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Ricky Brabec Claims Victory As the Dakar 2024 Champion
It’s official. Brabec has gained it. He’s performed it twice now. He’s the Dakar 2024 Champion. After a grueling 12 levels, Ricky Brabec has secured yet one more championship since his total win in 2020.
He commanded a snug lead stepping into the final stage. His consistency served him effectively all through the Rally. Starting from stage six, he discovered himself on the high of the leaderboards, although he hadn’t gained a stage at that time. Following that, it was constant efficiency after efficiency as Brabec pulled away from the remainder of the competitors.
The Monster Energy Honda Team, with Brabec, was in a position to lock down the lead place. Going into the ultimate spherical, solely a mere end was wanted to get the highest spot. Hats off to Honda as effectively for securing two podium spots. The Hero Motosports Team discovered itself between two reds when the mud settled.
Ross Branch, Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren
| Position | Driver | Team | Time |
| 1st | (USA) RICKY BRABEC | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM | 51 hours half-hour 8 seconds |
| 2nd | (BWA) ROSS BRANCH | HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY | 51 hours 41 minutes 1 second |
| third | (FRA) ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM | 51 hours 42 minutes 33 seconds |
Brabec secured first place, and Ross Branch put up a valiant combat in opposition to and managed a second-place end. Adrien Van Beveren had a couple of minute and a half between Branch, solely tailing Branch by a couple of minute and a half. If you have a look at the splits, Brabec just about had this within the bag, with about 11 minutes (10 minutes and 53 seconds) separating him from Branch.
During the first few rounds of the rally, Branch put out win after win with the general lead going to him by the start of stage six. Even if Branch claimed headlines at the beginning of the Rally, he was nonetheless in a position to produce an excellent end result amid competitors heating up in direction of the latter a part of the rally. Branch said after the ultimate stage: “The challenge is to better myself and come back stronger next year.”
Ross Branch
Adrien Van Beveren
This additionally marks the second time that Brabec has gained the Dakar Rally. His first total win got here in 2020 and 4 years later, he will get to rejoice as soon as once more.
“It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory. It wasn’t easy. The course was really tough. The competition was tough. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. Overall, it was a good rally. This time was a little bit different. I feel like this one was more earned. This time was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. It’s been tight. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard for me, but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.”
2024 Africa Eco Race: Cerutti And Aprilia Still In The Lead After Stage 9
You need to really feel slightly little bit of sympathy for Yamaha racer Alessandro Botturi. Sure, he is been using within the high three all all through the 2024 Africa Eco Race to date. He’s gained a number of levels, too. In reality, he is carried out so effectively that he was the uncommon rider who hadn’t had any time penalties assessed in opposition to him throughout this occasion; that’s, till Stage Nine.
For the stage, the 2024 Africa Eco Race subject did a loop across the metropolis of Amodjar in Mauritania. An exquisite place, but in addition a sizzling and difficult one for the riders. Technically, Botturi did end forward of his two closest rivals. However, a six-minute velocity penalty knocked his time again down, and it was Jacopo Cerutti on his Aprilia Tuareg 660 that picked up the official stage win.
Leading from the entrance of the pack is one factor, however one of the crucial enjoyable issues to observe in racing is redemption runs. When you might have a rider begin from someplace within the again, after which they’re in a position to steadily overtake till they end in a significantly better spot than they began, it is what makes racing enjoyable. No one likes a parade, proper?
Remember Joan Pedrero and his Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250? It’s a large machine in comparison with lots of his rivals, however Pedrero has been cementing each his and the Pan America’s bona fides in rally raids for the previous couple of years. At the start of Stage Nine of the 2024 AER, he began in twenty third place. Even although he briefly crashed through the stage, he someway managed to maintain his eyes on the prize and end in ninth place for the stage. That’s a 14-place bounce. Impressive, if we do say so ourselves.
