General Motors gives Robby Gordon a third team Hummer for 2010 Dakar Rally

By Mike Mulhern
mikemulhern.net

   CONCORD, N.C.
   Robby Gordon, fresh off his best-ever finish in the just-completed South American Dakar Rally, a third-place run, will be getting an expanded sponsorship from General Motors' Hummer division for next year's Dakar run – a third team Hummer, with Chilean F1 driver Eliseo Salazar.
   Team Gordon Off-road just completed a challenging two weeks participating in the 2009 Dakar Rally throughout Argentina and Chile. It was the team’s fourth and most successful Dakar attempt. Gordon finished third overall behind Giniel De Villiers, the 31st Dakar Rally car class winner. Gordon's teammate Eric Vigouroux drove his identical Hummer to a 13th-place finish.
   "The 2009 Dakar Rally was very rewarding to everyone on our team," Gordon said.
   "What we were able to accomplish was truly amazing, and a testament to the team we have established.
   "I am excited to announce the addition of Eliseo to our Dakar program. I believe that him joining our team will only strengthen the existing program and make us that much better.
   "We have known each other for over 15 years, and it is a pleasure to have such a talented driver with Dakar experience join our program.
   "Running three race vehicles will not only increase our performance, it will also increase our chance to bring home the coveted Dakar Rally title in 2010. We expect great things in the 2010 Dakar Rally and beyond."
    Salazar: "It's an understatement to say I'm very excited to drive for Team Gordon in a Rally that covers routes of my native country, in a Hummer that I feel is extremely adequate for the kind of terrains of the Dakar in South America.
    "Robby will not only be a teammate but a friend and an outstanding off-road driver. Robby has agreed to teach me how to achieve my goal of being a top-ten driver in the 2010 Dakar Rally."