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19th January 2008

A local evening of welcome has been arranged for Stan on Saturday 24th January. Everyone who would like to congratulate Stan are encouraged to join in. Hear his stories (and let's face it, there will be plenty!) and down a few sociable drinks at the Milton Arms from about 7pm onwards.

VENUE
The Milton Arms (on the A354)
Dorchester hill
Winterborne Whitechurch
Blandford Forum
Dorset
DT11 0HW.
Tel: 01258 880306.

TIME
7pm (ish)

WHO?
All who can make it are welcome!

18th January 2008

Stans race ended as it began with him pushing as hard as he could and finishing the day in 18th place on the stage. Another fantastic ride!

Sadly Stans revoked penatly of 4 hrs was yesterday 'un-revoked' and his final position which was 20th overall has now dropped to 38th place...

The penalty was given originally because the organisers believe Stan missed a check-point. This happened because Stans onboard computer was damaged in an crash which caused it to lock out 100metres before he reached the last check-point on Stage 13. Even though Stan went through this marker, his system didn't show it so the organisers assumed he hadn't made it and added the 4 hrs. Although the penalty was originally revoked, a subsequnt complaint by another rider forced the organisers to reinstate it.

While disappointed about the penalty, Stan is delighted to have ridden The Dakar so well for his first attempt!

Stan arrives back home on Tuesday 20th with the rest of the team.... Well done to everyone for such an awesome job!!

17th January 2008

Yesterday was another massive day transporting the riders over 800km towards Cordoba but it was again cut short due to excessive rain fall leaving the riders with a 364km liason stage to get to the original CP4 where the racing stage of 220km began.
The open dunes and trackless terrain of the past few days have now gone leaving a sense of relief to those still in the race. On stages nine and ten alone the rally lost over 20 riders and there seems a clear agreement between competitors that this years event has been particularly brutal even with its plethora of shortened stages.

The great news yesterday for Stan was that the 4hrs time penalty announced the day before was revoked and this showed in his 23rd starting place which makes him the UK top rider!!! Today however the 4hrs seems to be back in place this means his starting position this morning was 39th. We are not sure what overall ranking is true at the moment. Suffice to say we are chasing this information now and will anounce it when we know.

Keep watching!

16th January 2008

A special stage of 254 km through 'significant' sand dunes greeted the riders yesterday followed by a 261km liason section to reach the bivouac

Disapointment for Stan....
After Stans 4 hour penalty on stage 13 he is now riding to finish the race having lost all possibility of achieving his top 20 goal. A steady ride today brought him home in 55th position and placed him 41st overall.

News from the bivouac regarding the penalty.... 'It seems there was a hidden waypoint just before the finish. A lot of people didn't get it, and they were not allowed to return to find it once passed over the finish line (that's when most of them heard about it). This waypoint was somewhere on top of a big dune we believe.' Thanks to Dave Lomax from Adventure Spec for the info.

15th January 2008

Yesterday’s special stage was cancelled. As the weather forcast announced heavy fog on the whole route of the stage and as the timing of the stage cannot be altered due to the crossing of the Andes and the crossing of the border between Chile and Argentina, the organizers decided to cancel the portion of stage 11 between Copiapo and Fiambala that should have been against the clock. The participants will be getting to the Fiambala bivouac in liaison starting at 8:00 AM today.

If you feel the need for some speed - and some almightly crashes! Take a look at all the videos of all the Dakar 2009 stages so far here....

Frontrow GB Home

14th January 2008

Yesterday was the longest stage of the Rally and a great opportunity to make up time over weaker or slower riders. Most teams were looking at it as the crux of the rally (barring mechanical issues).

Stan shot off the line after a 2 hour delayed start due to fog and soon showed he was in racing form racing form by an unbelieveably metioric rise through the field as the day wore on.

1. Start 40th
2. Km 87.0 29th
3. Km 178.0 27th
4. Km 222.0 24th
5. Km 463.0 19th
6. Km 530.0 17th
7. Km 607.0 16th
8. Finish 26th

Infuriatingly he clearly suffered some issues in the last 70km dune section. Whether that was physical, mechanical, or navigational we have yet to find out but those last 70km cost Stan a hard won 30 min buffer between him and Mick Extance.

Knowing Stan there will a be a lot more 'trying harder' going on today.

Check out the link below for Stans regular call into team sponsor Adventure-Spec.

http://www.adventure-spec.com/rallyraidio/index.html  Once on the page click onto Frontrow GB on the right side to access Stans messages.

13th January 2008

88km of non-competitive section today led to 449km of tough riding through 500m dunes, rocks, feche feche, winding tracks and some dodgy road books to add to the confusion!

Stan fought a steady battle gaining and losing as the long day went on, as high as 28th at one point his final placing of 41st left him at 23rd overall and in a commanding position for the hardest day of the event tomorrow.

Sadly the day saw Stan lose more time to Mick Extance who is now 36 mins ahead and only time will tell if Stan has the pace to pull the time back and become the fastest UK rider...

Visit us later to check his progess!

12th January 2008

Yesterday a 245km liasion stage led into a 294km special through winding gravel tracks and then onwards 113km to La Serena, the start of the Atacama desert stages.

In every Dakar there are a series of consecutive days designed to physically and mentally batter riders into submission. During this part of the race as many as 30% of the field often retire. Over the next two days 1000km of racing with almost no liason stages will enter the riders into that phase.

Stans steady pace yesterday holding his 25th position is a wise tactical move as he nurses his damaged knee and shores up his strength reserves for the ordeal ahead.

Today and tomorrow the racing will separate the mere men from the racers! Watch carefully!

10th January 2008

Yesterday was a long route, 816KM in all, stretching from Mendoza in Argentina, through Cordillera of the Andes, to the Chilian coast and Valparaiso on the Pacific Ocean for a much needed day of rest today.

Valparaiso seems to be a very colourful place to rest up, take a look at a few photographs of the town from motorsport photo journalist Judith Tomaselli here... http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/-100/r7_9-carnet-de-route.html#wrap

Stan's race yesterday, was once again, a steady one, he finally rode in 47th which gives him an overall placing of 25. Stage 8 begins on Sunday 11th.

