TOYO TIRES MOTORSPORT WEB

TOYO TIRES MOTORSPORT WEB tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2009-05-11:/english//2 2012-01-23T06:11:07Z Movable Type Commercial 4.25 Jan 15, 2012 / Dakar Rally 2012 ＜REPORT＞ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1197 2012-01-23T03:09:15Z 2012-01-23T06:11:07Z

2012 DAKAR RALLY RECAP A successful rall...

2012 DAKAR RALLY RECAP
A successful rally for Team SPEED

Lima, Peru (January 15, 2012)- At the conclusion of the 2012 Dakar Rally, Robby Gordon and Johnny Campbell left their mark on the final stage by finishing first in the capital of Peru. This marks the third stage win for the American duo and Team SPEED's fifth of the rally. Despite being faced with adversity from their competitors and the organization, the No. 303 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires HUMMER stole the show. Gordon posted 10 top-5 stage finishes to finish in fifth place overall. Even though it wasn't Gordon's best finish (third in 2009 was) of his rally career, it certainly was his best performance.
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"It's all about SPEED. Our HUMMER was definitely capable of winning the rally. I just made a couple of mistakes that cost us, but I'm happy to walk away on a good note and really ready to start talking about 2013." As Gordon commented about his effort in 2012, he also praised his new navigator, Johnny Campbell, "Johnny is such a great guy. Not to take away from anyone else because I've been lucky to have good navigators in the past, such as Kellon Walch and Andy Grider. Johnny really helped me stay focused, and I think he helped from a management side of things to bring us to a championship caliber team."

Gordon also thanked his sponsors and fans. "I want to thank Toyo Tires, Traxxas, Mapei, Menard's, SPEED Energy Drink, Polaris, 4Wheel Parts and all of our great sponsors in all of the racing series we run throughout the year. Without them, we wouldn't be in a position to do this. I also want to say thanks to all the fans all over the world, and a special thanks to the fans in South America. They really seem to love racing, and they made us feel at home wherever we went. I always try to have fun racing, and make it fun for the fans. I hope we did."

The story for Team SPEED in 2012 was all about redemption. Robby Gordon produced a team that was on the edge of glory to become Dakar Rally Champions. By Stage 9, they would find themselves only a few minutes behind the overall leader. Unfortunately the distraction of the dispute about his air inflation system made it hard for Gordon and his team to stay focused on the main goal for the overall win. Despite the adversity, the team walks away with five stage wins between Gordon and Al-Attiyah, making up for what was such a disappointing 2011 rally.

Looking forward to 2013, Gordon and Team SPEED plan to take nothing short of victory. Gordon and team will make the long journey back to the United States and begin preparations for next year's edition

Provided by Team HUMMER

]]> Dakar Rally 2012 [GALLERY] tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1171 2012-01-18T05:00:08Z 2012-01-18T05:11:15Z

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]]> "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and Toyo Tires® Win Round 1 of 2012 SCORE Desert Series tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1191 2012-01-17T10:23:35Z 2012-01-17T10:25:48Z

January 16, 2012 "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin ...

"Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and Toyo Tires® Win Round 1 of 2012 SCORE Desert Series

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA - Team Toyo® Off-Road's newest member, "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin, won Saturday's Round 1 of the 2012 SCORE Desert Series during the 18th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nevada. Baldwin, from Las Vegas, Nevada, finished an impressive first overall and first in class with a one minute, six second margin of victory over the next finisher, Juan Carlos Lopez.
]]> Driving his #97 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Chevy Silverado trophy truck; Baldwin beat 98 other vehicles entered in the eight lap race with a time of 53 minutes, 45 seconds. This was Baldwin's first-ever SCORE off-road race competing on Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires.

Baldwin was the number one qualifier for Saturday's race, posting the fastest time of six minutes, 23.99 seconds during a single 6.25-mile lap sprint on Friday. During Sunday's Round 2, Baldwin experienced a mechanical problem during lap two, sidelining his truck before the finish of the race.

"It's 2012 and the end is near... for the competition! Our race season is already starting to blossom thanks to Toyo," said Baldwin. "We qualified first by a mile and then easily won round one. Round 2 was going to be victorious as well if not for engine trouble. This year is going to be awesome for us now that we are running on the best off road tire. The Toyo Open Country M/T-R's simply perform better!"

