Leaving Buenos Aires on January 4, more than 500 competitors started the annual Dakar Rally: a two-week off-roading adventure through Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. Photo: AP/ AFP/ Facebook
The ten stage off-road rally come to an end with three participants from each category being crowned winners.
Tuesday's ninth stage was a 450km run from Iquique to Calama.
Hit a hazardous patch along the route at a high rate of speed and you find yourself flipping end-over-end, exiting the endurance rally prematurely.
A Calgary driver had been released from a South American hospital after he was injured in a crash Saturday during an off-road rally through the Bolivian desert. Matt Campbell, 63, and two teammates were taking part in the legendary Dakar Rally when
There's no doubt that the Dakar Rally is one of motor sport's most dangerous events, with drivers roaring through South American terrain - much of it unmarked desert - as fast as possible.
The two week long rally is taking a toll on both man and machine.
The Krakow native was riding a 450 Rally Replica KTM and was in 84th position in the overall ranking of the motorcycle category. He had previously participated in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2014 and the Morocco Rally in 2013, both of which he
Organizers say a competitor in the Dakar Rally has died of unknown causes. The circumstances of his death have not yet been determined. His death is the first in this year's Dakar rally.
The riders' classification is now led by last year's winner, Marc Coma, who was placed second going into Monday's ride.
The gruelling 784 kilometre (416km timed) trek from Bolivia's salt flats in Uyuni to Iquique led to a host of high profile contenders for the 2015 title limping out, including last year's runner-up Jordi Viladoms.
The 450 kilometre route took competitors from the seaside town of Iquique through the Atacama Desert and up into the foot of the Andes at Calama.
Here is a look at Dakar 2015 in progress, as teams race back to Buenos Aires on January 17.
Harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and standing water on the Uyuni Salt Flats, have taken their toll on a number of vehicles already.
The vehicles—which include specialized cars, trucks, motorcycles, and quadbikes—are currently on stage nine of 13 between Iquique and Calama, Chile.