The 2013 edition will see Simon returning with a support crew to compete in the Marathon Class aboard a Husqvarna TE 449. The route for the next edition of the Dakar was announced just a few weeks ago and it sees the rally starting for the first time in Lima, Peru, before working its way into Argentina and finally towards Santiago, Chile.
Simon - “I am very excited to return to Dakar for 2013. The race has moved locations again and watching on the TV last year, I just couldn’t take it. It’s in my blood to race Dakar and to return again is extremely exciting. For this Dakar I am extremely pleased to announce that we will be riding the fantastic Husqvarna 449. It’s a bike I rode all of last year and has proved to be really good. I love the engine on the bike and our setup for Dakar is going to be very minimalist. It’s a tried and tested bike now, we know what’s strong and the small areas we need to improve and come the start of the Rally I am confident I will be sat on the best bike I’ve ever had. There are a few other changes this year too; I am taking a team with me instead of riding the Malles Moto class. Malles Moto last time was fantastic, I loved every minute of it. It is likely that I’ll will also be joined by another rider on the team, the details of which will be announced in the near future.”
Originally the plan was for Simon to be joined in Lima by his son, Llewelyn. However in some unexpected and unfortunate news Llewelyn’s entry for the 2013 Dakar rally was rejected by the organisers A.S.O.
Sadly, this is all part and parcel of attempting the Dakar Rally, and with over 300 applicants vying for just 200 places there was always a chance of disappointment. However, not one to give up lightly, Llewelyn is determined to make it to the start, even if it is a few years later than planned and so will continue to gain experience by racing in both the British Enduro Championship and numerous other events.
Llewelyn is also set to attend a little know race in the North Western corner of China, the Taklimakan Rally. A well-followed and prestigious event in Asia, the Taklimakan Rally is the longest and hardest race that the Chinese have on offer. About Delta Kunststoffe AG…
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Delta Kunststoffe AG is a producer of color concentrates (so called masterbatches), electrically conductive compounds, and other specialty compounds for e.g. logistics, building and construction industries, artificial turf, fitness equipment manufacturers, home appliances and toys as well as automotive and electronic applications. They are an independent supplier and will build their formulation on what they believe is the best materials for the job at hand. Their expertise is enhanced by partnerships with specialists in the raw materials field, plastics processors and users, universities and research institutes. Delta Kunststoffe AG is located in Weeze, Germany, but does business globally with a focus on Europe. For more information click here. About Husqvarna Motorcycles…
Husqvarna is an iconic off-road motorcycle brand. In ’07 Husqvarna became a part of the BMW Group with the German company completely revitalising the Husqvarna brand, which is now the off-road competition arm of BMW Motorrad. A new factory that houses production, design, administration and R&D has since been built in Varese, Northern Italy. Enjoying competitive success at the highest level for many years including numerous World Enduro Championship titles, in the 2012 Dakar Husqvarna took another historic step in claiming their first stage wins. For more information click here.
