The longest stage of the Dakar yesterday has not passed without problems for the Valvoline sponsored Dakar truck from van den Brink. The first 150 kilometers passed without any problems, but then the back spring cylinder broke and forced them to stop.
Luckily the team of Jos Smink and Edwin van Ginkel were close by for assistance and some of the parts could be replaced and repaired. Unfortunately the repairs costed them a 3,5 hours delay and made them finish in the 30th place, also setting them back from the 10th overall place to an 11th overall place.
Nearly two weeks of extreme conditions and top-performance are starting to wear both the team and the truck down. The guys are determined to get to the finish line on Saturday to open up the champagne! Today and tomorrow will be the last two stages and finally on Saturday the finish line in Buenos Aires.
