Final testing for the ALDO Racing Team for the upcoming 2015 Dakar Rally was held at Mécaglisse Motorsport Complex on October 9. (Photo-ALDO Racing)

Positive Tests for ALDO Racing at Mécaglisse

Montreal, Quebec - In order to be fully prepared for the Dakar Rally Raid next January 4-17 in South America, the ALDO Racing team staged its final test sessions on October 9 at Mécaglisse Motorsport Complex in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci located in the lower Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal. Under wet conditions, something the Canadian rally-raid ALDO Racing team will not be facing in the desert terrain of the Dakar, team navigator Patrick Beaulé ran a full gamut of tests to make sure the Toyota Overdrive truck ran perfectly following its complete overhaul last September at YTR Motorsport Shop in Mirabel. The only nuisance for the mechanics following the day's tests, was the additional clean-up required that was caused by the wet sand inside the underbody prior to the final check-up at the shop.

Applying maximum pressure on each of the moveable parts of the truck that were replaced during the overhauling, Beaulé wanted to make sure that the engine, transmission, steering rods, suspension travel links and all other moveable parts were fully functional. The team also wanted to make sure there were no fluid leaks, because this could be a terminal condition at the Dakar.

"I am quite pleased with the refitting work done on the truck by the mechanics," said Patrick Beaulé, who test drove the truck at Mécaglisse. "I pushed the truck to its maximum, and felt no vibration. Shifting the sequential transmission gears was really smooth and the vehicle alignment on a straight line was perfect on the wet sand track. This Toyota Tacoma drives like an FIA Rally World Championship vehicle."

No mechanical failure or leaks were discovered during the final check-up at the shop, according to mechanic Martin Lebel who was on hand to assist Patrick Beaulé at Mécaglisse. The only change was the repositioning of the hand brake for driver David Bensadoun, and an ergonomic change at that.

All the materials required for a successful Dakar were sent to OEC on October 14, the maritime partner of ALDO Racing. Two full days were required for wrapping prior to the equipment's departure for Le Havre in France, the official port of departure of the ASO for South America.

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