MEANWHILE IN AFRICA...
Those more active on social media will have seen our mad African 911 heading to the Sahara desert. In the hands of Agostino Rizzardi, yesterday the wolf´s Porsche took the start line of the 2023 Morocco Desert Challenge, Africa’s biggest and most beautiful cross-country rally-raid, with more than 1000 participants (racers & mechanics) and a large organisation team of 200 people, and 2 helicopters!
And yet, despite the high level of the race, there’s still a big difference with the FIA/FIM races and the world’s largest rally. Team spirit and camaraderie are values which are extremely important as it’s the amateurs and hobby riders who made this rally big and the atmosphere that comes with it.
THE RALLY
Unlike the Dakar, which has evolved into a loop rally with zero geographical interest, the Morocco Desert Challenge offers a “coast to coast” adventure. In eight stages the participants cross a maximum part of Morocco, along the Algerian border, as far away as possible from the tourist zones. The participants therefore do not sleep in hotels, but in beautiful, self-built desert bivouacs.
But what makes this rally unique is the Zero-Kilometer liaison concept. Between the start of the first stage and the finish of the last one, there is literally no kilometer connection. Each stage starts and finishes in a bivouac. "We got rid of the ‘necessary evil’ of the rally world. It was not easy, but under the motto ‘difficult is a way too’, after three explorations we have composed a perfect succession of beautiful and varied tracks," said Organizer Gert Duson. "Zero km liaison is not only our new standard; it is a trend that many will (have to) follow."
THE MACHINE
Countrysideways’ 1991 964 Carrera 4 has been almost entirely modified in its home garage: its 5-speed manual gearbox and its flat-6 engine, upgraded in order to perform on long distance hi-temp runs, are the only parts kept from the original car.
Inspired by the 953, (the official Porsche 911 variant that won the 1984 Paris-Dakar driven by René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne), the chassis has been completely strengthened and lightened.
Added a roll cage and a 9 mm stainless steel plate preventing accidental damages.
Two 80 + 80 liters tanks provide fuel to the car’s 300+ horsepower.
Tires are 35” BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KDR2 — same ones the MINI won the Dakar three times with.
Behind them, 4 double wishbone suspensions and 4 couples of adjustable Reiger shock absorbers with separated oil tanks keep them in contact with the surface.
