Thought I'd advertise that the worlds' most difficult rally, the Dakar (http://www.dakar.com/2006/DAK/LIVE/us/-10500/index.html), starts this coming weekend.
Coverage in North American should be better than last year, offered by the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) (http://ww2.olntv.com/default.asp) with daily half-hour updates you can point your video recording unit to starting Sunday, January 1st. Looks like the format that was so enjoyable to watch from the Speed channel two years ago.
Broadcasts are 1-Jan-2006 through 14-Jan-2006 4:00 to 4:30pm Eastern Time, then a bunch of 1 hour shows starting on the 14th at 7:00pm. Check the OLN Schedule (http://ww2.olntv.com/tvlistings/) for updates.
Lets hope this event won't be as deadly as the last.
The Dakar is probably one of the greatest races in the world - too bad it's popularity isn't really shared in the USA like it is in Europe.
I was crushed last year with the death of Meoni.
If you have never seen this race, it takes place over the next 2 weeks over some of the most dangerous terrain Africa has to offer. The first few days are sort of boring until they reach the sands of Africa - then things really start to heat up.
I hope the coverage is going to be better than last year's feable attempt by OLN - it just isn't the same without Toby Moody doing the play by play.
I agree with you on all points. Quite captivating when you get into it and follow the stages and follow the competitors.
If you have never seen it prepare to be astounded but it all makes sense when you appreciate the fact that to enter the rally you have to be a certified, total, 100% nutcase.
Great entertainment though but like they say on kids T.V. "Don't try this at home"
Yeah I'll be watching it. Charley Boorman from Long way Round is going to be racing in it I hear. Should be cake for him since he did drive around the world eh :)
~JG