Ramses’ Rally Journal brings you stories, photos and videos from the toughest off-road race in the world, the 2010 Dakar Rally. Toyo Tires’ own Ramses Perez follows the journey of legendary off-road and NASCAR racer Robby Gordon on his quest for victory.

Saturday, December 19, marked the start of a long and important process for Team Hummer. The two remaining Hummers, the 302 of Robby Gordon and the 326 of de Gavardo, were shipped via freight to Miami where they will board a jetliner that will take the Hummers to Buenos Aires.

Robby Gordon’s Hummer was ready to go days prior but little things like the pedal resistance, bleeding the brakes and other small details needed to be completed.

The 326 Hummer had to be finished that morning. With the engine firing up and its final shakedown in the deserts of Palm Springs, the third Hummer was finally ready for battle. The guys at the shop did a great job considering the time constraints they had with this third Hummer.

I am so amazed in the amount of work and dedications these guys have for their job. They are very proud of what they do. The races are won in the garage prior to the events. The right preparation means less trouble for the drivers, and in Dakar stages are sometimes won by just seconds.

De Gavardo is very happy with the Hummer. He and his co-driver Juan Pablo were there every step of the way. He is very exited to be a part of Team Hummer and swears the whole country of Chile will be watching and cheering for us throughout the Rally. The Hummers are the crowd favorites, and you will see when we arrive at these towns, the thousands of fans that cheer for us: “Hummer, Hummer.” I can’t wait!