The fourth stage of the Dakar Rally proved physically demanding for the drivers. The 459 kilometer stage began rocky and was followed by a long section of sand. Towards the end the terrain changed frequently before the drivers reached Neuguen, making for the most difficult section of the stage.

Driver of the No. 324 Vanguard Hummer, Eric Vigouroux, was unable to get things to click during stage 4. He and his rider finished in 62nd. After a last place finish in the third stage, Vigourox has a long way to climb if he intends on competing for the win.

"We lost a power steering pump bracket yesterday, which is a part that has never failed Team Dakar USA before," Vigouroux pointed out. "Alex and I were able to repair the part, but we lost a significant amount of time doing so. We stayed positive and finished the special. Since we didn’t have a good finish yesterday, we had to start farther back today. Our strategy was just to be cautious today and do what we needed to do to make it to the final stage."

NASCAR regular Robby Gordon started the special in the tenth spot. Quickly making his way foward, Gordon had moved up to fourth place and was looking to continue. For saftey reasons, each car is equipped with a Sentinel. A Sentinel is a loud buzzer with a flashing light that lets drivers know that you are wanting to pass. Buzzing the Sentinel with hopes of passing, as the driver turned left Gordon kept straight and plowed into a ditch, rolling the Monster Energy Toyo Tires Hummer.

Gordon and his rider were able to asses the damage and continue the event. Able to rescue their efforts, the duo finished the stage in 10th place. Gordon was able to hold his spot at the ninth position overall and gain time on the leader. Now just 46:45 behind the leader, Carlos Sainz, Gordon remains confident of his chances.

"I am disappointed that we rolled the Monster Energy Toyo Tires Hummer today," stated Gordon after stage four of the event. "Luckily, the damage is minimal and can be repaired this evening before tomorrow’s special. Once it happened, Andy and I jumped out to assess the damage. When we saw that all four tires were still on the Hummer, we quickly buckled back in and continued towards the finish," stated Gordon. "It looks like we only need to replace the air filter housing, the right side door and the windshield along with a few suspension parts. While making these repairs, the team will carefully go over every inch of the car to ensure that there are no broken parts or hidden damage. We should be ready to ‘roll’ tomorrow."

For the first time of this years event, tragedy struck the Dakar Rally. On Tuesday, biker Pascal Terry was found dead at 2:10am GSM in dense bush-like vegetation. Found with his helmet off, the 49 year old racer was seeking shade with food and water by his side.

May your prayers go to the Terry family for their loss.

French motorcyclist killed on Dakar Rally

Missing French motorcyclist Pascal Terry has been found dead — organisers of the Dakar Rally said on Wednesday.

A statement on the race’s official Web site www.dakar.com said the announcement of Terry’s death was made with "great sadness."

It is the first fatality on this year’s Dakar Rally, which has relocated to Argentina and Chile for its 31st edition.

The 49-year-old Terry had gone missing during the second stage on Sunday between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madrid.

He was finally located in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the drivers and motorbikes prepared for the fifth leg from Neuquen to San Rafael.

Terry, who was competing in the grueling rally for the first time, was found in dense vegetation, 15 meters from his bike. He had taken his helmet off and had sought shade, but had food and water with him.

Local police are to carry out an investigation into the cause of his death.

Meanwhile, American Jonah Street won the fifth stage to close the gap on overall motorcycle leader Marc Coma in the general standings.

Street, second overall, beat Dutchman Frans Verhoeven by five minutes 53 seconds, with Chilean Francisco Lopez back in third.

The result meant Street made up over 15 minutes on Coma, after the Spaniard had a puncture at the beginning of the stage, although he still holds a lead of over 27 minutes.

The rally started in Buenos Aires on January 3 and finishes back in the Argentine capital on January 17.

It is being staged in South America for the first time after terrorism threats caused last year’s event, traditionally finishing in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, to be called off. (Agencies)