After a timid Premier Cru in 2021 with only 24 vehicles entered, the Dakar Classic returns for a 2022 edition with not far from 150 vehicles expected in Saudi Arabia. Competitors will ride from 1is on January 14, parallel to the modern event, but on a route specially designed for these “grandmas and grandpas” of the rally! All registered models (cars and trucks) must be between 30 and 40 years old.
>> The star models of the Dakar Classic 2022 <<
Mythical cars at the start
Of the nearly 150 vehicles registered, 128 are cars and 20 are trucks. Toyota is the most represented brand with more than a third of the grid, or 41 cars. Seventeen competitors will set off at the wheel of a Land Cruiser ! Among the essential models, we also find the Mitsubishi Pajero with 15 registered crews.
The Dakar would not be quite “Classic” if the field did not count for the legendary Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid, victorious in the event in 1987 with Ari Vatanen. The manufacturer in Lion is particularly well represented since there will also be a 504 Pick-Up and a 404 covered pick-up at the start. Finally, as in the 81 edition, a Citroën CX will be at the start. At the time, the duo Jacky Ickx-Claude Brasseur had made sparks even seizing the head of the general classification, before having to retire. Let’s hope that the Kamp duo, a Dutch couple, in turn manage to win at the top of the ranking.
The line-up also includes four 911s including an SC and a Safari (Type G). The Land Rover Serie II and Lada Niva are also on the trip and in the starting blocks to reach, by boat, the city of Jeddah where the event will kick off.
TO READ. Peugeot Sport. Back on 40 years of competition
A new ordeal
During their journey, the competitors will participate in classic regularity events. A big first for this new edition, navigation tests are emerging. Objective: to reward the work of the co-pilots. In these sectors, it is the differences in mileage with the ideal route that will penalize the crews. 80% of the Dakar Classic route will be subject to the chrono or to a navigation test.
Three Land Rover Serie II from Vintage Racing Team will be at the start.
Finally, the participants of the Dakar Classic will cover 6,133 km including 2,612 km of specials, compared to 8,375 and 4,258 km respectively for modern vehicles. Note that pTo protect the mechanics, the unpaved portions will not exceed 300 kilometers per day. It only remains to wish good luck to all the participants for this crazy crossing of the Saudi desert.
TO HAVE. Dakar 2021. “Our” new Dakar stars!
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