Montreal – Following Monday’s first real challenge of the 2015 Dakar for the ALDO Racing Team, Canadians David Bensadoun and Patrick Beaulé were back on track Tuesday for an easier Stage 3 that took them from San Juan to Chilecito, Argentina where they crossed the finish line in 43rd position. Starting 51st on the day for a short 26 kilometre liaison that led them to a less intense 284 kilometre special stage, the Bensadoun-Beaulé tandem had no problem dealing with the red earth tracks, overlooking steep peaks and plunging down into canyons, that took them through one of the most beautiful regions of Argentina. Their day ended with a long 232 kilometre scenic journey in Chilecito.
Of the 137 cars that left Buenos Aires on Sunday for the start of the Dakar, three retired on the first day and 34 more did not show up this morning at the starting grid. Stage 4 will see the ALDO Team cross the Andes for the first time this year into Chile where they will finish their day in Copiapo.
Recap of Stage 2 on Monday
One of Bensadoun’s nightmares materialized in Stage 2 of the Dakar, when his ALDO Toyota Tacoma rolled over on its side near the end of the first real test for all competitors. Even though it was damaged, they continued on to San Juan to finish 57th overall, a slight slide from a 47th place finish on Sunday. The ALDO mechanics spent part of the night overhauling the Toyota which was on the starting grid on Tuesday morning.
ALDO Racing finish position following Stage 2: 57th
ALDO Racing overall standings following Stage 2: 51st
ALDO Racing finish position following Stage 3: 43rd
By Max d'Orsonnens