Adria proves its worth on Dakar Rally with KTM Factory Racing Team
In the world of motorsport, there are few tougher events than the Dakar Rally. The 2016 edition held in Argentina and Bolivia has just concluded, testing men and machines to the ultimate, with only the best surviving over the 9,000 km of the roughest topography imaginable.
Hardly a natural environment for a motorhome you might think. Even the support vehicles which move from base camp to base camp every day have to cover large distances over inhospitable terrain.
In the motorbike section of the rally, no brand can claim such Dakar dominance as KTM. The Austrian manufacturer this year claimed its 15th consecutive win on the event courtesy of relative rookie, 28 year old Toby Price who was competing on only his second Dakar. The Australian, ably supported by Stefan Svitko who came second and Pablo Quintanilla on KTM sister brand Husqvarna, proved a worthy successor to legendary KTM riders Cyril Despres and Marc Coma , who dominated the Dakar over the last ten years.
Naturally a team accustomed to such success expects the best. Ensuring that Toby and the rest of the KTM team were fully refreshed at the start of each new stage, a fleet of Adria-Mobil Sonic and Matrix motorhomes spent a hectic two weeks keeping up with the Dakar ‘circus’. Racing ahead of the riders to the next bivouac, they provided much needed rest and recuperation for the KTM team. For the riders who can spend 10 to 12 hours a day riding, it’s certain a hot shower, a good night’s sleep and some space to relax and get some privacy were much appreciated.
This was the fourth year running that Adria motorhomes completed the rally. The Sonic and Matrix motorhomes used were regular vehicles straight off the Adria production line, just with some added spare wheels, air conditioning, awnings and some accessories added. Operating in extreme conditions, being a Dakar support vehicle is the surely the ultimate test in proving reliability and durability of a coach-build motorhomes.
In Ireland a full selection of Adria Motorhomes is available from Pat Horan Motorhomes, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary – see http://www.pathoranmotors.com
