The Dakar Classic, “a nod to the history of Paris-Dakar”

A vintage scent will spread within the Dakar brotherhood, with the inclusion of a Classic competition for the second edition in Saudi Arabia (January 3-15, 2021). Contested in the form of a regularity test with an easier route than the rally- "normal" raid, it will be reserved for cars and trucks seen in Africa between 1979 and 2000. David Castera, boss of the event within Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) had to champ at the bit a year before making this happen. idea, but above all, the enthusiasm generated by the visit of Jacky Ickx and Hubert Auriol the previous winter convinced him.

“These are names that still speak. I saw it in people's eyes. It is thanks to these oddballs that the Dakar exploded in the 1980s following Thierry Sabine, and that today we can live the Dakar experience. It’s a nod to the history of the Paris-Dakar. We must not forget where we come from. »

Expectations have already been exceeded regarding the list of vehicles ready to make the trip. “We are surprised, we receive a lot of calls, and even more than for the modern Dakar! I think we will have around thirty cars without any problem. On parle déjà de Porsche, Citroën ZX et de Volkswagen Iltis vainqueur en 1980, which looks like nothing (Sic), but that’s the magic of the Dakar. Mixing the past and the present will be great. »

There should therefore be variety at the bivouac, even if the maintenance costs of historic vehicles vary greatly between the rustic 4x4s of the early years and the menacing prototypes of the 1990s. " A 4×4 Renault will cost less than a ZX. I look at what we find on the second-hand market, through publications on social networks. It is a market that is starting to become active."

Les anciennes seront chouchoutées à travers un parcours de régularité dédié, plus facile que la route réservée aux Mini et autres Toyota. “We will have many two-wheel drives, which do not have the same crossing capabilities as 4x4s. Unthinkable to throw them in front of 50-metre dune cords. Moreover, the Paris-Dakar of the 1980s had nothing to do with the current format. It was easier, with fewer dunes. We will keep a little navigation and a few pieces of bravery, but regularity and pleasure will be the key words of the Classic."