Yep, the name comes from Dakar, Senegal (In Africa), when the race, the Dakar Rally, was originally ran from Paris to Dakar. It's now held in South America, yet retains the legacy name.

These are specially built off road vehicles, Kamaz is the manufacturer in this example. Like many races, there are different classes of trucks that compete in the Rally, alongside dirt bikes, quads and cars.

It's basically Mad Max and I encourage folks to check out highlights of it, or the similar Baja 1000 race.

Interestingly, the truck class includes support trucks that don't actually compete, but assist competitors stranded in the middle of nowhere.

This Red Bull sponsored Monster (energy drinks!) has right around 1000hp and a 265 gallon fuel tank if I recall correctly. Road trip!

Look at that positive camber! It's like Mickey Mouse up front. The stance kids these days are doing it wrong.

Strap a Hayabusa motor to something light and with the right gearing, you'll smoke anything in the 1/8 mile as happened here. Motorcycle engines are great off the line for a number of reasons.

I'm dubious of the claim that is a 1050hp Z06, however. Doesn't move like it has the power, sound like it, and there are no trap speeds given. Just a funny, awesome day at the strip. Hats off.

I'd love to see someone doing doughnuts on the fairway and see if those golf claps turn to cheering.

NASCAR looks a lot different in Europe.