"We congratulate BJ Baldwin on his win during Round 1 of the 2012 SCORE Desert Series," said Stan Chen, manager of events and motorsports, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "This was his first time competing as a member of Team Toyo Off-Road, and he won immediately on our Open Country M/T-R tires. We are looking forward to an exciting desert racing season with BJ."

To learn more about "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and the Open Country® line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks.Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and Toyo Tires® Win Round 1 of 2012 SCORE Desert Series tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1190 2012-01-17T10:15:58Z 2012-01-17T10:22:15Z

January 16, 2012 "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin ...

"Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and Toyo Tires® Win Round 1 of 2012 SCORE Desert Series

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA - Team Toyo® Off-Road's newest member, "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin, won Saturday's Round 1 of the 2012 SCORE Desert Series during the 18th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nevada. Baldwin, from Las Vegas, Nevada, finished an impressive first overall and first in class with a one minute, six second margin of victory over the next finisher, Juan Carlos Lopez.
]]> Driving his #97 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Chevy Silverado trophy truck; Baldwin beat 98 other vehicles entered in the eight lap race with a time of 53 minutes, 45 seconds. This was Baldwin's first-ever SCORE off-road race competing on Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires.

Baldwin was the number one qualifier for Saturday's race, posting the fastest time of six minutes, 23.99 seconds during a single 6.25-mile lap sprint on Friday. During Sunday's Round 2, Baldwin experienced a mechanical problem during lap two, sidelining his truck before the finish of the race.

"It's 2012 and the end is near... for the competition! Our race season is already starting to blossom thanks to Toyo," said Baldwin. "We qualified first by a mile and then easily won round one. Round 2 was going to be victorious as well if not for engine trouble. This year is going to be awesome for us now that we are running on the best off road tire. The Toyo Open Country M/T-R's simply perform better!"

"We congratulate BJ Baldwin on his win during Round 1 of the 2012 SCORE Desert Series," said Stan Chen, manager of events and motorsports, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "This was his first time competing as a member of Team Toyo Off-Road, and he won immediately on our Open Country M/T-R tires. We are looking forward to an exciting desert racing season with BJ."

To learn more about "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and the Open Country® line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks.Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Cap the Dakar™ with Stage 14 Win tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1189 2012-01-17T10:13:40Z 2012-01-17T10:15:09Z

January 16, 2012 Robby Gordon and Toyo T...

Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Cap the Dakar™ with Stage 14 Win

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Robby Gordon and navigator Johnny Campbell finished the 2012 Dakar™ on a high note by winning the 29km timed special of Stage 14, the last in this year's off-road marathon rally. The overall route travelled 254km from Pisco to Lima, Peru, marking the completion of a 14-day Pan American odyssey which began on the Atlantic coast in Argentina, crossed through the Andes, and then turned north to Peru along the Pacific coast..
]]> Gordon's #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER won the brief 29km (18-mile) final stage with a large 21-second margin over the second place finisher. He finished fifth overall in the 2012 Dakar, capturing three stage wins and a total of seven podiums along the way. In addition, Gordon's HUMMER was the only two-wheel-drive vehicle finishing in the top ten.

Gordon began Stage 14 from the 10th spot due to challenges he faced during Stage 13, which included lost time due to a rollover. He managed to hold second overall for much of the rally, even while sacrificing a Stage 1 win to assist his teammate, Nasser Al-Attiyah who had a mechanical problem near the end of the stage. Al-Attiyah ultimately retired during Stage 9. Prior to his retirement, Al-Attiyah, driver of the Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R equipped #300 Qatar HUMMER, won Stages 2 and 7, and finished third in Stage 3.

In addition to the normal challenges facing competitors in the Dakar, one of the two Team SPEED support trucks was delayed in customs in Argentina prior to the start of the race. It was not released until Stage 6, drivers taking shifts behind the wheel to race across Argentina into Chile to catch up with the day's bivouac. Without the presence of that support vehicle during the first portion of Dakar, the team was faced with a shortage of tools, spare parts and fresh sets of tires. In fact, tires were rotated, rather than replaced at times when other competitors had fresh replacements.

"It was a great Dakar Rally for us. We were able to take what we had learned over the last few years and incorporate it into our cars and team. The improvements showed because we definitely had the fastest cars during the race," said Gordon. "The tires were great during the Dakar as well. It shows just how tough Toyo has built them to sustain all the elements that we encountered during the 14-day event."

