Dakar too expensive? Race the Plymouth-Banjul Challenge

Many of us have dreamed of some day racing in the Dakar Rally, but few of us can afford the price of a vehicle plus the hefty entrance fee (€11,700). The Plymouth-Banjul Challenge is aimed at those of us who might not be able to afford the Dakar but still want to do something similar, with every bit as much adventure. The Challenge lays down few rules, and two of them are there to limit the amount of money spent on the race. Vehicles must not be worth more than £100, and racers must not spend more than £15 in preperation. All of the vehicles are auctioned off in Gambia at the end of the race to raise money for Gambian charities. If you have the time and are lacking in the adventure department then you may want to look into the Plymouth-Banjul Challenge.

In Dakar news, a broad overview of the route has been released and you can now view the 2006 Dakar route map online. 2006 will be the first year a Mauritanian motorcyclist will participate in the Dakar and the rally will cross a new country by starting in Portugal in the capitol city of Lisbon. The motorcycle category has been filled, with 320 total entrants outnumbering the 230 possible spots. This year also marks the adoption of a 150km/h (93mph) speed limit for motorcycles and trucks, with organizers currently researching a speed limit for cars. Interested parties can view Dakar registration information but are warned that it may lead to excessive dreaming.