9th January 2008

Yesterday started today with some unusual news...

Following a disaterous Stage 5 on Wednesday - 171 bikes started the 505km of timed stage, a mixture of tracks, no tracks, and big sand dunes left the field decimated with only 129 finishers out of 158 starters which resulted in the organisors annulling the whole days efforts. Stage 6 start was delayed by 3 hours to let riders who had failed to reach the time cut off the previous day rejoin the rally.

As if that wasnt enough flash floods further up the track made the days route impossible as a river became impassible and the planned 624km of the day became a much shorter 178km!

Stan made the decision yesterday to ride a steady race, he had a few bangs and knocks in the days previous and felt the need for a little strategic recovery in preparation for a push in the second half on the race. He rode in 39th maintaining a very healthy 22 place overall. Let us see how plays it today.

8th January 2008

Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions for the team. Stan had a good race, he rode aggresively to start with placing him 18th for the middle third of the distance, thereafter, and much to team Coach Derrick Edmondson's relief he settled down for the second half into the early 20s, and finally arrived at the finish in 26th, this places him 21st overall - A Great Result! Jon unfortunaly had an accident soon after CP1, he was picked up by the organisers and is OK, only a potential cracked collarbone and a little beaten up, the bike we fear, has come off slightly worse, we will update with more information when it comes in, suffice to say, for now, it seems the race is over for Jon.

Today sees the beginning of Stage 6. It will be a challenging day starting with sixty Kilometres of dunes, an easier middle section punctuated, however, with a wide ford that has to be crossed, thereafter it's into the foot hills of the Andes mountain range for the final stretch.

You can read about the full route in detail here: http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/presentation/us/r3_5-le-parcours.html

7th January 2008

He rode a great race... and had time to help out another rider.

After running really well to CP1 Stancame across a seriously injured rider down towards the end of the second half of the stage. Stan is medically trained and stopped to support and give first aid to the rider until full medical support arrived. He dropped an estimated 45 mins (his estimate) and was personally thanked for his actions by Etienne who promised to look at his Iritrack and see about giving him his
lost time back.

If it was 45 mins as Stan predicted that would place him about 18th and make a typical rally profile for Stan who usually starts slowly and rises up the leader board as the days get longer and harder...He managed a 3rd place on the Optic 2000 this year, I doubt we'll see a top 3 place on the 2009 Dakar
but a top 10 is not out of the question.'

6th January 2008

Todays stage at The Dakar Rally in South America seems to have been a tough one for both our riders. For the first time since the beginning of the rally Stan rode in outside the top 30 at 78, and Jon dropped back from his stirling effort yesterday to ride in 133rd. We don't know yet why the guys had a hard race today, but of course we will fill you in when we get the details.

Good Luck For Tomorrow Guys!

Check out the full results and follow live tracking at http://www.dakar.com

5th January 2008

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally and Jon finished 77th, compare that to yesterdays 157th position and we can only imagine the effort that went into this ride today, this now puts him 102nd overall!
Stan is riding fantastically well, coming in 27th again today, so maintaining his overall 23rd position!

As always, well done to both riders!

Please do add encouraging comments for the riders below, given the opportunity, they will be checking into the blog to tell you the latest news and gossip from the desert.

For full results in detail go to http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/300/classement/CGM.html
Posted by Savvy and Victor at 10:28 AM 0 comments Links to this post

4th January 2008

Stan had a great race at Dakar 2009 today picking off two riders in front which brings him in 27th for this stage and making him 23rd overall! 

Jon has also completed Stage 2 and is currently riding 127 overall!

Well done to both riders!

Check out their full results here

3rd January 2008

Although Stan seemed to have a shaky beginning before Check Point 1, he soon regained he stance and came in a very admirable 29 position at the end of this first stage of the Dakar Rally.

Both Stan and Jon rode an excellent race today coming in 29th and 119th respectively.
Hopefully both riders are catching up on a bit of sleep now and are dreaming about how they can gradually pick off each rider in front! Fingers Crossed!

Check out their full results here

3rd January 2008

Stan and John set off this morning at the beginning of Dakar 2009! Starting in Argentina, the course will take them through Chili and back to Argentina on this 15 stage endurance race.

Check out the 1st Stage 733.0 km route here: http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/100/r7_5-parcours.html

For live tracking go to: http://www.tracking.dakar.com/ASO/index_us.html

Follow the teams progress at: http://www.frontrowgb.blogspot.com

22nd December 2008

The freight carrier for the European competitors, the Grand Benelux has safely reached its destination in Argentina.
 
Many freighters arrive daily in the harbour of Delta Dock situated a hundred kilometres from Buenos Aires. This is exactly where the Grand Benelux was to complete a very special mission that started in the French harbour of Le Havre on December 2nd: to carry the vehicles of the European competitors of the 2009 Dakar.
 
The ship arrived on December 18th at 4 a.m. Once the ship was moored, the 820 vehicles onboard could be landed. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 13 staff of the Dakar and fifty dockers unloaded the Grand Benelux.
 
At the time of the inventory, only a few flat tyres or batteries had slowed down the operation. All the vehicles were then placed in the Parc Fermé where the competitors will come and pick them up on December 30th and 31st. If you squint your eyes and look hard you can see the Front Row GB truck at the very rear of the support trucks in the distance of this photograph.
 
Team Front Row GB are due to arrive at 10.30am on 30th December where they will move directly to the port to pickup their MAN support truck filled with x3 KTM 690s and complete the final preparations for the podium celebrations on 2nd January and the start on 3rd January.

8th December 2008

A last minute change of manufacturer in the paddock saw Stan Watt compete at the final round of the Southern Counties Enduro Championship onboard the all new BMW G450X.
 
The opportunity came about when Danny Hall of Rogershill Raceway injured his thumb on Friday afternoon preventing him from having his first meeting out.
 
A quick change of front tyre and two clicks less compression on the front were the only modifications before the BMW was pushed to championship start line.
 
