Alister heads to Argentina for the Dakar 2009 with the McRae Enduro Team
Jan 05, 2009
Its is going to be a very different New Year for Alister in 2009. For the very first time Alister will be taking part in the grueling and daunting Dakar Rally 2009, being held, for the first time, in the deserts and mountains of Argentina and Chile.
Alsiter’s main role will be to provide support to the McRae Enduro customers who will be taking part in the 9500 km event.
4 McRae Enduro’s will be taking part driven by Ellsio Salazar, Michel de Groot, Aart Bosman with Alister and Chris Leyds working as back up and support.
It has been a massive project to get the team and vehicles ready as the original plan was to compete in the 2010 event, however, potential customers for the McRae Enduro were keen to compete in the 2009 event so plans were brought forward to make this happen.
Talking about the event, which runs from 3rd – 18th January, Alister said “I’m really excited about the prospect of competing on the Dakar for the first time. Its an event I’ve only watched from a distance and is going to be a completely new challenge for me. Coming from WRC the sheer length of the event is hard to comprehend. The team has done a fantastic job to get the cars ready in time, if you can ever be ready for your first Dakar!”
Alister added; “to be going as a back up for the McRae Enduro customers and not going for an outright result I’m sure will be difficult but if Chris and I can assist in anyway in getting cars to the finish I’m sure the satisfaction will be every bit as enjoyable.“
A few DAKAR 2009 facts
Held in South America for the first time
Runs for a total of 15 days
Total distance of over 9500km
Close to 6000km of Special Stages
Over 350 teams representing 49 nations competing
Find out more at: www.dakar.com
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hy cys you McRae enduro-car is top Alister you y sie you vader meny jaers co in the Nederlands and de Rally zuiderzee him car was Caliebea en hy win the Rally en after dis tym supord you vammely goed lyk 2009 Gr: Hans van Zoelen
— Hans van Zoelen · Jan 11, 12:07 PM · #
Hi Alister
Great performance on the Dakar. Work with Bernie Shrosbree and have met you in the UK. Have a great 2009
— Paul White · Jan 19, 10:37 PM · #