| An important aspect in the training of the young Japanese drivers who will be active not just in the Dakar Rally but at the top level of racing in general, is participation in various categories of motor sports. This time, rather than using speed rally drivers, Nissan has appointed to its rookie program successful riders at the top of the two-wheel class of the Dakar Rally. Nissan is seeking the kind of talent that is provided by enduro riders who know the Paris-Dakar thoroughly and can also judge road surfaces superbly. Though not producing instant winners and perhaps needing considerable time to produce results, this approach is a wise choice for the Dakar Rally where experience is vital. It also demonstrates Nissan Motor’s integrity in regard to the Dakar Rally. Moreover, many Paris-Dakar competitors have switched from the two-wheel to the four-wheel class. Hubert Auriol, organizer of the Dakar Rally to 2003, has a shining record in both classes. |
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South Africa’s Alfie Cox is a top contender in the two-wheel class and also a Nissan pick-up test driver.
The two rookies recently selected by Nissan are Yoshio Ikemachi (born November 24, 1971; aged 31) and Jun Mitsuhashi (born July 2, 1970; aged 33). Both are off-road enduro riders with a wealth of experience in the two-wheel class in international rallies like the Paris-Dakar. Ikemachi, who finished 10th overall and was the number 1 privateer in the 2000 rally (Dakar-Cairo), has achieved the best results of any Japanese to date. And Mitsuhashi, who this year entered the rally for the third consecutive year, was the top privateer rider in 2002 and 12th overall in that year. |