Here are the highest 10 riders within the 2024 Africa Eco Race for Stage Nine.
| Racer | Team | Time |
| Jacopo Cerutti | Aprilia Racing GCorse | 04:27:14 |
| Pol Tarrés | Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team | 04:29:19 |
| Alessandro Botturi | Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team | 04:31:15 |
| Marco Aurelio Fontana | Honda Genuine Oil | 04:43:52 |
| Marco Menichini | Solarys Racing | 04:47:28 |
| Alexandre Vaudan | Casteu Trophy | 04:55:40 |
| Attilio Fert | France Road Book | 04:56:17 |
| Giovanni Gritti | RSMoto Racing Team Honda Oil | 04:58:41 |
| Joan Pedrero Garcia | Harley-Davidson | 05:20:52 |
| Kevin Durand | RS Moto | 05:25:08 |
2024 Africa Eco Race Overall Rider Standings After Stage Nine
The penalty assessed in opposition to Botturi for Stage Nine signifies that Cerutti and Aprilia are within the lead as soon as once more. It’s nonetheless not an enormous hole between him and Botturi, but it surely’s getting slightly bit greater at simply over seven minutes.
Here are the general rider standings after Stage Nine.
| Racer | Team | Time |
| Jacopo Cerutti | Aprilia Racing GCorse | 35:42:01 |
| Alessandro Botturi | Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team | 35:49:05 |
| Pol Tarrés | Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team | 36:06:28 |
| Giovanni Gritti | RSMoto Racing Team Honda Oil | 39:27:45 |
| Alexandre Vaudan | Casteu Trophy | 39:58:02 |
| Marco Aurelio Fontana | Honda Genuine Oil | 41:07:32 |
| Attilio Fert | France Road Book | 41:10:55 |
| Marco Menichini | Solarys Racing | 41:20:42 |
| Francesco Montanari | Aprilia Racing GCorse | 42:21:06 |
| Nicolas Charlier | Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team | 43:15:11 |
With solely three levels remaining within the 12-stage route that’s the 2024 Africa Eco Race, there’s nonetheless loads that may occur.
Jet-Powered Go-Kart Racing Looks Like All Kinds of Sketchy Fun
Robert Maddox, also known as Rocketman, builds pulsejet engines and installs them in motorcycles and go-karts. In a thrilling video, he and a friend take two of these incredible machines for a high-speed ride across a dry lake bed.
Both vehicles are truly impressive. The blue machine resembles a motorcycle with four wheels, featuring a large exhaust chimney at the back. Meanwhile, the red kart is equipped with three stacked pulsejets, giving it a cartoonish appearance.
Motor1.com reached out to Maddox for more information about these builds. The blue vehicle is powered by a 250-pound-thrust pulsejet engine called Maddoxjets, which runs on gasoline. It has a reed valve that allows air into the combustion chamber but closes off during the explosion. According to Maddox, starting the valved engine requires a significant amount of air, and using a leaf blower is easier than compressed air.
The red kart, on the other hand, uses a valve-less design with no moving parts. It generates a total of 150 pounds of thrust from the three pipes. According to Maddox, if he made a single engine with the same thrust, it would be too large to fit on a kart.
This vehicle uses liquid propane to start and then runs on diesel. Maddox mentioned that he has developed his own fuel injection for the kart and believes it should be patented. He uses both diesel and propane because diesel provides more power, runs cooler, and is easier to refuel, allowing him to run for a longer time without having to fill the propane tank.
The video above demonstrates how Maddox constructs his pulsejet engines as he assembles a larger one for the red kart. He uses a waterjet cutter to create the components, rolls them into tubes, and welds everything together.
If you’re interested in the science behind pulsejets, you can check out a senior project by students from California Polytechnic State University. They designed a pulsejet with a dual intake and a single exhaust.
Zuckerberg Ready to Move On From Proposed Cage Fight With Elon Musk
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has expressed his readiness to fight Elon Musk in a cage match, but it seems like he’s ready to put the idea behind him. Musk recently mentioned that he was training for the fight by lifting weights at the office. In response, Zuckerberg claimed he has been prepared for the fight since the day Elon challenged him. Despite the significant size difference between the two, with Zuckerberg being 5 feet 8 inches tall and Musk over 6 feet, Zuckerberg’s experience seems to intimidate Musk. In a direct message, Musk suggested that his size advantage would give him the win, but he also expressed concern that Zuckerberg might possess skills like “a modern-day Bruce Lee” and somehow come out on top.
This is the full message: pic.twitter.com/UzbKoIkFOc
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 13, 2023
The two have been training for the fight by sparring with certified mixed martial artists. Zuckerberg has been seen training with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Musk, on the other hand, has been spotted training with former UFC great Georges St. Pierre. However, there seems to be more to the fight than just a physical competition. Musk recently announced that the fight with Zuckerberg would be live-streamed on Twitter, as video live-streaming is being actively tested on X, alongside video calling. Zuckerberg, on the other hand, raised the question of whether the fight should be broadcasted on a “more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity.”
