Since 1979, the Dakar Rally has never been canceled. Individual stages have been eliminated, but never the entire rally. This year is marks the end of the run: Dakar organizer ASO have decided to cancel the race in light of terrorist threats from Mauritania. The rally was to run from Lisbon, Portugal to Dakar, Senegal from January 5-20.
Mauritania was formerly a French colony, and the ASO (Amaury Sport Organization, the same folks who put on the Tour de France) is a French organization. It appears that anything French is a target for the time being: on December 28, 2007, four French tourists were murdered in Mauritania by "a branch of Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb," and threats have also been made directly against the race.
Eight of the race's fifteen stages were to take place in Mauritania. After being advised not to hold the race by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ASO felt it had no choice but to cancel this year's edition. It's regrettable, and a sad day for motorsport, but it had to be done. Follow the jump to read the full press release.
Thanks for the tip, Young!
[Source: BBC]
PRESS RELEASE
After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal's capital.
Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 28th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.
A.S.O.'s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.
A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world's biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.
The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
nagmashot @ Jan 4th 2008 9:36AM
sad day for motorsport and the free world...
EJ25RUN @ Jan 4th 2008 10:30AM
i swear.... this is the daty we need to all come together and just go a kill terrorist....
im not for nuke war but i think its perfectley fine today.
forget this troop b.s. and just kill.... i swear im soooo pissed right now!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Brian @ Jan 4th 2008 9:41PM
"i swear.... this is the daty we need to all come together and just go a kill terrorist....
im not for nuke war but i think its perfectley fine today.
forget this troop b.s. and just kill.... i swear im soooo pissed right now!"
The most ironic comment ever made on autoblog.
ello @ Jan 4th 2008 9:43AM
I have reported this news few minutes ago in this link: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/by-the-numbers-december-2007/#comments
Anyway, I pretty much agree with nagmashot, it is a sad day for motorsports and the free world :(
Mr. Oak @ Jan 4th 2008 9:49AM
I just raised this point a few days ago on the Robby Gordon post. Biggest threat on Baja are those bad-assed Cacti. Toss the Mexicans a case of beer, and they'll leave you to hell alone.
Guenther @ Jan 6th 2008 11:41PM
Actually, biggest threat down there is locals digging holes in the track so they can see a good crash. Any vehicles not promptly recovered get stripped quickly.
Vega @ Jan 4th 2008 9:50AM
US source of all evil? maybe...
Western society decadent? sure...
But causing cancellation of a Motorsport event? now you've lost my sympathy...
Alex @ Jan 4th 2008 9:52AM
the terrorists have won
Menice @ Jan 4th 2008 9:53AM
score another one for terrorism.
damn it.
Scotty @ Jan 4th 2008 10:03AM
Insert French surrender joke here.
But in all seriousness, very sad news.
Darren @ Jan 4th 2008 10:21AM
The crown of the Status of Liberty has been closed since 9-11. Terrorist threat they say.
Remove stupid French joke here.
The terrorists contiue to win...
Dave @ Jan 4th 2008 3:36PM
You may want to read up on France / Islam.
http://www.americandaily.com/article/11986
Shotgunner @ Jan 4th 2008 10:06AM
Yeah that is pretty sad, hopefully Dakar will be able to make a triumphant return next year.
And for the record, French is not a race. Sorry for the nitpicking, but it had to be said.
Pete @ Jan 4th 2008 10:08AM
Surrender monkeys...
John R @ Jan 4th 2008 10:10AM
I think the author was refering to the Dakar Race. At first I was confused, too.
Rocketboy @ Jan 4th 2008 10:18AM
No, but the Rally is a race. A French sponsored race.
Shotgunner @ Jan 4th 2008 10:31AM
well d'uh, i think it's coffee time
bill @ Jan 4th 2008 10:08AM
Gee, can't the U.N. negotiate with the terrorists and convince them it is ok to kill anyone except Dakar Rally participants? The terrorists are reasonable types open to common sense ideas and just want to get along.
David(Postal) @ Jan 4th 2008 10:10AM
I can't believe this!!! January always makes me think about Dakar, memories of watching it on Speedvision/channel on my lunch breaks during my college internship... This is horrible!
Galley @ Jan 4th 2008 10:10AM
Terrorism sucks.