As many of you know, I have been working towards racing my V-Rod powered off-road sidecar in the Dakar Rally in January 2005. In support of that effort, I have been trying to get some sponsorship help from Harley-Davidson. Our effort would be the first time ever for a Harley to compete in this very challenging 6000 mile off-road race. Unfortunately, Harley-Davidson recently decided they would not provide any support for our racing effort. They gave no reason. Then, just when I concluded that I could fund the effort myself (~$50,000) with some support from the Bartels’ dealership, I received more bad news. For the first time in its 26 year history, there are more motorcycles trying to enter the race than available starting positions. By early August there were 280 motorcycles trying to enter the race, with only 200 available positions. So, they closed the entries early, and told MANY people (including me) they can not race Dakar 2005. I asked the organizers if we could have special permission to enter the race given our very unique bike and other attractive aspects, but they said NO MORE MOTORCYCLES. So, we are not allowed to race in Dakar 2005. This is really difficult for me because I worked so hard for several years, and solved many unexpected big problems this year. And now when I have everything ready, the door has been closed. So, the only hope for us is that we can race Dakar in January 2006.

Photo is from our latest testing session at Dumont Dunes (near Death Valley, CA). The stock clutch gave out, forcing us to hike two miles over the dunes back to the truck. A Barnett clutch kit should solve this problem!

http://HogWildRacing.com

http://HogWildRacing.com/misc/BrokeClutch01x800.jpg

OH NO, I'm SO SORRY to hear this!!! You guys must be devastated. SUCH a disappointment for us all!

So sorry to hear that, I was definitely looking forward to your race also. :thumb:
Try to look on the bright side, more time to find a sponsor and work out any bugs (like the clutch). :biker:

Everything Happens for a Reason.When one Door Closes another one Opens.Have Faith and it will all work out My V-rod Racing Brotha! :thumb:

aw im so sorry to hear this.keep your heads up for next year.1st place has your name on it

Maybe they were afraid you would win by too big a margin. Good luck in '06!

Well, I know this is a disappointment, as it is for us all. But like Kaz says there's a reason it happened this way! Keep going and keep us up to date!

Rat farts! Man, that just sucks. How disappointing! GRRR!!!!!

Never fear, you can rest assured that we'll all be pulling for you in 2006!

Sorry to hear the bad news, all that hard work, but like the wise Kaz said doors are closed in order for other better doors to be open. Keep the faith man & God Bless.

All you can do now is prep for the next race and be sure to secure a position ASAP.