It’s not likely that a Mini won’t be on top in the auto division at the end of the Dakar Rally – they are in the top four spots after nine stages of the classic race – as Qatari driver and former Dakar champ [2011] Nasser Al-Attiyah claimed the top spot in the eighth stage of the race in Bolivia, while 11-time Dakar champion Stephane Peterhansel – also in a Mini – won the ninth stage. Spaniard Nani Roma, driving a Mini naturally, leads the overall rankings with Peterhansel in second – a mere 12.1 seconds behind.
The highest ranked American is BJ Baldwin, coming in at 21st overall in his Chevrolet Colorado – not a Mini.