Dave Schwarz denied Top 20 Dakar finish by controversial 4hr penalty Lobethal’s, S.A, Dave Schwarz finished the 09, 30th Historic Argentina-Chile Dakar event in 36th overall position. If it wasn’t for a controversial penalty, involving a non GPS recording of a check point on the difficult stage 13, the result would be much different. Schwarz said this check point was added after the change of the stage on the morning and it was positioned only 2klms also from the end of the days stage. Schwarz was travelling with a car who’s GPS marked the point, but his didn’t and couldn’t figure out why. For Schwarz’s 09 self funded effort, it was devastating news, although just to finish the grueling Dakar Event is a major task, finishing a credible 36th outright is still a fantastic achievement from the 235 starters. For Schwarz so bitter sweet, considering he was as high as 12th outright on day 3, when for the rest of the event, he had been consistently running inside the Top 21. Remove the 4 hr controversial penalty and would have finished the 09 Event 20th outright. Dave’s only other comment about the infamous reduced 260klm difficult stage 13,that it was it nearly all 2nd and 3rd gear and trying to conquer nearly impossible hills and was some of the hardest riding he has ever done in 20 years of Enduro’s and Rally’s. Aside from that disappointment there were some memorable moments and some high praise from both David Casteu on early stage 3. And eventual Race Winner Marc Coma who on stage 5 told Dave he was riding very well and he was having trouble keeping up with him. And it wasn’t until the big Factory 700 cc could stretch it legs on the fast open section that it became the only chance to get by the Quick South Australian. On more positive note, Schwarz could not talk highly enough of his Australian support crew this year seasoned Rally Rider Garry Connell and Ian Drysdale of Drysdale V8 motorcycle fame. Both have now had their first taste of an event like Dakar, it has surely been a eye opener and lifetime experience for both and have passed comment that Dave must be totally Mad to do what he does for 15 days. Schwarz said he would love to have them again if there’s another opportunity to attend another demanding Dakar Adventure. As for the A.S.O orginisation Schwarz gave it 8 out of 10, for this year’s event held for the first time outside African shores in 30 years. The Schwarz Camp was really impressed with the set up at the daily Bivouacs, showers and the availability of lot nicer variety of food, including substantial qty of Chicken and Steaks. Many Team Managers discuss the race that was in 09 and look too potentially to sign riders for the following year’s event. Schwarz will be hoping that some Factory Managers past the final position finished and look to what Dave Schwarz has to offer of No Fuss, Consistency and the Boxing Kangaroo’s never give up attitude. Dave Schwarz has again proven that he is arguably one of the Top Riders in the World of the Rally. |