In frozen conditions and with temperatures below zero, Stan got away well off the line in 3rd place following Si Wakely and Gary Wright. Stan has been used to a KTM250 two stroke throughout 2008, so the BMW 450 single cylinder four stroke, without any practice, would prove to be an immediate challenge as Stan missed the braking area and went straight on into the dense undergrowth arriving at the 2nd corner. This lost Stan a very disappointing 10 places within the 20 strong championship pack.
 
As the championship riders started to spread out, Stan was able to pick up his pace and make up some lost positions.
 
Although this time the suspension was fairly standard and not set for Stan’s weight and riding style, the bike generally has huge potential for being a class leader. The engine worked exceptionally well, being very user friendly with plenty of usable power throughout the rev range, giving the BMW superior controlled traction in the slippery and difficult conditions. As the course became more rutted, the low ground clearance started to show, but some suspension modifications would easily sort this out.
 
After 3 hours on a new bike, over relentless and physically demanding terrain, Stan finished an impressive 7th in the championship class and came away fairly content with the new BMW G450X. Stan’s remarked that suspension changes could convert the standard enduro model into a serious competitive enduro racing machine.
 
Stan and Jon will be competing at the Track and Trail enduro round at Slab Common, nr Petersfield this coming weekend.

1st December 2008

NEXT STOP BUENOS AIRES!
 
The administrative and technical scrutineering in Le Havre, France was completed for the European competitors and assistance on Thursday evening 27th November.
 
A total of 710 competition related vehicles passed through scrutineering successfully, with an additional 110 vehicles to be included from the organisors and media groups. All 820 vehicles have been stood in Parc Ferme until 6am this morning, when the boarding began onto the ‘Grande Benelux’, the ship that will make the distant crossing of the Atlantic to the east coast of Argentina and the city of Buenos Aires.
 
The Grande Benelux is expected to arrive in the Port of Zarate, Buenos Aires on 16th/17th December (weather dependent), and after customs formalities, will be unloaded for the competitors and assistance to collect their vehicles on 30th and 31st December.
 
Frontrow GB depart the UK on 29th December, arriving mid morning in Buenos Aires on 30th, when the team will move directly to the port and collect the Walker Ecosse MAN 6x6 support truck containing the team motorcycles and equipment. All vehicles will move to the assistance parc in the University of Buenos Aires where final upgrades and changes to equipment can be done before Fronrow GB enter the second and final phase of scrutineering at 1645hrs local on 31st December.
 
The presence of the whole crew is compulsory for the final stages of technical and administration checks in Buenos Aires with the vehicles entering into the Parc Ferme for the final time before the start. Primary briefings for competitors, assistance, organisors and media take place throughout 2nd January with the start of the Dakar Rally 2009 set for 6am on 3rd January with a nice gentle 733km.
 
A big thanks to everyone who has assisted Frontrow GB after the disappointment of the Dakar cancellation 12 months ago. You remain an essential element to success at Dakar 2009.
 
-          Derrick Edmondson of Edmondson Racing
 
-          Rob Sartin at Talon Engineering
 
-          All at Voltcom Limited
 
-          Dave and Chris at Adventure Spec
 
-          Jo and Adam from Savvy and Victor
 
-          Steve Plain at Steve Plain Suspension and Motorcycles
 
-          Stuart Walker from Walker Ecosse
 
-          Rob Lovejoy at Insignia Signs
 
-          Danny Hall at Rogershill Raceway
 
-          Ian at EN Design for all the helmet paintwork
 
-          Gary Warr of SCEC
 
-          Audette and Leo at ISIS
 
-          Steve Whetman from Nookie
 

5th November 2008

Issy-les-Moulineaux, 5th of November 2008
ARGENTINA - CHILE 2009: 100 % DAKAR.
 
Étienne Lavigne, director of the Dakar, officially presented to the press this morning the detailed route of the Dakar Argentina Chile 2009.
After more than a hundred days of reconnaissance, the sporting team invites participants to evaluate their skills on over 9,500 km 100 % Dakar including 5,650 km of special. Dunes, fesh fesh sand, limitless roads, mountains… all the ingredients will be there to remind competitors that the arrival in Buenos Aires on January 17 will be hard-won. The plains of Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and the passageway through the Andes Mountains – all in the heat of the austral summer – will provide an ideal setting for testing the endurance of pilots committed to the Dakar 2009.
And many have responded to the call.
 
On the morning of January 3rd, 530 teams will take off from Buenos Aires: 230 motos, 30 quads, 188 cars and 82 trucks, representing 49 nationalities.
 
The figures for this South American Dakar are amazing. In addition, the elite of worldwide rally-raiding will meet to fight it out over these new territories.
 
Mitsubishi’s title will be up for grabs against their major rivals at Volkswagen, BMW and Team Gordon. In T2, we will find Toyota and Nissan looking for a highly coveted victory. On the two-wheeler side, KTM will turn out in force to maintain its domination of the discipline. All the best truck teams will be there, too: Kamaz, Tatra, Hino, Mercedes, Ginaf, and the title-holder Man will vie for first place.
The enthusiasm emanating from the Dakar 2009 contestants finds an even greater echo in the Argentinians and Chileans, who show exceptional eagerness for the rally.
 
The Dakar exists above all because of a longing for discovery and a capacity to confront the unknown. By crossing the ocean, the rally is ready for an experience that is true to its values and temperament. 100 % Dakar: it is the quality of the challenge offered to the competitors with one idea always in mind: human adventure, extreme adventure.
 
 
Stage 1 - Saturday, January 3
Buenos Aires > Santa Rosa
Connection: 196 km | Special: 371 km | Connection: 166 km | Total: 733 km
Many have heard of La Pampa, where men are reputed to be “rough, but always courteous”. This first stage will provide the opportunity to discover the length of these vast plains. Dakar competitors have never faced such a long special. With over 400 km of rolling routes, perhaps the fastest on the program, this will constitute a real warm-up. It will be the occasion for everyone to affront a long day that will get rid of all problems in adapting to jet lag.
 
