14.01.2012

Latvian team „RE Autoclub” continues succesful perfomance in Dakar rally raid. On January 13th on 12th stage the fastest was Anton Melnikov/Anton Nikolaev („Mitsubishi Pajero Triton”), they took 18th place, but Ilya Kuznetsov/Roman Elagin („Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR 107”) was on 35th place. Rally raid is still continuing also „RE Autoclub” truck with Dmitry Pavlov.

On January 13^th Dakar rally raid participants took 12^th stage in Peru roads – 657km from Arequipa to Nasca, with rally stage 245km. “RE Autclub” manager Raimonds Elbakjans with big empathy is telling about Peruan interest in Dakar rally raid. Dakar debuts in this country, so wherever it is possible – there are loads of spectators.   

On 12th stage from Latvian team „RE Autoclub” crews the best preformance showed Melnikov, his crew was among the twenty fastest cars. Arrived in 18th place. Melnikov teammate Kuznetsov took 35th place.

„Ilya Kuznetsov is a fast driver. The best performance from whole Latvian team „RE Autoclub” he showed on 11th stage when he took 13th place. Unfortunately because of technical problems he could not reach so good place in overall,” says Raimonds Elbakjans. „So our team`s main task is to help us much as we can from Anton Melnikovs crew in last stages. At the moment he is on high 19th place.”

On 12th stage first was American driver Gordon with „H3 Hummer”. In this stage he was a little bit more than 15 minutes faster than privious stage winner russian driver Nowicky with „All 4 Racing Mini”. In overall on leader possition is french driver Stepgan Peterhansel with „Mini

From „RE Autoclub” crews still in good position is Melnikov/Nikolaev - 19th place. The last stages would not be easy, because on the 18th place beeing french driver Pacsal Thomass who is ahead more than one hour. In such as rally stage is not so much. Kuznetsov/Elagin currently takes 37th place.

In truck profile is still taking part “RE Autoclub” truck “Mercedes Benz 1935” with Pavlov, Uperenko and Latvian Gints Cirulis.

“Despite information that spreads out in latvian media, our truck is still on a road.Main task for our truck is to be on – line if our cars will need any help”, informs Roberts Elbakjans. “And witch place it takes in overall or in stages it is not so important for us!” In this rally raid they helped a lot Kuznetsov car when they had technical problems.  We are happy for Latvian team member Gints Cirulis who is fully involved in this team. Who knows, maybe after a year “RE Autoclub” will take a part with two trucks, and one of these cars will be also for a sports results but second truck – for a technical help.”

On jaunuary 14th will take place 13th stage via Peruan roads – 375 km from Nisca till Pisco. With rally stage 275km.