Robby Gordon’s Dakar effort is making news before the race even starts. Just weeks prior to the rally, Gordon’s team added a third Hummer H3 driven by Chilean Carlo De Gavardo. Now, at the last moment, Ronn Bailey has been replaced in the second Hummer by SCORE Trophy Truck driver BJ Baldwin.
Baldwin teamed with Gordon in the 2008 Central European Rally, where he placed 1st in class and 7th overall. That happened to be ahead Gordon, who placed 10th overall after suffering a wheel and hub failure on one of the stages. Apparently Gordon was not upset about BJ finishing ahead of him, as he tapped Baldwin as the replacement driver for Ronn Bailey after Bailey could not attend. Four Wheeler had the exclusive opportunity to speak with BJ Baldwin today as his vehicle went through scrutineering.
FW- So when did you find out that you would be driving in the Dakar Rally?
FW- That seems like a nice present, but not very much time to prepare.
BJ- This is the same Vanguard Security Hummer that I drove in the Central European Rally so I am pretty familiar with it. Plus I have an excellent navigator in Kellen Walch.
FW- So you think that your chances are pretty good?
BJ- I am hear to support Robby, not to try to win. Robby picked me because he knows that I can run fast (BJ was the 2008 SCORE series champion) and get parts to him if necessary.
FW- Was there any concern about driving an H3 shod with Toyo tires from your title sponsor, General Tire?
BJ- Neither company will be promoting me in this race, I am here for Robby and to be a team player and get a win in Dakar for America. At the same time, my sponsor General Tire is smart enough to realize that this is a great opportunity for me to learn more about the rally and explore the potential of fielding our own Dakar program in the future.