"I made a technical decision to change a hub on Stage 11 rather than just greasing it, and this decision ultimately cost us the rally," continued Gordon. "If I hadn't made this decision, I feel quite confident that we would have won the race."

"We congratulate Robby Gordon, Johnny Campbell, Nasser Al-Attiyah and their entire support crew for their accomplishments in this year's Dakar rally," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "We are proud that our Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires were a part of this great effort which is now in the history books. Robby Gordon and his team have truly displayed the heart and determination that represents our company mantra... Driven to Perform."

The podium results for the two Toyo Open Country M/T-R equipped HUMMERS of Gordon and Al-Attiyah during the 2012 Dakar were impressive:

- Stage 2: Win (Al-Attiyah); Third (Gordon)
- Stage 3: Third (Al-Attiyah)
- Stage 5: Second (Gordon)
- Stage 7: Win (Al-Attiyah); Second (Gordon)
- Stage 8: Second (Gordon)
- Stage 9: Win (Gordon)
- Stage 12: Win (Gordon)
- Stage 14: Win (Gordon)

Check out the overview of the event, along with videos, on the Dakar Rally Blog located at www.toyotires.com/dakar-rally-blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Cap the Dakar™ with Stage 14 Win tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1188 2012-01-17T10:05:25Z 2012-01-17T10:12:39Z

January 16, 2012 Robby Gordon and Toyo T...

Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Cap the Dakar™ with Stage 14 Win

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Robby Gordon and navigator Johnny Campbell finished the 2012 Dakar™ on a high note by winning the 29km timed special of Stage 14, the last in this year's off-road marathon rally. The overall route travelled 254km from Pisco to Lima, Peru, marking the completion of a 14-day Pan American odyssey which began on the Atlantic coast in Argentina, crossed through the Andes, and then turned north to Peru along the Pacific coast..
]]> Gordon's #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER won the brief 29km (18-mile) final stage with a large 21-second margin over the second place finisher. He finished fifth overall in the 2012 Dakar, capturing three stage wins and a total of seven podiums along the way. In addition, Gordon's HUMMER was the only two-wheel-drive vehicle finishing in the top ten.

Gordon began Stage 14 from the 10th spot due to challenges he faced during Stage 13, which included lost time due to a rollover. He managed to hold second overall for much of the rally, even while sacrificing a Stage 1 win to assist his teammate, Nasser Al-Attiyah who had a mechanical problem near the end of the stage. Al-Attiyah ultimately retired during Stage 9. Prior to his retirement, Al-Attiyah, driver of the Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R equipped #300 Qatar HUMMER, won Stages 2 and 7, and finished third in Stage 3.

In addition to the normal challenges facing competitors in the Dakar, one of the two Team SPEED support trucks was delayed in customs in Argentina prior to the start of the race. It was not released until Stage 6, drivers taking shifts behind the wheel to race across Argentina into Chile to catch up with the day's bivouac. Without the presence of that support vehicle during the first portion of Dakar, the team was faced with a shortage of tools, spare parts and fresh sets of tires. In fact, tires were rotated, rather than replaced at times when other competitors had fresh replacements.

"It was a great Dakar Rally for us. We were able to take what we had learned over the last few years and incorporate it into our cars and team. The improvements showed because we definitely had the fastest cars during the race," said Gordon. "The tires were great during the Dakar as well. It shows just how tough Toyo has built them to sustain all the elements that we encountered during the 14-day event."

"I made a technical decision to change a hub on Stage 11 rather than just greasing it, and this decision ultimately cost us the rally," continued Gordon. "If I hadn't made this decision, I feel quite confident that we would have won the race."

"We congratulate Robby Gordon, Johnny Campbell, Nasser Al-Attiyah and their entire support crew for their accomplishments in this year's Dakar rally," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "We are proud that our Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires were a part of this great effort which is now in the history books. Robby Gordon and his team have truly displayed the heart and determination that represents our company mantra... Driven to Perform."

The podium results for the two Toyo Open Country M/T-R equipped HUMMERS of Gordon and Al-Attiyah during the 2012 Dakar were impressive:

- Stage 2: Win (Al-Attiyah); Third (Gordon)
- Stage 3: Third (Al-Attiyah)
- Stage 5: Second (Gordon)
- Stage 7: Win (Al-Attiyah); Second (Gordon)
- Stage 8: Second (Gordon)
- Stage 9: Win (Gordon)
- Stage 12: Win (Gordon)
- Stage 14: Win (Gordon)

Check out the overview of the event, along with videos, on the Dakar Rally Blog located at www.toyotires.com/dakar-rally-blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> "Robby's Revenge" Takes Toyo Tires® to a Dominant Stage 12 Win of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1187 2012-01-17T10:00:12Z 2012-01-17T10:01:42Z

January 13, 2012 "Robby's Revenge" Takes...