Discover the Transformation of an Old School Bus into a Stylish Camper
Ever since Weston can remember, he has been fascinated by the tiny home and vanlife movements. As a carpenter, he stumbled upon a short school bus for sale on Craigslist five years ago and instantly fell in love with the idea. For Weston, the skoolie became a personal space where he could work, travel, and visit friends.
The kitchen in his camper includes a sink, a two-burner propane stove, and a vintage Frigidaire refrigerator with a classic look. To create a unique countertop and cabinets, Weston used African mahogany and Brazilian cherry wood, adding pullouts for extra storage. While the refrigerator runs on 120-volt power, Weston ensures a steady energy supply with solar panels and batteries.
When it comes to renovating the skoolie, Weston takes advantage of repurposed items and materials. He covers the ceiling and most of the trim with wood veneer and uses canvas curtains and packing blankets for insulation purposes. To maximize space and flexibility, he installed driver and passenger seats from an old Chevrolet Astro Van that can swivel to face the back of the bus.
One of the remarkable features of Weston’s camper is the large couch and the massive dining room table that resemble a sectional sofa surrounding a conference table. Hidden within the couch is additional storage space, along with room for batteries and a 50-gallon water tank. The table can easily be converted into a sleeping area, allowing for comfortable accommodation for three people when combined with the sofa.
Aside from his camper life, Weston’s journey aligns with many others who seek the freedom of the road. After completing college, he worked as a data analyst but quickly grew tired of the nine-to-five grind. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased the school bus and left his job to venture into landscaping. Along the way, he worked as a counselor for troubled youth before transitioning to full-time carpentry. Today, Weston freelances, taking on various projects such as custom motorhomes, restaurants, and even a music studio in Mexico City.
Even as Weston plans to buy land in the future, he intends to continue using his skoolie. His ultimate goal is to establish a workshop where he can pursue carpentry work and personalize other campers on a full-time basis.
Team Toyota’s Ezra Frech: Advocating for Mobility for All
Ezra Frech, the newest member of Team Toyota and a U.S. Paralympian, has been a strong advocate for mobility and disability rights since a young age. Born with congenital limb differences, Frech believes that mobility is a basic human right.
Frech emphasizes the unique ways in which mobility is expressed by individuals, especially within the Paralympic community. As a Paralympic athlete participating in events such as high jump, long jump, and sprinting, he and his family have dedicated their athletic careers to normalizing disability.
Having grown up without a mainstream media figure with a disability to look up to, Frech aims to be that role model for the next generation. He co-founded Angel City Sports and the Angel City Games, an annual multi-sport competition that offers adaptive sports opportunities to athletes across the nation.
For Frech, mobility is personally essential as it enables him to compete as a Paralympic athlete. He recognizes the significant advancements in technology that have allowed him to move freely and compete at the highest level.
Overcoming Challenges
Frech was born missing his left knee, fibula, and fingers on his left hand. He received his first prosthetic leg and underwent surgery as a toddler to remove the lower leg. At the age of four, he began using a running leg and embarked on his sporting journey.
Throughout his upbringing, Frech played soccer, basketball, and flag football before committing to track and field. Despite facing odds, he proclaimed at the age of 11 that he would compete in the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Despite the seemingly impossible nature of his goal, Frech worked tirelessly and made numerous sacrifices to bring his dream to fruition. Ultimately, he qualified for the Tokyo Games, finishing fifth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump. Frech firmly believes in setting ambitious goals and relentlessly pursuing them, both in athletics and in life.
Advocating for the Paralympic Movement
Frech’s ambition extends beyond his personal athletic career. He envisions significant growth and development for the Paralympic Games as a whole. As a member of Team Toyota, he sees an opportunity to enhance disability awareness and understanding surrounding the Paralympics.
Frech’s partnership with Toyota aligns with the company’s long-term belief in the Paralympic Games, their stories, sports, and community. He aims to contribute to the expansion of the Paralympic movement on a national and international scale.
Currently, Frech’s focus is on training for upcoming competitions. After completing high school, he plans to take a gap year to dedicate more time to his athletic pursuits. With major events like the World Championships in the near future and the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, he has decided to delay college admission to prioritize training.
