The legendary Dakar Rally is not just for bikes and car, but indeed trucks have been a fixture of the event since 1980.
Although the iconic long distance, cross country rally has moved from its traditional journey from Paris and travelling to Dakar due to security reasons, it has since found a home in Saudi Arabia after being contested in South America in between.
The Truck category in the Dakar Rally is very competitive, but the Russian Kamaz led by Vladimir Chagrin has dominated the class since the millennium. ‘The Tsar of the Dakar’ has achieved seven wins and Kamaz an incredible 18 since 2000.
Other marques to take line honours include MAN, Tatra, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, DAF and Hino.
Trucks are divided into three categories; Series Production, (T4.1), Modified (T4.2) and rally support trucks (T4.3).
Hino is tackling its 34th Dakar Rally and has finished every one of its previous attempts since its debut in 1991, which marked the first start for a Japanese truck in the event.
Entering the Hino 600 Series for this year’s event, the manufacturer has upgraded its contender by enhancing parts and piping routes to ensure maximum performance at no cost to reliability. Maintenance and reducing time in this was also a key focus for the engineering staff.
Weighing 8310kg, the 600 Series is powered by a A09C -TI turbo-charged, four-stroke, inline six-cylinder diesel motor producing 600Kw of power and 2415Nm of torque.
Drive is sent through all four wheels through a six-speed gearbox including Hi-Lo Range and a centre differential lock.
Ventilated disc brakes front and rear deliver the stopping power, with the ZXL 14.00R 20 tyres help attack the dunes.
Three dealer mechanics will join the team in attacking the Dakar Rally after helping prepare the 600 Series entry for the event.