"Robby's Revenge" Takes Toyo Tires® to a Dominant Stage 12 Win of the Dakar™

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Robby Gordon has proven once again why he is a true motorsports champion, not just by winning, but dominating Stage 12 of the Dakar™. After a long delay set him back during Stage 11 due to mechanical problems, the American driver attacked Stage 12 with a vengeance. He piloted his #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER from a 22nd starting position to first overall - beating the second place finisher by 15 minutes, 18 seconds! To further prove a point, he accomplished that feat by crossing the perilously soft coastal dunes toward Nazca, Peru -- streaking past stuck competitors with his two-wheel drive HUMMER equipped with Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires.
]]> The 245km Stage 12 travelled north along the Peruvian coast from Arequipa to Nazca. This marks Gordon's second stage win in the 2012 Dakar, having also won Stage 9. Gordon now has six podium finishes in the 2012 version of this Pan American marathon rally. It also shows his determination to finish on the podium in Lima, Peru.

Gordon's teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah was forced to retire during Stage 9 due to mechanical problems. Prior to his retirement, Al-Attiyah and his Toyo Tires equipped #300 Qatar HUMMER won Stages 2 and 7, and finished third in Stage 3. So far in the 2012 Dakar, Toyo Tires has logged four stage wins and captured a total of nine podium finishes.

"Robby Gordon has proven today why Toyo Tires considers him a champion," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "He has the ability to put adversity in his mirrors, while also demonstrating the winning capabilities of our Open Country M/T-R tires."

Gordon currently sits in fourth overall in the Dakar with two days of racing left before finishing in Lima. Saturday's 275km Stage 13 continues along the edge of the Pacific, running from Nazca to Pisco. Sunday's Stage 14 will lead competitors from Pisco to Lima, the capitol of Peru where thousands of fans will greet the competitors.

Highlights of the Dakar are broadcast in the U.S. each night on the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) at 1:30am EST (10:30pm PST.) Please check your local listings on where to find the NBC Sports Network.

Be sure to follow the daily action on the Dakar Rally Blog located at www.toyotires.com/dakarrally- blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> Jan 13, 2012 / Dakar Rally 2012 ＜REPORT＞ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1183 2012-01-17T01:58:31Z 2012-01-17T02:34:20Z

STAGE 12 RECAP Gordon down but not out! ...

STAGE 12 RECAP
Gordon down but not out! WINS Stage 12

Nasca, Peru (January 13, 2012)- Over the last couple of days during the 2012 Dakar Rally, Team SPEED and Robby Gordon have had to defend themselves after being accused of having an air inflation system that gives them an advantage. To prove a point, Gordon took it upon himself to show the media his entire system and how it worked last night in the bivouac in Arequipa, Peru. He even went so far as cutting the line that was in question and plugging it. He will run the rest of the rally without a vacuum system placed on his car.
]]>

Given the controversy and a terrible Stage 10 and 11, Gordon and Campbell had something to prove - they were down but certainly not out. The liaison section started at 4:35 a.m. for the cars because the start of the special stage was 412 km away, making it a long day for drivers and teams. Upon arrival, the cars would compete in the 245km special to the town of Nasca. The American duo would become a fierce force to be reckoned with in the dunes.

Mixed in with the truck class, Gordon started 30th, the 22nd car to take time. This would put the team behind many vehicles, which kicked up a lot of dust. Working their way through the slower cars, they would end up leading the special after the 1st waypoint, a lead that they would never give up.

Through the last 100km of dunes, top teams including Peterhansel and Roma would get stuck in the sand losing precious minutes to Gordon as he carried on his way to another stage victory. Novitskiy, one of the faster MINIs through the dunes, would be the closest to Gordon, was still over 15 minutes behind.