Stage 2 - Sunday, January 4
Santa Rosa > Puerto Madryn
Connection: 0 km | Special: 237 km | Connection: 600 km | Total: 837 km
The longest stage of the rally will not necessarily be the most difficult. However, it should still be approached with vigilance and, above all, will a complete set of rally equipment. After a rapid first part of the special, a foretaste of sand will be proposed. On the off-roads of this stage, copilots will need to pay careful attention to their course. The more distracted will begin to “turn in circles”.
 
Stage 3 - Monday, January 5
Puerto Madryn > Jacobacci
Connection: 70 km | Special: 616 km | Connection: 8 km | Total: 694 km
For the third day of the race, the special program is a tough one, ranging over 600 km. It will be a sign that the competitors have reached the heart of the matter, even though big problems are still to come. The entry into Patagonia, which will be accompanied by a significant change in terrain, will need new piloting abilities. The landscape is much hillier, and those who prefer long curves will find what they’re looking for. Here, orientation is done using the lakes that border the route, around ten throughout the day, and numerous pink flamingoes will be the preferred guides for this stage.
 
Stage 4 - Tuesday, January 6
Jacobacci > Neuquen
Connection: 4 km | Special: 459 km | Connection: 25 km | Total: 488 km
At the start of this stage, the rocky passageways will make heavy demands on the arms of motorcyclists, while those who are accustomed to “wadis” will be obliged to negotiate the Argentinian “rios” with the same careful attention. Next, the first sandy portions and the long kilometers of off-road will thrill those who love driving them. Careful now! Mistakes can begin to be costly: the stage toward Neuquen has all the ingredients of a trap. By taking on more or less of a lead, the favorites can begin to show themselves and provide indications of a ranking that just might last.
 
Stage 5 - Wednesday, January 7
Neuquen > San Rafael
Connection: 173 km | Special: 506 km | Connection: 84 km | Total: 763 km
The major test of the first week of the race will perhaps be fought on the road to San Rafael. The long distance will oblige teams to remain concentrated at all times. The pilots will also be confronted with real dune passageways, including a range nearly twenty kilometers long. Long off-road stretches will alternate with much more technical sections in the track following the “rios”. The Cordillera can be seen on the horizon, but taking time to sightsee is out of the question: a too-late arrival at the bivouac always leaves a mark.
 
Stage 6 - Thursday, January 8
San Rafael > Mendoza
Connection: 76 km | Special: 395 km | Connection: 154 km | Total: 625 km
The day’s program is once again full of crossings, since the special begins with around sixty kilometers of dunes. The trail becomes easier in the second part, but competitors might well be slowed down by a wide ford that must be crossed with exceeding skill to avoid an extended bath. On arrival at Mendoza, the rally will penetrate the foothills of the Andes mountain range.
 
Stage 7 - Friday, January 9
Mendoza (ARG) > Valparaiso (CHL)
Connection: 80 km | Special: 419 km | Connection: 317 km | Total: 816 km
The variety of terrains and landscapes, a constant given for the Dakar 2009, is evident once again on this stage, where, in addition to a change of country, most of the competitors will get to know the Cordillera of the Andes. Before measuring themselves with the mountains, they must cross over a series of dunes and endure a session of fesh fesh, which is identical to Saharan sand, but which the inhabitants of the region call “guadal”. Concerning the mountains, this will be the only special to include passageways at 3,000 meters on technical routes that will sometimes allow a glimpse of the Aconcagua, the highest point in the Andes (6,959 m). Then, competitors will cross the border on the link section to reach the sea at Valparaiso.
 
Stage 8 - Sunday, January 11
Valparaiso > La Serena
Connection: 245 km | Special: 294 km | Connection: 113 km | Total: 652 km
After a day of rest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, an easier restart has been programmed. On mid-range mountain roads, driving hotshots should be able to really strut their stuff. The experts in car positioning, trajectory and sudden braking will show how it’s done. But for the rally leaders, there is certainly more to be lost than won during this stage.
 
Stage 9 - Monday, January 12
La Serena > Copiapo
Connection: 88 km | Special: 449 km | Connection: 0 km | Total: 537 km
We are at the first step of a decisive trilogy. The reputation of the Atacama Desert, known as the world’s driest, will be tested by the competitors. Those who hope to find dunes will be rewarded. But they will also be fed a generous helping of rocks. This stage is typical of the Dakar 2009, with numerous changes of terrain. The positioning of difficulties, with long stretches of dunes at the end, will require pilots to conserve their strength. They must show themselves to be both multi-talented and with a firm sense of how to manage their efforts.
 
Stage 10 - Tuesday, January 13
Copiapo > Copiapo
Connection: 20 km | Special: 666 km | Connection: 0 km | Total: 686 km
The day’s special is simply the longest and most difficult of the rally. As on the previous day, the competitors will face a series of dunes at the end of the day that stretch over a hundred kilometers. And in this area, even the leading specialists will be faced with something new. The Chilean dunes are veritable mountains of sand, and pilots must learn to climb and descend their sides over more than one kilometer. Another unknown: due to the extreme heat of the region, no one knows exactly how the sand will behave. In any case, remaining clear-headed will be imperative all the way to the end.
 
Stage 11 - Wednesday, January 14
Copiapo > Fiambala
Connection: 20 km | Special: 215 km | Connection: 445 km | Total: 680 km
On this most majestic stage of the rally, the talents of copilots will be at the strategic center. In the morning, vehicles will leave the Pacific Ocean behind and head toward the border. In the meantime, it will be necessary to constantly choose which valley to take. The return to Argentina will be through the enchanting surroundings of the Paso San Francisco, at an altitude of nearly 4,700 meters. To close this long “day of colors”, the link will lead competitors to a sandy landscape that resembles Mauritania. And if fate lends a hand, the rally could even experience a “Bolivian winter” there, a rare phenomenon that sometimes provokes snowfalls in the middle of summer!
 
