Car 1 piloted by the Yoshimasa Sugawara_Mitsugu Takahashi crew
In spite of a flat tyre and extreme off-road conditions that crossed over the highest point of elevation, Hino Team Sugawara managed to deliver stunning performances on this course that severely tested the two HINO500 Series trucks and their drivers with an amped up level of difficulty.
From the rugged foothills of the Andes (elevation 1800m), contestants raced two SSs with a total distance of 199km in the last Argentine stage of the first half of the rally. The first 75km SS challenged racers in the first off-road segment of the race that traversed over wastelands with powdery sand terrain, grassy outcrops and dried riverbeds. This was followed by the second 124km SS that crossed over highlands situated at 3500m+ elevation.
The Teruhito Sugawara and Hiroyuki Sugiura crew piloting Car 2 suffered a flat later in the day upon hitting a tree stump. After losing around 15 minutes to replace it, the truck had a great run to the finish line coming in 21st in the overall trucks category and top in the Under 10-litre Class, bringing the truck's accumulated standings to 20th place so far (preliminary).
“I think we could have finished at a better standing had it not been for the flat,” commented Teruhito Sugawara. “While that is regrettable, the engine felt powerful even under high-altitude conditions so the driving felt really good. I'm excited for the highland stages that are scheduled to begin tomorrow.”
Car 1 piloted by Yoshimasa Sugawara and Mitsugu Takahashi finished the first SS error-free in 40th place, ending the day at 36th overall and second place in the Under 10-litre Class. This brought their accumulated standings so far to 34th place (preliminary).
The next run will take contestants across the border into Bolivia where they will be racing a long 416km SS on their way to Tupiza.