"Winning by 15 minutes with our system that was plugged just proves our point that it had no advantage.　I'm quite confident that we'll win our appeal and put it all behind us.　From here on out I'm going to try to win every stage.　Peru has amazing dunes.　Some of the craziest dunes I've ever driven on.　Tons of "witch eyes" that can either get you stuck or lost.　Fortunate from us we had no problems like the others did and laid down a huge time on the stage to win.　Very proud of my team and this car.　I made a mistake yestersday by fixing a CV boot where if I just packed it with grease it could have put us in a position to win the Rally but we'll take what we can get and try and beat our competitors over the last two stages," Gordon said after this 2nd stage win of the 2012 Dakar Rally.

With their domination of Stage 12, Gordon and Campbell now find themselves in a better position for a podium spot when the Rally concludes in just two days. They are still in 4th position overall but only 36 minutes from third place and 1hr and 44mins from first. The two Americans know they are not here to give up the fight and look for their third stage win tomorrow from Nasca to Pisco, featuring another long special stage full of dunes where anything can happen.

Provided by Team HUMMER

]]> "Robby's Revenge" Takes Toyo Tires® to a Dominant Stage 12 Win of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1181 2012-01-17T01:15:56Z 2012-01-17T02:49:26Z

January 13, 2012 "Robby's Revenge" Takes...

"Robby's Revenge" Takes Toyo Tires® to a Dominant Stage 12 Win of the Dakar™

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Robby Gordon has proven once again why he is a true motorsports champion, not just by winning, but dominating Stage 12 of the Dakar™. After a long delay set him back during Stage 11 due to mechanical problems, the American driver attacked Stage 12 with a vengeance. He piloted his #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER from a 22nd starting position to first overall - beating the second place finisher by 15 minutes, 18 seconds! To further prove a point, he accomplished that feat by crossing the perilously soft coastal dunes toward Nazca, Peru -- streaking past stuck competitors with his two-wheel drive HUMMER equipped with Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires.
]]> The 245km Stage 12 travelled north along the Peruvian coast from Arequipa to Nazca. This marks Gordon's second stage win in the 2012 Dakar, having also won Stage 9. Gordon now has six podium finishes in the 2012 version of this Pan American marathon rally. It also shows his determination to finish on the podium in Lima, Peru.

Gordon's teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah was forced to retire during Stage 9 due to mechanical problems. Prior to his retirement, Al-Attiyah and his Toyo Tires equipped #300 Qatar HUMMER won Stages 2 and 7, and finished third in Stage 3. So far in the 2012 Dakar, Toyo Tires has logged four stage wins and captured a total of nine podium finishes.

"Robby Gordon has proven today why Toyo Tires considers him a champion," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "He has the ability to put adversity in his mirrors, while also demonstrating the winning capabilities of our Open Country M/T-R tires."

Gordon currently sits in fourth overall in the Dakar with two days of racing left before finishing in Lima. Saturday's 275km Stage 13 continues along the edge of the Pacific, running from Nazca to Pisco. Sunday's Stage 14 will lead competitors from Pisco to Lima, the capitol of Peru where thousands of fans will greet the competitors.

Highlights of the Dakar are broadcast in the U.S. each night on the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) at 1:30am EST (10:30pm PST.) Please check your local listings on where to find the NBC Sports Network.

Be sure to follow the daily action on the Dakar Rally Blog located at www.toyotires.com/dakarrally- blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.]]> Jan 11, 2012 / Dakar Rally 2012 ＜REPORT＞ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1178 2012-01-16T06:30:54Z 2012-01-16T07:18:46Z

STAGE 10 RECAP Gordon on podium once aga...

STAGE 10 RECAP
Gordon on podium once again,　Nasser finds trouble late in stage

Arica, Chile (January 11, 2012)- Stage 10 was the last stage in Chile for the competitors, and it would prove to be a harsh one to Robby Gordon in the last 30km. Gordon started off the line in first, but he lost time early to the MINIs of Nani Roma and Stephane Peterhansel. After checkpoint 1, he was only 3 minutes back and had fought his way back by checkpoint 3, when he was only 30 seconds behind Peterhansel on the road. He was in third place, only 2 minutes behind. Gordon was poised to attack with the overall leader in his sight.
]]>

Unfortunate events would occur hindering his chances of repeating his stage win. Gordon would limp his SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires HUMMER across the finish line fourth after a big crash during the stage. For him only lose by 13 minutes is quite remarkable.

