Land Rover Supporting Wounded Soldiers Competing in Dakar Rally

Land RoverLand RoverUnited Kingdom, 1978 > present15 models
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9 videos
will provide official support the Race2Recovery rally team made up of 31 wounded UK soldiers who will enter the Dakar Rally in January 2013 with four Qt Wildcats. It will be the first time ever that a team with an amputee driver and co-driver will compete in the Dakar Rally.

Land Rover will supply DiscoveryLand Rover Discovery Gen.4United Kingdom, 2009 > present40 versions
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support vehicles, engines to the team, off-road driving training, spare parts, PR, marketing and financial support. It will give the team money to support logistics and management of the team. 

"Race2Recovery truly exemplifies 'enduring human spirit and powerfully symbolizes hope for all servicemen, and indeed civilians, recovering from disabilities caused by serious injury. We are proud to support the team's efforts to complete this incredible feat and raise funds for the service charities that helped them in their own recovery and rehabilitation," said Land Rover Brand Experience Director Mark Cameron.

The Qt Wildcat are based on the Land Rover DefenderLand Rover Defender Gen.1United Kingdom, 1983 > present122 versions
206 photos
1 video
with the same engines, axles and a few body parts. 

The team has multiple members with amputated limbs, a triple amputee and a member with paralyzed vocal cords. There are more experienced members of the team including team principal Pierre de Frenne, and co-driver Quinn Evans has finished in fourth place in the Dakar Rally. The rally will challenge the team to one of the most grueling automotive events in the world. 

"Race2Recovery is immensely proud that Land Rover has chosen to support our ethos and determination to succeed in the Dakar. Our team recognizes the power and strength of Land Rover-based products and technology and it's reflected in our choice of vehicle for this project. For all of us on the team, this is an opportunity to push the boundaries of the possible and to challenge the human spirit of adventure and ensure that our injuries do not dictate our lives," said Captain Tony Harris, driver of one of the Wildcats.

To prepare for Dakar, the team will enter a series of Rally Raids over the next several months including the Pharaons Rally Raid in Egypt in October. 

The Dakar Rally 2013 runs 5,000 miles over 15 days through Peru, Argentina, Chile. 

The team will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from June 28 to July 1 to show off the truck and meet supporters.