_1.png)
The Kamaz-master race team has retained the Dakar crown again in the truck category with its 18th gold win and the fifth in a row, equalling Kamaz’s previous record between 2002 and 2006 as well as Mercedes-Benz winning streak from 1982 to 1986. Kamaz-master also won all three podium places at this year’s rally.
The 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally and the second edition of the race in Saudi Arabia was held on 3–15 January covering a route of 7,646 km starting and finishing in Jeddah, including 4,767 km of special stages.
A total of 286 vehicles – 64 cars, 61 lightweight vehicles (including 44 SSVs), 101 motorbikes, 16 quads and 44 trucks – were cleared to start the race following the technical and administrative scrutineering.
Rule changes for the 2021 Dakar were based on previous efforts to guarantee a level playing field when it comes to navigation and to slow down the vehicles to make the race safer. Crews in the car, SSV and truck categories received a digital version of the road book on a tablet in their cabins. The road book highlighted danger zones and provided aural warnings to drivers.
After 12 stages, 193 vehicles – 63 bikes, 11 quads, 49 cars, 41 lightweight vehicles and 29 trucks – completed the race.
Kamaz-master crews 507, 501 and 509 finished in the first three places, respectively, followed by Iveco (Big Shock Racing team), Praga (Instaforex Loprais Praga team) and Maz (Maz-Sportauto team). The fourth Kamaz-master team (crew 500) led by Andrey Karginov, the winner of the Dakar Rally 2020, finished in the seventh place.
This year’s winning team (crew 507) comprising the pilot Dmitry Sotnikov, co-driver Ruslan Akhmadeev and mechanic Ilgiz Akhmetzianov completed the race in 48h 23’ 21” with a lead of almost 40 minutes over crew 501.
“I am lost for words, only emotions. I still don’t believe that we have won. It wasn’t an easy race and I think this Dakar was harder than the previous ones. I am happy that Kamaz-Master took all three prize positions at this Dakar. This success was not only the result of our efforts on the track but also the dedicated work of our assistance team. Each special stage was a real challenge, and our Kamaz vehicles never failed us. Thanks to all those who helped, believed and supported our crew,” said Dmitry, who along with this team celebrated the first championship in their careers.
Vladimir Chagin, head of the Kamaz-master team and seven-time Dakar champion and record holder in the truck category, said: “Two weeks of the toughest rivalry on the routes of Saudi Arabia finished with the victory of the Kamaz-master team and three crews of the Kamaz-master team on the podium. I am happy that this year all four trucks reached the finish line. I congratulate the winners and their crews. But this victory wouldn’t have been possible without concerted efforts of the whole staff of Kamaz-master. We are grateful to our partners and fans for their cooperation and support in such a difficult time.”
This year too, the Kamaz-master teams opted for Goodyear tyres. As a general rule, participating trucks need to drive on standard tyres that are available to any consumer and fleet. In the 2020 rally, the Kamaz-master teams were pleased with the performance and endurance of the Goodyear Offroad ORD range of tyres which enabled them in winning the first and second podium places.
Maciej Szymanski, marketing director, Goodyear Commercial – Europe, said: “Warmest congratulations to the entire Kamaz-master team. Obtaining gold, silver and bronze in the Dakar truck segment is an astonishing achievement and showcasing the outstanding race expertise of the team and technical mastery of these trucks and their equipment. Without any doubt, the performance of our tyres was tested to the maximum being the only touchpoint to this year’s entirely new route. Their robust durability, cut resistance and enhanced traction are key to the immaculate performance of the team, in the same way as we support today’s demanding transport operations of our customers.”
Vladimir Chagin added: “Even in these extreme motorsport marathons, every second counts during the stages. Besides our advanced in-house developed truck technology, there is one vital part to keep the crews going, robust tyres. Speed is of the essence; however, uptime is even more important in order to stay ahead of the competition. With Goodyear as our trusted tyre partner, our teams count on the extraordinary durability and excellent traction of the standard Goodyear Offroad ORD tyres to support them in getting victoriously to the next finish line, no matter how unexpected the circumstances or how big the challenge.”
.JPG)