Stage 12 - Thursday, January 15
Fiambala > La Rioja
Connection: 4 km | Special: 253 km | Connection: 261 km | Total: 518 km
As concerns crossings, the day’s special is a concentrate of technique. Various types of dunes will be encountered, including the very formidable “white dunes”. Just three days from arrival, this stage can scramble rankings, especially because the assistance vehicles will not have access to the Fiambala bivouac. The Golden Rule is still: “know how to economize your machine”.
 
Stage 13 - Friday, January 16
La Rioja > Cordoba
Connection: 161 km | Special: 545 km | Connection: 47 km | Total: 753 km
After having swallowed thousands of kilometers, participants will face a first-class physical challenge in this next-to-the-last stage. State-of-the-art pilots must maintain their position, while amateurs must avoid an excess of confidence. Errors can leave bitter memories, since this will be the day of cacti. At the bivouac, doctors will no doubt be called on to wield the tweezers. Finally, for the experts of traditional rallies, certain routes are part of the patrimony of the World Cup that takes place every year in Cordoba. Here, aficionados will guarantee a large popular fiesta.
 
Stage 14 - Saturday, January 17
Cordoba > Buenos Aires
Connection: 224 km | Special: 227 km | Connection: 341 km | Total: 792 km
The adventure began on La Pampa. After having explored two veritable nation-continents, the competitors will find a more familiar type of landscape. On long, rolling routes, concentration remains necessary. Those who arrive with a ranking in Buenos Aires will have achieved the most impressive loop ever undertaken in rally-raid. And they will remain forever first.

3rd November 2008

With scrutineering for Dakar ’09 only 3 weeks away, Frontrow GB put together a short but effective four day test in Southern Spain.
 
For the first time, the team was hosted by Steve Goddard and his wife Shirley who are based near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in a small town called Quesada.
 
The team priority was to test the new suspension setup that had been installed on a test KTM690, and thus, it was Stan's job to put the bike through it's paces alongside Oz Dave and Stuart. After some tinkering and tightening here and there, the team were satisfied the suspension would hold up well. So began the first run before dark for Jon, Stan, Paul and Steve. The team were right, the suspension did perform well as Stan’s bike coped substantially better with the fast, rough trails, although the front forks did appear to be moving through the initial stroke too quickly.
 
The trail wasn't so kind to Jon as Day 2 as he had a big crash in the morning which meant he had to spend the rest of the day in hospital and was unable to ride for the rest of the trip.

The rest of the team were able to get a short period of time testing with good front suspension changes and the primary test KTM690 now improving rapidly.
 
Day 3 saw all bikes out including Stuart, Oz Dave, Ivan, Paul, Stan and Steve, with Jon providing support. Slight rain the evening before left the trails heavy and tacky with surface mud, this difficult ground busted 3 KTM690s front mudguards within 10kms. Thankfully, these were the only bad incidents of the day and so the group eventually had a good day of testing as Steve lead the way through a good mixture of terrain with river crossings, flat out fast trails, rough rocky sections and dried river beds.

With the 690 riders swapping bikes regularly, it was obvious, the test KTM690’s suspension was working exceptionally well in comparison.
 
A short and successful test!

Jon was diagnosed with heavy bruising of the lung and muscles, but he is recovering well, and it is hoped he will be back to normal fitness for further ‘sand’ testing in the near future.
 
A special thanks to;
 
Steve Goddard and Shirley (watch out for their new trail riding company based in Spain)
The garage in Quesada who got a new clutch from Nissan and installed ready for the return trip
 
Oz Dave
Ivan
Stuart
Paul
 
Also many thanks to;
 
Steve Plain of Steve Plain Motorcycles for the suspension modifications
Derrick at Edmondson Racing
Rob at Talon Engineering
Ian at EN Design for getting the new paint work together at the last minute
Adventure Spec
Voltcom Limited
Arai Helmets
Savvy and Victor
Pro-Seal

6th October

Frontrow GB builds towards Dakar ’09 with dedicated training before departing for Argentina at the end of December.

With two new 2009 Factory KTM 690s' due to arrive at the end of October riders Jon Stamper and Stan Watt are back together on their old KTM 690 Rally Replicas after a season where both riders pursued their individual motorcycle racing passions.

Jon kept his hand in on the dirt bike scene using his KTM 530 EXC for practice before a 2009 KTM250 EXC Six Day came along, while further concentrating on his Yamaha TZ250 GP road race machine at the National 250cc Championships, culminating in a podium finish at Donington Park in September.

Stan stayed on the dirt throughout the summer, taking part in the majority of British Enduro Championship rounds with a best of 3rd in E3 and 10th overall at the Crychan round. He then entered as a wildcard at the World Enduro Championship in Wales where he gained huge amounts of experience in torrential rain. Local events saw Stan fight it out at the front on a permanent basis but a win unfortunately eluded him.

Dakar 2009 in South America is now the priority with scrutineering taking place in Le Havre, France on 26th and 27th November, prior to the racing machinery and support vehicles being transported to Buenos Aires in Argentina.

The most recent run out took Jon and Stan plus a few of the normal crew around the byways of Dorset and Wiltshire, completing 291kms in 6 hours of riding, so a good average for technical terrain. Not ideal terrain or conditions for 220kg motorcycles, but excellent to get back into the big machines at slow good pace.

After some training this week, Frontrow GB will head to southern Spain for some controlled testing from 16th to 20th October. This will finalise equipment and parts that will be used at Dakar ’09.

2nd September

 THE ROUTE

         Argentina 
         Chile 
An extreme adventure between two oceans
 
The Dakar 2009 is off to discover a new continent, South America that offers unlimited possibilities to amateurs of wide open spaces. The round trip to Buenos Aires, via Valparaiso is a challenge in which the most enduring competitors will find their way and have the opportunity to distinguish themselves. With close to 6,000 kilometres of specials and difficulties scattered on the whole course, the battle for the title will remain wide open until the finish.
 
Please find below the distances run in altitude during the Dakar 2009 special stages:
from 1500 till 2000 meters : 610 kilometers
from 2000 till 2500 meters : 240 kilometers

from 2500 till 3000 meters : 70 kilometers
from 3000 till 3250 meters : 15 kilometers
   
On liaison, the Rally will pass at an average height of 4000 meters during 120 kilometers.

