The Dakar 2018 has starred in several episodes that prove not only the demand for the tough race that is the Dakar, but also its unpredictability — we've already mentioned some of the facts about the legendary race here.
Trucks are not immune to difficulties. They too, whether assistance trucks or not, are subject to problems and difficulties on the Dakar — we also have a special on these most spectacular “monsters” that is worth reading. Believe!
Well then, Jordi Juvanteny's truck, a MAN 6×6 it is a service truck. Since assistance during competitions is only allowed between competitors, official teams use these trucks to provide quick assistance to their cars in case of breakdown and/or accident. These T4.3 class trucks are the “insurance policy” of the top teams when things are going less well. Well, but who assists the assistance trucks?
The team, aboard the MAN 6×6 with the number 519 was “trapped” at the bottom of a “hole”, surrounded by dunes, literally with no way out. The 12-tonne truck and the six-wheel drive could do little to climb the sandy slope that surrounded them in the middle of the Peruvian desert. … three days later! That's right, no mistake, three days later.
The audience, dubbed by Jordi Juvanteny the “miracle,” arrived in the form of “Bulldozer,” a sizeable Caterpillar backhoe with caterpillars. After several hours, it was possible to undo part of the dune, creating a “road” in the form of a ramp with a lighter slope for the truck to leave.
Video source: La Vanguardia