Crazy off-road races

Last Updated on Thursday, 29 September 2011 21:07 Thursday, 29 September 2011 21:00

By: fanatic

Any idiot can speed around a track. Think about it - nice smooth tarmac, gravel run-off areas, protective crash barriers to soften the blow, safety buckets, crumple zones and safety cars. Formula 1 has become a bit of a snooze fest compared to the dangers of old. Off Road is where the real thrill is now. Steep cliffs, rough roads (or no roads), concrete walls, hundreds of miles of terrain that would be difficult walk never mind drive -  Yup, off-road racing is one for the brave.

Take for example the Rallye des Pharaons. A 3,100 kilometers race over gruelling desert terrain that begins and ends in Cairo, Egypt. If that's not to taste, you could always enter for the Dakar Rally, which because of concerns about Islamic extremists beheading drivers, switched to South America in 2009. Up to 560 miles per day and drivers can choose to compete in cars, trucks, ATVs, quads and bikes.

Don't like the heat? No problem. Head for the Raid de Himalay which has the dubious distinction of being held at the highest altitude.  If you don't like heights you can still join the Russian Baja Northern Forest race held in St. Petersberg every year in temperatures of 14 degree Fahrenheit temperature. Hot drinks recommended.

Suspensionconnection.com has compiled a list of the 15 best off-road races in the world (we've cheekily grabbed the info from there!). For the full list, check out the World’s 15 Most Extreme Off-Road Races