For more information visit www.dakar.com

31st July

A comfortable 4th position for Stan in this race Full Results. His next race is round 3 of the British Enduro Championship on 9th/10th August in Llandovery, Wales.

31st July

For achieving a 3rd podium place in the Vets Class at the recent WOR/CF Racing Summer Event.

28th July

It was a last minute decision for Stan Watt from Frontrow GB to compete at Round 3 of the ‘Team RLC’ enduro, staged at Bordon military training area in Hampshire. Although a dusty hot race, Stan was reasonably happy with 2nd place and looks forward to to competing in round 3 of the WOR/CF Racing Summer Cross Country Evening Series held at TYNO, near Llandegla, North Wales on Wednesday 30th July. Both these races combine as preparation for Round 3 of the British Enduro Championship on 9th/10th August in Llandovery, Wales. Stan will be onboard his ’09 KTM250 EXC for both upcoming events.

23 July 2008

Frontrow GB are confirmed by the 2009 Dakar organisers as an official entry! The ‘sold out’ event will take place in South America for the first time ever.
 
Only 7 riders from the UK and Ireland are entered into Dakar 1009 two of these, our own Jon Stamper (GB) and Stan Watt (Ire) will be assisted by the ever reliable Walker Ecosse; Stuart Walker, Gordon MacDonald and our new technician, Dave Marton.
 
Other confirmed UK riders include Mick Extance (GB) with many years experience at Dakar in Africa, Ewan Buchan (GB), Craig Bounds (GB), Philip Noone (Ire) and Gary Ennis (Ire).
 
Frontrow GB are expecting this Dakar to level the playing field as, unlike in Africa, there is no previous terrain knowledge for any rider.
 

Please read on for the official information and comments from Etienne Lavigne

DAKAR SOLD OUT
 
More than 550 entry forms have been received six months ahead of the start, it’s already a success for the Dakar Argentina-Chile. Because it really is “the Dakar” that will be run in Argentina and Chile from January 3-18, 2009.
 
New regions worthy of the most difficult rally in the world will provide the competitors all they will require to push their limits. Those who like to surpass their capabilities have answered in mass for this all-new challenge. From May 15 to June 15, the competitors who had been chosen for the 2008 Dakar were given a sign up « grace period » and they will make up 65% of the field of the next Dakar.
 
After the six weeks following the start of the inscription period, more than 500 teams had already been chosen, after a review of their entry form, to take part in the next edition of the rally. Among them, 16% are first time participants
 
The field will be, as last year, world-class with the presences of factory teams and the top independent teams. 
 
This summer, the reconnaissance runs will continue on as will all the preparations in order to ensure this new challenge is a success.
 
Unchanged, unequalled, inimitable, the Dakar remains the Dakar
 
ETIENNE LAVIGNE – ‘’the Dakar has to be the toughest race in the world’’
 
What conclusions can be drawn about registrations for Dakar 2009 ?
The result is excellent. It’s a real success ; we’ve received almost 600 applications. There is a very real enthusiasm for the 2009 edition. This proves, quite simply, that the Dakar is unique – always a great adventure, and it is inimitable. The Dakar goes on - and continues to inspire dreams.
I would like to take advantage of this interview to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the competitors who’ve registered for the Dakar 2009, in spite of the difficult context, -those people have shown a great deal of confidence in us.
 
Can you tell us a bit more about Dakar 2009 ?
This will be a really great event ! Believe me, we have rarely been so excited as we were by what we saw on our reconnaissance trips – what a discovery !
Breathtaking landscapes, and such incredible diversity ! Time and time again, we stopped in our tracks - simply to admire our surroundings. It is indescribable – nature in a pure state.
 
In concrete terms, what is the course like ?
The route is ambitious - remember, we’ll be doing 6,000 km of specials ! It will be extremely varied - there will be fast, very fast, steering, sand, and dunes – drivers will need the skill to adapt to different race conditions from one day to the next. The route will be both testing and demanding... People will have to be very well prepared, physically.
 
So should competitors expect a difficult route ?
Yes. We are organising the Dakar, not a walk in the park, and the Dakar has to be the toughest race in the world.
 
In practical terms - will there be bivouacs ?
Of course ! And every day ! This is another example of where competitors are going to be very surprised. We’ve selected extraordinary locations – for example, alongside the Atlantic and Pacific oceans ! And in the middle of the Pampa, we’ll be offering sumptuous and wild bivouacs ! In places where we can really make the most of the natural environment around us !
The ‘Bivouac’ spirit with catering, briefings, all the competitors coming together to share their experiences… It’s essential, this is the Dakar spirit, these are our values.
 
So the competitors won’t be staying in hotels ?
No ! As in Africa, it’s a personal choice. Those who want to stay in hotels can drive a few kilometres and find just what they’re after…
 
Is the Dakar popular in South America ?
For our friends in Argentina and Chile, hosting the Dakar is like organising the World Cup ! When the competitors are welcomed by 500,000 spectators in Cordoba, the words ‘human warmth’ will really come into their own ! The enthusiasm being generated by the Dakar in Argentina and in Chile is immense, the participants will receive a real hero’s welcome.
 
Changes to the rules ?
The technical regulations for cars, bikes and trucks will be identical to those for the Dakar 2008.
 
What about the media ?
There are no worries on this front ! The Dakar will be broadcast in 180 countries ! The media actively seek to be part of the adventure; their level of curiosity is very high.
Amateurs will be at the forefront, and we want to take advantage of this new Dakar to remind people of a few essential values: this is above all a course made for amateurs, with the presence of professional teams. This is where the magic of Dakar lies. The T2 category will also be very well-supported – to give a simple example, the T2 vehicles will be identified by very brightly-coloured plate backgrounds, so that journalists will be able to identify the vehicle category in an instant.
 
A word on the venue for the next Dakar ?
All the categories will be fiercely contested, as they were at the Central Europe Rally ! And above all, we should enjoy a fabulous race from the independents ! Gache, Delecour, Lavieille, Muller, Monteiro, Gordon, Henrard, Kahle, Patissier, Errandonea, Vigouroux... I’m bound to have forgotten someone… And in T2 – what a fight ! The differences are often infinitesimal !
As for the bikes, again the number of outsiders is impressive... As well as the trucks, which are once again going to offer us a superb race !
 
