 35 inch BF Goodrich and 17 inch wheel spare tires in that vehicle."
BF Goodrich is a brand that makes tires, and 35 inches is how tall the tire is. Bigger tires help cars drive better on rough surfaces.
BF Goodrich is a well-known tire brand, and a 35-inch tire refers to the diameter of the tire. Larger tires like these are often used in off-road vehicles for better traction and ground clearance.
eight speed automatic gearbox
"You know, they have the same eight speed automatic gearbox as a production octa, but it ends up having a lower final drive ratio."
An eight-speed automatic gearbox helps the car change gears automatically, making driving easier and often improving fuel economy.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is a type of transmission that can automatically change gears in a vehicle, offering eight different gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to transmissions with fewer gears.
bespoke rally braking system
"...they had a bespoke rally rally spec braking system with vented discs, you know, six, six pin piston front and rear or six pistons in the front, I believe, and four piston real rear calipers..."
A bespoke rally braking system is a special type of brake setup made just for rally cars, allowing them to stop quickly and safely on rough terrain.
A bespoke rally braking system is a custom-designed braking system specifically engineered for rally racing. It often includes features like vented discs and high-performance calipers to handle the extreme conditions of rally stages.
vented discs
"...with vented discs, you know, six, six pin piston front and rear or six pistons in the front, I believe, and four piston real rear calipers..."
Vented discs are special brake parts that help cool down the brakes, making them work better and last longer, especially during hard driving.
Vented discs are a type of brake disc that has internal ventilation to help dissipate heat. This design improves braking performance and reduces the risk of brake fade during heavy use.
hydraulic jacks
"...four piston real rear calipers, you know, hydraulic jacks to raise either side of it if they had a flat tire, if they needed to service the vehicle in the field."
Hydraulic jacks are tools that help lift cars up easily, making it simpler to change tires or fix problems when you're out on a rally.
Hydraulic jacks are tools that use hydraulic pressure to lift heavy objects, such as a vehicle. In rally cars, they are often used for quick tire changes or repairs in the field.
Dodge Charger
"... story of how you found it. Like this 1973 Dodge charger on eBay that has been tucked away in an Arizona b..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it can be used for everyday driving but also has a lot of power for fun rides.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines muscle car performance with everyday practicality. Its bold design and powerful engine options have made it a staple in American automotive culture, often associated with speed and performance.
NASCAR
"...NASCAR has made a bunch of news this off season. And one of the things, we've talked about it a little bit on the podcast before..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that takes place on circular tracks. It's very popular in the U.S. and involves cars that look like regular cars but are specially built for racing.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. It features a series of races held on oval tracks, with a strong emphasis on speed and strategy.
Ram 1500
"...driving the truck series in the number 25 Colleague Racing Ram 1500 as Dodge returns to truck..."
The Ram 1500 is a type of truck that is big and powerful, often used for carrying heavy loads or towing. It's also comfortable for everyday driving.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfort, and advanced technology features. It is popular for both work and personal use.
Truck Series
"...So what this partnership is, is it's going to have, Ram will have five full-time truck entries... the truck series is based on pickup trucks..."
The Truck Series is a racing series where pickup trucks compete against each other. It's part of NASCAR and has its own unique events.
The Truck Series is a part of NASCAR that features modified pickup trucks racing on various tracks. It showcases both established and up-and-coming drivers.
Chrysler Daytona
"...yway, Tony Stewart is now driving the 25 truck at Daytona. So obviously, Tony Stewart, one of the biggest ..."
The Chrysler Daytona is a cool-looking car from the 1980s that was made for speed. It's known for its unique shape and was popular in racing, making it an interesting part of car history.
The Chrysler Daytona is a sporty coupe that was produced in the 1980s, known for its aerodynamic design and performance-oriented features. It gained popularity in motorsports and is often discussed for its unique styling and place in automotive history.
Dodge Ram
"... the race. Yeah. I mean, it's such a huge get for Ram. And it's not unsurprising given Rams pensions f..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being strong and reliable, making it a favorite among truck lovers.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and capability. It has been a popular choice for both work and recreation, offering a range of powerful engines and advanced features.
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