The adventure to go beyond the white lines of a highway ,
and discover unknown lands through routes made of sand , scrub and clay .

Through ten countries drove the trail blazers from Paris to Dakar .
Some on motor bikes , some in a buggy and some in a car .

Trucks and quads and four wheel drives with each one hoping their one wins .
With eyes on the map and hands on the wheel the challenge begins .

Sandstorms in the Tenere desert and accidents in choppers .
When cars get stolen out there its no use calling the coppers .

Desert drivers who love off road cars ,have confronted their fears ,
In rally cars throughout Africa for the last thirty years .

But now with murder on the road and terrorists on the loose ,
The Paris to Dakar rally was transferred on to other routes .

In 2009 for the very first time they will go ,
on the tracks of South America , the Dakar rally show .

A round trip to Buenos Aires .
All hands on the gear lever
Revved up and ready to go ,
Before the after burn fever .

For the Dakar rally it’s the beginning of a new day .
They’ve got to love their cars and avoid those pot holes on the way .

With each difficulty that awaits them so does the finish .
The dedication to this sport can never be diminished .

Rock on towards Chile and between the oceans steal a hole .
Its a hotel for the night where friendship plays a leading role .

So its Dakar with a difference in 2009 .
With history to make and many memories left behind .


By Paul McCann