How does your calendar look over the next few months ?
A third reconnaissance phase in July, September and October. Then preparation for the first part of the Le Havre scrutineering – a busy schedule !

1st July

An event littered with problems for Stan Watt finally ended in him reluctantly pulling out of the second day in Wales after an oil leak forced his decision. This is the first event Stan has been unable to finish in approximately 5 years.

Moving on... Stan has just taken receipt of the latest 2009 KTM250 EXC which he will be riding for the rest of the season. His next race is at Rogershill Raceway on Wednesday 2nd July ’08 for the Southern Counties Evening 2 hour Hare and Hound event.

23th June

Sunday 22nd June, saw the 3rd round of the Southern Counties Enduro Championship take place at Rogershill Raceway in Dorset, UK. The 3 hour hare and hounds event boasted a 7 mile loop, consisting of fast flowing sections linking a mixture of small woods (including an extreme climb for expert riders), two motocross areas, a multiple jump segment and manmade enduro obstacles.
 
The event was dedicated to Lee Wheatley, who tragically passed away after a recent motorcycle accident and whom over the years has been an avid supporter and competitor at the SCEC events.
 
The championship riders set off on the allotted time (11am) as Josie Warr dropped the flag to initiate proceedings.
 
Mark Cornick on his 530 KTM took the holeshot, closely followed by Gary Wright on the 250 Yamaha, Stan Watt on his 250 Honda, Jeff Goss on his 250 Suzuki, Danny Hall on the 250 Honda and Brad King on a 250 Gas Gas. The first 3 riders appeared to make an initial break with Mark Cornick edging a gap between a battling Gary Wright and Stan Watt.
 
Midway through lap 1 Stan Watt moved into 2nd place in an attempt to close down the leader; this only made the encounter with Gary Wright more interesting as the pair consistently made do-or-die maneuvers on each other in an attempt to take control of 2nd place and settle their own race speed.

The pair continued to swap back and forth until lap 5 when Gary opted out of the extreme section. Although Stan had managed to clear the extreme section on the preceding laps, unfortunately this time he didn't, dropping his 250 Honda at the top of the sheer climb handing the advantage to Gary.

Stan continued to pushed hard on Lap 6 pulling back 40 seconds but again on lap 7 made the exact same mistake on the extreme section dropping off 2nd place by a further 2 minutes.
 
Over the next two laps Stan was unable to make any impact on Gary Wright’s 2nd place. Mark Cornick put together a series of fast and consistently impressive lap times to take the win from Gary Wright by 3mins 17secs, with Stan securing 3rd place a further 3mins 50secs back.
 
A good result for Stan and Frontrow GB as everyone prepares for the Welsh Two Day enduro due to start in two days, Llandrindod Wells, Wales, UK where Stan will be back on his favoured KTM 250 2t.

12th June

Meet the whole team and check out the KTM690 Rally Replicas motorcycles and MAN T5 6x6 truck at the World Enduro Championship in Wales on 19th and 20th July ’08. Stan Watt will be competing and we will have the full desert team along for the ride! Please come along to support Stan and meet the team.

12th June

Frontrow GB have confirmed their intention to compete at Dakar 2009 which, unusually, is taking place in South America.

The same old team will be racing but this time with the addition of Dave Marton who will act as a technician alongside Gordon MacDonald.

Dave has much experience at world championship level making him a key new addition to the team.

10th May

As the Cross Country World Championship makes its way to Sardinia, Frontrow GB make plans for a fast and furious season of racing. Starting in the UK with the Great Britain Cross Country Championship onto the Baja GB and the Baja 1000. Then it's into the US before traveling to more exotic climates in Egypt, Dubai and finally to Dakar ’09!

4th May

The Optic 2008 is over, Frontrow GB return home with their heads held high as Stan Watt takes a podium place!

And lets not forget the people whe made the Optic 2008 possible (undoubtably the true unsung heroes of these events).

Our thanks go to Team Manager Stuart Walker of, 'Walker Ecosse', for his time and support with his MAN 6x6 Motorsport Support truck without which the Optic 2008 would have been considerably harder.

Thanks to Gordon MacDonald and his amazing skills as a mechanic for giving up lots of sleep to ensure the smooth running of the bikes for day after day in the extreme desert conditions.

And finally to Scott Gardener without whom the bikes suspension setups and tuning would not have been capable of achieving such fantastic placings.

THANK YOU!

Optic 2000 Gallery

3rd May

Stan Watt comes in Third Overall! 

In the bike category, Olivier Pain (Yamaha 450) scores his first victory in a major African rally. The young Frenchman and his team mate Mickael Pisano, also riding Yamaha 450 who came in second, gave Yahama the spotlight on the podium. Close behind an amazing performance by Stan Watt from Great Britain finishing third on his KTM 690.

Optic 2000 Gallery

2nd May

Another great start for Stan saw him leading the rally by waypoint 2 only to suffer a mechanical problem as his exhaust manifold bolts dropped out because of the vibrations of the big 690.

His speed reduced to no more that 100km/h Stan pushed on as hard as he could and finished the stage in a very respectable 5th place.

Stan is now running 4th overall and first in the 450+ production class.

Derricks time today placed him 13th on stage 8 moving him up to 13th overall and 5th in class. A fine ride on some difficult navigation and terraign today.

Jon rode in in thirtieth place today and now holds 23rd place overall

Check out the audio link to hear first hand Stan's daily updates from the Desert!

Optic 2000 Gallery

1st May

The rally returns to Tunisia with another soft stage with technical navigation and lots of sandy dunes.

An amazing start for Stan saw him leading at Check Point 1 only to crash heavily damaging his rear fuel lines and his GPS losing over 15 minutes

Stan worked hard for the remainder of the stage and finished 4th overall only 9mins behind the leader putting him in 6th place overall only 1min 30secs behind his class leader

Derrick also fought hard to day on the 350km soft sandy special. Tough navigation and technical riding made for a hard day but 16th place on the stage only 10mins behind Stan puts Derrick at a highly respectable 15 overall and 7th in class

Jons time placed him 32nd on the stage and 25th overall.

