The hybrid won Preproloog
27.11.2019
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All four North Bohemian racing trucks from the MKR Technology team have taken part in this spectacular introduction. At the weekend, the quartet of Dakar special trucks showed their full potential during the traditional Preproloog event in Holland. This year was quite different and, in many ways, surpassed earlier years. The event changed venue from autodrome in Valkenswaard to Duynenwater. And this time the fans of the famous rally really got what they wanted. In addition, everyone was thrilled by Kress' first hybrid truck in the world, as it dominated the exhibition race.
“Preproloog is a traditional event for us, which brings together virtually all Dutch representatives and crews heading for Dakar. Changing the location certainly helped the whole event. The circuit was very well prepared, and the audience could enjoy the show. In our country, in addition, there is absolutely great atmosphere. We are all looking forward to Dakar. The guys are very happy, the mood is great, everyone relaxed. I believe that this can be successful,” Mario Kress, leading designer of the Dakar special trucks from North Bohemian Židovice, praises the team spirit.
After many years, organizers decided to move the whole event, as they have not come to an agreement with the owners of the off road Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard. They found new facilities and great are near Eindhoven in the Duynenwater recreation area. Over ten thousand spectators arrived at the meeting venue, watching not only the Dakar crew but also the participants of the Moroccan rally or Africa Eco race. The new location and the large number of competitors brought above all the attractive competition for the participant. Kress' hybrid truck takes the first symbolic point after the weekend. The C460 hybrid truck showed its strength in difficult terrain and won the race with pilot Gert Huzink. Not even the specials of the legendary Gerard de Rooy were enough. Apart from Huzink, Pascal de Baar was riding in Riwald Dakar colors and will ride with Renault K520 in cab-over-engine version. Special truck nicknamed Sherpa will be piloted by Martin van den Brink from Mammoet Rallysport. The fourth truck by MKR Technology is managed by “firefighters” from Firemen Dakar Team and pilot Richard de Groot. The Renault Trucks quartet from North Bohemia perfectly fit the great program at Duynenwater. “During the program, we could see Martin's son Mitchel, who would otherwise be sitting in the cockpit on Dakar, on a motorbike. We all enjoyed the event and I am very happy that everything went well on the weekend,” said Klára Kress, MKR Technology Team Manager.
Except for the hybrid special truck, all the other trucks remained in the Netherlands. Next week, all the equipment will move to Marseille, France, where it will set off for Saudi Arabia to start the 42nd Dakar Rally. It will start on January 5 in Jeddah and after twelve stages will conclude in Qiddiyah. The crews will have to tackle 7856 kilometers, 5097 of which are timed. Moreover, navigationally difficult stages will take place mostly in the deserts – up to two thirds of total length. The luckiest ones will arrive on Friday, January 17th.
All four North Bohemian racing trucks from the MKR Technology team have taken part in this spectacular introduction. At the weekend, the quartet of Dakar special trucks showed their full potential during the traditional Preproloog event in Holland. This year was quite different and, in many ways, surpassed earlier years. The event changed venue from autodrome in Valkenswaard to Duynenwater. And this time the fans of the famous rally really got what they wanted. In addition, everyone was thrilled by Kress' first hybrid truck in the world, as it dominated the exhibition race.