"About 30km from the finish, I was right on Peterhansel's tail and we were hitting the sentinel telling him we were there. After multiple times he wouldn't move over. We both missed a way point, and I tried my hardest to get around him. When I got in his dust, we had a big crash. Should have rolled the thing, but it blew the rear wheel off the truck as well as hurt the A-arm and transmission. Being down nearly 20 minutes is a lot, but we won't let that stop us. We'll work through the night to get the car ready for tomorrow. Anything can happen...they can have a bad day too." Gordon commented after moving to third in the overall standings.

With only four stages remaining in this year's edition of the Dakar Rally, it looks to be a three-man race with Peterhansel, Roma and Gordon fighting for the overall victory. It is still anyone's race.

Provided by Team HUMMER

]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Win Stage 9 of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1186 2012-01-12T09:57:32Z 2012-01-17T09:59:53Z

Today's 556km stage ran from the coasta...

Today's 556km stage ran from the coastal cities of Antofagasta to Iquique, northward along the Pacific Ocean coast of Chile. Competitors were faced with a variety of terrain including canyons, hills and perilous silt-beds known as "fesh fesh." Throughout the rally, Gordon has relied on Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires to help keep his two-wheel drive #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER on a searing pace. As of today's Stage 9 of the 2012 Dakar, Toyo Tires® has recorded eight podium finishes with Team SPEED, three of those being stage wins.

Gordon's teammate, Nasser Al-Attiyah was chasing Gordon in second place after Checkpoint 2 in today's stage. Misfortune then struck the hard-charging Al-Attiyah's #300 Qatar HUMMER as he was sidelined with a mechanical problem. Al-Attiyah won Stages 2 and 7, while also finishing third in Stage 3 in this year's race.

"We congratulate Robby Gordon on today's Stage 9 win of the 2012 Dakar rally," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "Toyo Tires is proud to be a part of this winning team, and we look forward to an exciting finish in Lima, Peru. I encourage fans to join the team and follow the action on our Dakar Rally blog at toyotires.com."

Highlights of the Dakar are broadcast in the U.S. each night on the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) at 1:30am EST (10:30pm PST.) Please check your local listings on where to find the NBC Sports Network.

Be sure to follow the daily action on the Dakar Rally Blog located at >www.toyotires.com/dakar-rally-blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.

]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Charge to Second Overall in Stage 8 of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1185 2012-01-12T09:50:14Z 2012-01-17T09:56:47Z

January 9, 2012 Robby Gordon and Toyo Ti...

Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Charge to Second Overall in Stage 8 of the Dakar™

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - International fans were treated to American V8 thunder as Robby
Gordon launched an all-out attack on today's Stage 8 of the Dakar™ rally. The determined Gordon surged forward with his #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER to finish second place in the stage, moving him to second overall in the 14-stage rally. The route traveled 477km northward from Copiapó, Chile to the town of Antofagasta on the Pacific Ocean. Gordon is now easily within striking distance of the overall lead of the Dakar.
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During Saturday's Stage 7, the HUMMERS delivered a 1-2 punch by finishing in first and second place. Nasser Al-Attiyah scored a victory in the 419km Copiapó Stage in the Atacama Region. Robby Gordon finished in second place for a historic first-ever 1-2 finish for the U.S.- based Team SPEED and for Toyo Tires.

Gordon sacrificed a win in Stage 1 in order to tow Al-Attiyah's stalled HUMMER two-kilometers across the finish line, keeping both HUMMERS in the hunt. Al-Attiyah returned the favor the next day with a remarkable charge from the 38th starting position to win Stage 2. Gordon drove a more conservative pace finishing third. Al-Attiyah, then finished third in Stage 3, but was followed by challenges in stages 4 and 5. Gordon proved strong in Stage 5, capturing second place. To date, Gordon has finished in the top five in six out of the seven stages of the 2012 Dakar. Stage 6 was canceled due to weather and Sunday was a 'rest day' which allowed teams to fully service their vehicles.

"Robby Gordon and Nasser Al-Attiyah have been spectacular throughout the 2012 Dakar rally," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "Their performance is a testimony to their will and determination to win, and to the performance delivered by their Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires."

Highlights of the Dakar are broadcast in the U.S. each night on the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) at 1:30am EST (10:30pm PST.) Please check your local listings on where to find the NBC Sports Network.

Be sure to follow the daily action on the Dakar Rally Blog located at www.toyotires.com/dakarrally- blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.

]]> Jan 10, 2012 / Dakar Rally 2012 ＜REPORT＞ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1177 2012-01-12T09:40:30Z 2012-01-18T03:07:37Z

STAGE 9 RECAP - GORDON WINS Great Day fo...

