As you read this, competitors from the world over are in South America competing in rally racing’s crucible, the Dakar Rally. Covering a length of over 5,600 miles between Bolivia and Argentina, complete with just about any and every type of terrain and environment possible, Dakar is one of the, if not the most brutal forms of motorsport on the planet. This isn’t just about speed or showmanship. This is about survival, punishment tolerance, endurance and skill. From the motorcycles and quad riders that have to be both driver and co-pilot for hours on end in treacherous conditions to the absolute monster diesel trucks that do things no 22,000 pound truck ever should be able to do, Dakar is a spectacle in a world that over-uses the word.

Among the multitude of drivers to watch are Sebastian Loeb, coming over from World Rally for his first Dakar, and Robbie Gordon’s new teammate, 18-year-old Sheldon Creed, a Super Stadium Trucks and Lucas Oil racer who is officially the youngest Dakar racer in history. X-Raids, Rally cars, trucks, bikes and more are all currently ripping their way through the South American wilds, and you can follow along. Our friends at OpenPaddock.net have all of the links you could possibly need to cover Dakar in real-time as well as MSNBC’s coverage!

Photo: toyota.com.uk