Toyo returns to Dakar with Gordon and Chicherit, adds new member

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2015) — Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. will return to the Dakar rally raid this year with returning Team Toyo members Robby Gordon and Guerlain Chicherit, along with new member and 2015 Stadium Super Truck (SST) champion Sheldon Creed.

Making his Dakar start at only 18 years old, Mr. Creed is the youngest-ever competitor in the Dakar, and youngest member of Team Toyo. In 2015, he won 11 SST races, while capturing a Gold Medal during the 2015 X-Games. Mr. Creed will also compete in the 2016 SST season as a member of Team Toyo.

“I feel honored to be driving for Toyo Tires as the youngest driver in the Dakar Rally,” said Mr. Creed.  “I know I have a lot to learn, but under the guidance of Dakar veteran Robby Gordon I believe I am up for the challenge to take on the best off-road racers in the world.”

Toyo will have two teams and three vehicles participating in the 13-day, 5,739-mile endurance rally, which begins Jan. 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and includes stages in Bolivia.

Mr. Gordon's Team SPEED brings two bright orange Gordini racers: the No. 312 Speed Energy/Toyo Tires/ Traxxas entry of Mr. Gordon and navigator Kellon Walch and the No. 337 Speed Energy/ Toyo Tires entry driven by Mr. Creed, with navigator Jonah Street.

Mr. Gordon and Toyo Tires began competing in the Dakar in 2006, delivering the first-ever stage win for Toyo Tires during the 2007 rally. It was the first of many stage wins over the years for Toyo Tires and Mr. Gordon.

Mr. Chicherit and navigator, Alex Winocq of Team X-Raid, will return with the No. 324 Toyo Tires/Monster Energy buggy, which featured a unique black-and-white zebra graphic scheme at the last Dakar. Messrs. Chicherit and Winocq are veteran Dakar competitors with the Toyo Tires brand.

“We are excited to have three talented drivers competing for an overall win this year at the 2016 Dakar rally,” said Stan Chen, senior manager of sponsorships and events, Toyo Tire.

“While we have enjoyed many stage victories over the years on Toyo Open Country tires, the prestigious overall victory has eluded us, and we are determined to finish at the top.”

For the latest updates on Team Toyo in the 2016 Dakar check out Toyo's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To learn more about Toyo Open Country tires and the full line of Toyo products, visit toyotires.com.