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ALDO Racing to compete in the Mexican 1000 Rally in the RAWD Class

Successful first tests for ALDO Racing Toyota Tacoma in the Mexican Desert.

ALDO Racing Toyota Tacoma in the Mexican Desert

ALDO Racing Toyota Tacoma in the Mexican Desert

Montreal, Canada - Following two successful days of testing in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico on May 7 and 8, the Canadian ALDO Racing Team is ready for its next step of development with their recently acquired Toyota Tacoma Overdrive. On tap: the four-day NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally, on Sunday May 11 in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico.

The Sonoran Desert two-day tests were held to enable rally driver David Bensadoun to get acquainted with the driveability of his new competition truck which was acquired last April, and to make sure the vehicle was mechanically sound for its first upcoming rally. Following the first day of the two-day test, the team had to make sizeable changes to the driver side of the twin cab Toyota, as David was not comfortable with the seating set-up. With more legroom, ALDO Racing was then able to run a time-improved simulation rally-raid stage the next day.

"This Toyota is amazing compared to our previous rally Desert Warrior prototype, and David (Bensadoun) is having the time of his life driving it," says codriver Patrick Beaulé. "When we left Montreal a few days ago, we had some doubts as we were heading into uncharted territory with an untested vehicle. But as soon as we hit dirt the first day, we knew right away we had made the right move. On day 2, speed increased as David felt more at ease after the team spent the previous night adjusting his seating arrangement. Then, we really noticed the incredible power of the V8 Toyota. These tests are a sure sign of good things to come."

As for David Bensadoun, he was thrilled with his new ride, especially with the Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox, which is better suited to his driving style compared to the H-Type transmission on the previously-owned Desert Warrior. "I'm very happy with the new vehicle and totally pleased with the performances of the Toyota," says David, who said that the technical team will have to improve his seating position in order to maximize his comfort while driving at full speed in rally conditions. With at least 70% more power from the Toyota engine, the truck reacts more quickly, and that's a major plus as I will be able to better manage the vehicle slides."

Sunday start for the Mexican 1000 Rally The first test for the recently acquired ALDO Racing Toyota Tacoma Overdrive begins Sunday from Ensenada in Baja California, the starting point for the 2014 National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 Rally. This event is a 1,110-kilometre rally-raid event. At the four-day rally with nightly bivouac stops, the ALDO Racing Toyota Tacoma will be entered in the Rally All Wheel Drive class (RAWD).

"Analysing the four-day rally routes, it seems like the first day is a sort of soft "welcome to the rally" with a 50/50 liaison sections and special stages, while Day 2 has 77% of the 646-kilometre route strictly made of long special-stage competitions. But, appearances can be deceiving," concludes Patrick Beaulé.

Rally Route - Day 1
Ensenada to Santo Tomas: a 45-kilometre transit stage
Santo Tomas to San Quentin: a 246-kilometre special stage
San Quentin to Catavina: a 162.5-kilometre transit stage
Catavina to Santa Rosalita: a 207.6-kilometre special stage
Santa Rosalita to Bahia de Los Angeles for their first bivouac stop: a 104.4-kilometre transit stage

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