The rally leader dropped out today because of engine failure and the total bike field has now reduced from 69 starters to only 39 bikes. Two days to the finish, can Stan take the class win?

The Frontrow GB complaint regarding time lost on stage 3 was overturned today because not enough motorbike competitors complained. The complaint was upheld for the car class and times were adjusted accordingly...

Optic 2000 Gallery

30th April

Exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures :

Stage 5 IDRI/IDRI will definitely be remembered. No major, but a few bikes and cars stopped with mechanical concerns, or in difficulty to rejoin the bivouac.

At 11 pm. Last night 95% of competitors were in the “park ferme” in Idri.
As dawn broke all competitors had rejoined the bivouac, The convoy followed the rally tracks of the special, or the assistance road for the late runners.

Stage 6 was therefore neutralized, no times were taken today. The race will continue as normal from tomorrow for stage 7 between Sinawin and El Borma.

At 11 pm. Last night 95% of competitors were in the “park ferme” in Idri. As dawn broke all competitors had rejoined the bivouac, The convoy followed the rally tracks of the special, or the assistance road for the late runners

Optic 2000 Gallery

29th April

350km through 300m dunes took its toll on a many competitors today but for Frontrow GB the sun shone brightly all day!

Stan Watts performance today was little short of inspirational as he split the Honda and Yamaha factory teams down the middle with a 6th place overall a mere 2 mins behind the stage leader!

This moves Stan upto 7th place overall, a mere 17 minutes behind his class leader Patrice Carillon

Derricks run to checkpoint one today was mindblowingly fast as he beat allcomers, but his flame may have burned a little too brightly early on as he dropped back to 23rd place on the stage but retained 15th place overall

Jon put in his now trademark steady performance finishing the stage unflustered in 27th position and holding the same overall ranking.

It seems the game is afoot! Can Stan use the power of the big KTM to move up to one of the coveted top 3 positions? Can he use his skill and technique to overtake Patrice Carillon? Long days are Stan speciality and tomorrow is the longest of them all....

Stan Watt (G-B/KTM 690) : At last a great result on the Rallye de Tunisie. Two days ago I had such a great start but ended up losing myself. … I love these high speed sections as my bike really finds its rhythm, as was the case today. But I didn’t take too many risks, as in this terrain an accident can quickly happen”.

Our comisserations to Ludivine Puy whose bike lies burning in the dunes...were glad you were not hurt and will race again.

Optic 2000 Gallery

28th April

A long stage today with the first of the dunes allowed Stan and Derrick the opportunity to claw back some of their lost time

By the end of stage 4 Stan rolled over the finish line in a time of only 6 hours. Not bad for 459km... Derrick and Jon also worked hard and their sweat was repaid with a serious rise in placings.

Stan gained 20 places to 13th overall and Derrick also picked up quite a few places ending his day at 20th. Jons 30th place overall continues his steady unflustered run.

A dune day tomorrow will allow the team another opportunity to gain places, but its a marathon stage which means no bike servicing tomorrow night. Fingers crossed for no mechanicals in the next 24 hours as Team FrontRowGB try to pull back the 30 mins they need to lead their class

They are still awaiting information regarding their request for a time 'rebate' after stage 3. Check the video below for Stage 3 info

Optic 2000 Gallery

27th April

At Km150 on Stage 3 Derrick and Stan were showing the other competitors exactly what their KTM690 were capable of as they led the entire rally with minutes in hand

However following an incorrect directional marker on piste they continued their race across an open plane criss crossed with tracks unaware of their mistake.

Other competitors were immediately made aware of the error by being redirected by a convenient helicopter, but for Stan and Derrick the lead was about to become 33rd and 34th places respectively as they lost 45 mins to the new leaders before regaining the correct tracks...

A protest has been lodged and the whole team is itching to get back out tomorrow and reclaim the postions lost today. Check out the days rally round up below.

Optic 2000 Gallery

Immediate embarkation for Tunisia
In a slow but orderly manner over 300, cars, bikes and Trucks of the “Rallye de Tunisie” embarked on a 24 hour crossing of the Med. Destination: La Goulette, arrival expected Friday Morning.

Following last nights’ Nocturnal qualifications rounds, all the teams are making the most of their time onboard to prepare themselves for their nine day African Adventure. On the program: general brief, road book study and last minute preparations. Also the opportunity, to spend one last night, in very comfortable beds!

It seems everybody is relaxed in these cruise conditions, either around the bar or on the outer decks watching the sun set. Most Competitors happy to meet up after many months of separation.

For the first time none of the contestants forfeited following technical checks, only two trucks were classed in the Open Category, by the FIA rules.
Stan Watt is anticipating Africa….A revelation in the Rallye du Maroc, Stan didn’t shine in the prologue, coming in 18th of the Super Special; you can understand his impatience to disembark in Tunisia.
Romain Bernard, Stéphane Enout both usually behind the scenes as writers for Auto Hebdo have decided to confront the elements and are discovering the Rallye de Tunise, 2008 as competitors. All the best to the new comers!

Pedro has ambitions! Landing a comfortable fourth position, Pedro Bianchi Prata, from Portugal is prepared to give it all he has got on the Rally de Tunisie 2008. After all he was filth in the Rallye dos Sertoes (Brazil) as well as the last Shamrock, the national champion is hopeful to show his talent on this Rally.

Leonid Novitskiy in the desert….In his Mitsubishi Pickup, Novitskiy promises a to be great show of talent as he makes his tracks through the African desert. He’s already shown what he can do back home recently winner of the Northern Forest Baja (Saint Petersbourg), he came in third in the qualification leg

Optic 2000 Gallery

The countdown to Tunisia has started!  Just days away from the start the team have been training hard.  The race starts on the 23rd and runs through until the 3rd May. Check back here to keep up with the team's progress!