Frech has also been overcoming an Achilles injury that affected his season and the college recruitment process. During his recovery, he has found support and inspiration from fellow Team Toyota athlete Jarryd Wallace, who has faced similar challenges. The sense of camaraderie within Team Toyota provides valuable mentorship and motivation for young athletes like Frech.
Ultimately, Frech believes in the power of teamwork, inspiring teammates to work harder and push their limits. While track and field may be an individual sport, being part of Team Toyota fosters a sense of community and collective encouragement.
HERITAGE HUSKY TX300 PROJECT
We have been working with Dick Wilk for a long time. He is an experienced desert racer turned tuner and suspension specialist known for building powerful machines and improving their suspension. Recently, Dick brought us his latest creation based on the Husqvarna TX300. He was amazed by the stock engine, calling it the best 300 engine he has ever worked with. Despite his passion for modifying engines, he decided to leave this one stock, an unusual choice for him.
In addition to the engine, Dick put a lot of effort into upgrading the suspension. He installed his Hybrid AER kit on the air fork, which includes new valving and a spring setup. The goal was to improve versatility, provide a more comfortable ride, and achieve better balance. As for the shock, he made modifications to enhance traction, improve performance in rough terrain, and make the bike suitable for both desert racing and woods riding.
Dick has a special fondness for Husqvarna motorcycles, having raced them since the early 1980s. So, for his personal machine, he chose graphics that embrace the “Heritage” look. He also installed special wheels, made comfort updates, and added features to enhance high-speed handling and off-road protection. Let’s take a closer look at his modified Husqvarna TX300, the modifications he made, and the reasons behind them.
• Dick opted for a Scalvini cone pipe and silencer to handle the exhaust system of the TX300.
• Being an avid Husqvarna fan, he loved the “Heritage” look of the TX300. Decal Works took care of the graphics while Tusk rotors were added. The bike received black hubs with gold rims, Dunlop tires, and Nitromousse foam inserts in both wheels.
• For off-road riding, Dick installed a Seat Concepts Comfort saddle to provide better feel and traction while riding. The comfort shape of the seat maintains a similar contour to the stock seat at the front, allowing the rider’s legs to remain close together. Towards the middle, the seat tapers out to distribute the rider’s weight over a larger area. The Element cover of the seat features four traction ribs.
Custom gold/black wheels, Dunlop MX33 tires, a Primary drive chain and sprockets, Flexx bars, and a Scotts steering damper enhance Dick’s TX300.
The rear end of the bike underwent significant changes to match the performance of the Hybrid forks. A stiffer spring was installed for a 200-pound rider, and the valving was adjusted to provide smoother action, improved rebound, and increased resistance to bottoming out. The new no-tools adjusters made testing easier, although the rebound adjustment was a bit challenging. Nitromousse foam tubes were added inside the Dunlop MX33 tires, and the bike also received Tusk discs, sprockets, and a gold O-ring chain. The stock white plastic was replaced with OEM white plastic covered with graphics designed by Dicks Racing and produced by Decal Works. Additionally, a P3 carbon fiber skid plate with a linkage guard replaced the stock plastic skid plate.
Dick chose Flexx handlebars and a Scotts steering damper mounted on a BRP mount for improved feel, comfort, and stability. He also addressed the vulnerability of the radiator hose located between the frame and exhaust pipe. To prevent potential damage from rocks or debris, he added a tidy-white plastic splitloom protector.
Dicks Racing has been refining the AER forks since their introduction in 2017. Dick’s Hybrid system incorporates a new cartridge that accepts a spring while still utilizing the AER cartridge at a significantly reduced pressure (140psi down to 55psi). This eliminates the initial harshness caused by the excessive AER pressure. The Hybrid system retains the lightweight, progressive, and adjustable characteristics of the AER forks while providing a plush, controlled, and capable performance on big hits. STR also developed special push-button bleeders to complete the package.
Dick Wilk was impressed by the response and strength of the new powerplant. The throttle-body injection system and the electronically controlled power valve have greatly improved the powerband compared to the previous generation. The only modification he made to the engine was adding a Scalvini cone pipe and silencer. Most of his development time was spent on suspension tuning. The all-new frame required new settings to achieve the desired results. Both the front and rear suspension needed adjustments to provide better performance in rocky sections while maintaining proper support through whoops and G-outs.