The Dakar Rally is a brutal 8,000 mile race through Argentina, Chile and Peru. This year, 465 vehicles, including motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks from more than 50 countries competed against the terrain and each other across deserts, mountains and rivers. Started in 1978 as a result of Thierry Sabine getting lost in the desert, The Dakar is widely considered the most challenging and unforgiving off-road race currently held. Daily stages can reach up to 500 miles. Over the years, the race has seen its share of tragedy, both to drivers and their machines. This year, Argentine motorcycle rider Jorge Boero was killed at the end of the fist stage and two race spectators died when their ultralight crashed. Despite the tragedy, the race offers up some amazing opportunities for photographers to capture very dramatic images.
[via The Big Picture]
