Toyo Tires reflects on “great” Dakar

While Toyo had hoped for honours at the Dakar Rally 2012, the Hummers it supported finished in creditable positions, with five stage victories and a further five podiums going to the Speed Energy / Toyo Tires Hummers. Robby Gordon and navigator Johnny Campbell finished the 2012 Dakar on a high note by winning the 29km timed special of Stage 14, the last in this year’s off-road marathon rally. Gordon finished fifth overall, with his vehicle being the only two-wheel drive vehicle finishing in the top ten.

“It was a great Dakar Rally for us. We were able to take what we had learned over the last few years and incorporate it into our cars and team. The improvements showed because we definitely had the fastest cars during the race,” said Gordon. “The tyres were great during the Dakar as well. It shows just how tough Toyo has built them to sustain all the elements that we encountered during the 14-day event.”

“I made a technical decision to change a hub on Stage 11 rather than just greasing it, and this decision ultimately cost us the rally,” continued Gordon. “If I hadn’t made this decision, I feel quite confident that we would have won the race.”

“We congratulate Robby Gordon, Johnny Campbell, Nasser Al-Attiyah and their entire support crew for their accomplishments in this year’s Dakar rally,” said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire USA Corp. “We are proud that our Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres were a part of this great effort which is now in the history books. Robby Gordon and his team have truly displayed the heart and determination that represents our company mantra: ‘Driven to Perform’.”

Related news:

• Despres helps Michelin to 29th Dakar motorcycle victory
• Toyo to exhibit new sports tyres at Brussels
• Toyo Tires to support Robby Gordon in 2012 Dakar