STAGE 9 RECAP - GORDON WINS
Great Day for Gordon; End of Rally for Nasser

Iquique, Chile (January 10, 2012) - Robby Gordon and the No. 303 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires HUMMER dominated Stage 9 of the 2012 Dakar Rally, winning by 1 minute and 38 seconds over Stephane Peterhansel. Gordon, with the help of his navigator Johnny Campbell, lead the entire stage with 3 MINIs breathing down their necks.
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Unfortunately, Nasser Al-Attiyah's day would end completely different. Al-Attiyah encountered the same issue today as he did yesterday when a serpentine belt popped off, not once but three times.　Using all of his spares, Al-Attiyah was stranded near KM 200 of the 556 km stage. Being more than an hour down to the overall leader, Al-Attiyah made the tough decision to end his efforts for a repeat championship and dropped out of the stage.

To have the No. 300 Qatar HUMMER withdraw from the race is a huge disappointment, but Team SPEED knows what an accomplishment it is to win two stages and overcome the adversity the team faced during the first half of the rally.

For Gordon and Campbell, the race to become the first Americans to win Dakar lives on. Winning Stage 9 win marks Gordon's 5th special stage victory during a Dakar Rally. Gordon is now only 5 minutes and 58 seconds behind overall leader Stephane Peterhansel with only five stages remaining.

Late after his stage win Gordon commented on how his team have prepared a winning car, "These guys just didn't go to sleep after last years disappointment - they went to work. My guys have flat killed it. They have worked really hard and it's a tough battle. I'm lucky to have a great, great group of guys that are dedicated from the heart - they bleed orange and we're going to have some fun trying to win this rally. I'm sad to see Nasser go but if he doesn't want to drive the car then so be it. It just gives me more support more equipment and three more mechanics to go after this thing."

Team SPEED will work through the night to prepare the No. 303 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires HUMMER for Stage 10 of the rally, which will take the competitors from Iquique to Arica.

Provided by Team HUMMER

]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Win Stage 9 of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1180 2012-01-12T09:00:41Z 2012-01-12T14:23:34Z

January 10, 2012 Robby Gordon and Toyo T...

Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Win Stage 9 of the Dakar™

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Excitement is building in anticipation of crowning the overall winner for the 2012 Dakar™ this coming Monday. Robby Gordon is focused on capturing that glory, winning today's Stage 9 by 1-minute 38-seconds over race-leader, Stephane Peterhansel. Gordon's charge has reduced Peterhansel's lead to less than six minutes with four days left of competition.
]]> Today's 556km stage ran from the coastal cities of Antofagasta to Iquique, northward along the Pacific Ocean coast of Chile. Competitors were faced with a variety of terrain including canyons, hills and perilous silt-beds known as "fesh fesh." Throughout the rally, Gordon has relied on Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires to help keep his two-wheel drive #303 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER on a searing pace. As of today's Stage 9 of the 2012 Dakar, Toyo Tires® has recorded eight podium finishes with Team SPEED, three of those being stage wins.

Gordon's teammate, Nasser Al-Attiyah was chasing Gordon in second place after Checkpoint 2 in today's stage. Misfortune then struck the hard-charging Al-Attiyah's #300 Qatar HUMMER as he was sidelined with a mechanical problem. Al-Attiyah won Stages 2 and 7, while also finishing third in Stage 3 in this year's race.

"We congratulate Robby Gordon on today's Stage 9 win of the 2012 Dakar rally," said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. "Toyo Tires is proud to be a part of this winning team, and we look forward to an exciting finish in Lima, Peru. I encourage fans to join the team and follow the action on our Dakar Rally blog at toyotires.com."

Highlights of the Dakar are broadcast in the U.S. each night on the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) at 1:30am EST (10:30pm PST.) Please check your local listings on where to find the NBC Sports Network.

Be sure to follow the daily action on the Dakar Rally Blog located at >www.toyotires.com/dakar-rally-blog. To learn more about Robby Gordon and the Open Country line of light truck tires, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.

]]> Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Charge to Second Overall in Stage 8 of the Dakar™ tag:toyotires-motorsport.net,2012:/english//2.1179 2012-01-12T08:30:57Z 2012-01-12T14:24:38Z

January 9, 2012 Robby Gordon and Toyo Ti...

Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Charge to Second Overall in Stage 8 of the Dakar™