2008 Top of the Dunes Challenge - UAE

[Laurie]

Every year Sony Ericsson Dubai sponsors a desert challenge for recreational off roaders.

The objective is to reach each way point in the shortest distance possible, a test of your navigation and route-finding skills, driving ability, and vehicle capability, but ultimately your ability to pick a direct line through the dunes.

This year the course distance was over 3 times longer, a GPS distance of 41 km.

Two Categories, one for single car entries and one for competitive car + support team member car. Over 35 cars were on the start line.

If you get towed by the assigned Recovery team, you're disqualified :)

I entered into the single car category.

1st place was an XJ Cherokee 4.0, with 32" tires, ARB lockers and regeared axles. Bushwacker cut-out fenders.

2nd place was myself in the TJ with 35" Cooper STT tires, open diffs, sucky 3.73 gearing!

3rd place was a YJ which had been stripped of all weight for the day!


http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251583.jpg

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251586.jpg


You're supposed to touch the flag right?

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251588.jpg

[Laurie]

Robbie showing off his new ARB lockers

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251597.jpg

Phil's JK

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251616.jpg

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251630.jpg

Idris's YJ:

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251613.jpg

[Laurie]

Jeep is Bestest:

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/P4251619.jpg

And some Photoshop Fun:

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/top3a.jpg

http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/se08/top3.jpg

[offroader613]

Those rigs look great!

[JeepinJon]

I am always impressed with the Jeeps I see in the UAE area. I don't think I have seen a picture of one from over there that isn't built.

[AEV Dave]

HOLY OFFSET!:eek: What does it take to make wheels stick out like that on a JK...3" BS with spacers?

Looks awesome. We need some HEMI Brutes over there. Those things kick A$$ in the sand.

dh

[offroader613]

They would have to be red to match. :rolleyes:

[JeepinJon]

HOLY OFFSET!:eek: What does it take to make wheels stick out like that on a JK...3" BS with spacers?

Probably needed it just to clear the brakes with those tiny little wheels. :p

[offroader613]

It needs some AEV wheels.

[Laurie]

HOLY OFFSET!:eek: What does it take to make wheels stick out like that on a JK...3" BS with spacers?

Looks awesome. We need some HEMI Brutes over there. Those things kick A$$ in the sand.

dh
It's a little too much for my liking... but that's what you end up with when you've got 15 x 10's on top of 5 x 4.5 adapter spacers. But Phil's got Dana 60's planned.

I do quite like my 35" tires tucked in under the fenders.

I'd really love to do the Hemi Brute job... but they're the two things that are going to give me registration difficulties. "Chassis Modification" and "Engine Swap" are big no-nos with the Dubai Police.

But I'm hoping that by the time I can afford it, someone else has already found the correct channels to get it done :)

[Laurie]

I am always impressed with the Jeeps I see in the UAE area. I don't think I have seen a picture of one from over there that isn't built.

It's easy to get very passionate about it. Dubai in the UAE is very glitz and glamour based and it all feels very plasticy and artificial if you're stuck in it all the time. Having a weekly escape to the desert is very refreshing!