Jongbloed Dakar Team Faces Dune Challenge in Dakar Rally Stage 2
7.1.2024
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Gert Huzink, the skilled truck driver of the Jongbloed Dakar Team, encountered a formidable obstacle during the second stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Despite maintaining an impressive speed, a tricky dune proved to be a significant challenge, causing the Renault of the team to topple over and resulting in a loss of over 40 minutes. However, resilience prevailed, and Huzink managed to secure an eighth-place finish.
Covering 655 kilometers from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi, the second stage marked the introduction of the first dunes in this year's Dakar. Initially, Huzink, accompanied by mechanic Martin Roesink and navigator Rob Buursen, demonstrated a strong performance, competing for the top position.
“The test started well, there was a lot of dust, but because we were at the front with Janus, it didn't bother us, and we could follow him nicely. He stayed in sight, and that was our goal: just follow,” recounted Huzink, reflecting on the day's challenges in the desert.
“We took the first part of the dunes at the same pace, and we were comfortable in our rhythm. Then we came back to the dunes, and there we unknowingly removed a tooth. As a result, we did not drive aggressively enough on a sneaky dune, and we tipped over.”
Despite the unexpected setback, Huzink and his experienced team quickly regrouped. “Luckily, we got out quickly, and with the rope ready, buddy Pascal (de Baar) could put us upright. After that, we had to tidy things up, and with a loss of more than half an hour, we started the chase.”
The recovery efforts went fairly well, noted Huzink with satisfaction. “The Renault did its best, and slowly but surely, we reeled them in one by one. This way, we were able to move from 25th to 8th place. In the remainder of the test, which was very stony, we did not take any risks but found a good rhythm.” Mario Kress and the team of mechanics were also impressed with the comeback they made.
Despite the challenges faced, Huzink expressed confidence as he drove into the bivouac in Al Duwadimi. “The truck has little damage, and the loss of time has been limited,” Huzink said. “The strategy was good today, but the execution was a little less. That's part of it too. Tomorrow we can still start reasonably at the front, and we will try to drive to the top positions again. Then we hope that we will stay out of misery.” As the Dakar Rally unfolds, the Jongbloed Dakar Team remains resolute in their pursuit of success, embracing both triumphs and challenges on the desert track.
Results – Stage 2 - Al Henakiyah – Al Duwadimi (470 km):
1. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco 04:55:25
2. Loprais (CZE) Praha +00:00:06
3. Macik (CZE) Iveco +00:02:22
4. de Baar (NLD) Tatra +00:16:08
5. Bellina (NLD) Iveco +00:32:08
8. Huzink(NLD) Renault +00:42:29
Overall
1. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco 09:31:37
2. Loprais (CZE) Praha +00:12:55
3. Macik (CZE) Iveco +00:21:57
4. de Baar (NLD) Tatra +00:39:55
5. Valtr (CZE) +00:47:54
6. Huzink (NLD) +00:49:32
