The Dakar, originally known as the Paris to Dakar Rally, is the world’s most grueling rally raid type, off-road endurance race. As its previous name hints, the race began in 1978 between the European city of Paris, France and Dakar, Senegal in Africa. Through-out the years, the race course has changed little, but it’s most dramatic change came in 2008, where fears of terrorism and driver safety cancelled any racing in the African continent. From 2009 to the present, The Dakar, takes place in the South American continent.
In 2013 the race began in Lima, Peru, thru Argentina and finished in Santiago, Chile. This most recent race took place in stages for some 5,200 mi (8,500 km) in 15 days with 4 vehicle categories. This shot depicts the winning entry of the german X-Raid team, driven by Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret . Peterhansel has the record of wins, 11th with this race, his first 6 in Yamaha motorcycles and his 2nd with the Mini.