Dakar Word of the Day

While many fans and racers in the racing community enjoy a special knowledge of terms and phrases that the average person might be unfamiliar with, the Dakar Rally certainly provides for a language of its own. Ryan Arciero breaks down some terms and phrases that you might not know the meaning or were too embarrassed to ask.

“Touareg”

This is not only the name of the VW SUV that Mark is driving but it comes from the name of a Berber tribe of approximately one million nomads, the majority of whom live in the western and central Sahara of northwest Africa.

"Fech Fech"

Fech Fech is what we call silt. An extremely fine powder like sand which is difficult to get through and reduces visibility.

“Camel Grass”

Camel Grass is typically seen in the dune areas and it is mounds of tangled grass in the sand. The mounds are so stable due to the entwined grass in the sand that they can seriously damage the suspension if driven over too quickly. The mounds do not move when you hit them as well. It makes for a very rough ride when having to navigate through it.

"Erg"

Erg which you may hear them use on TV is a sandy mountain range comprised solely of dunes.

“Chott”

This is a term given to a lake, which dries up during hot spells and holds water in the winter. What we call a dry lake bed. In the Sahara the Chott’s can be extremely long and vast.

“Dunettes”

Dunettes are considered small dunes.

“Marathon Stage”

This runs over two days and forbids the service crews who go from bivouac to bivouac or pit to pit any service assistance to the race vehicles. Only the competing Race-Truck “The big trucks that are entered in the rally,” can offer help.

“Piste”

This is the track, road or marked race course if you will. You will hear them use this word on the broadcast of the Dakar on Versus if you guys are watching.