The entry list of the fastest-growing category in the international rally-raid has a total of 90 participants, with representatives from four countries. The expectation is that we will assist exciting disputes for victory.
The category that grows more in the international rally-raid scene comes to Sertões 2021 with a record entry list. No less than 90 SSVs will face the largest rally-raid of the Americas, scheduled for August 13 to 22, on a course of 3,615 km (2,202 timed) across seven states in the Northeast, from Praia da Pipa (RN) to Tamandaré (PE).
A quantity that is synonymous with quality and a very high technical level. In addition to the main Brazilian names, the race will feature duos from three other countries: the United States, Portugal, and Paraguay; all international stars. Starting with the Americans Casey Currie and Sean Berriman, winners of the Dakar 2020. With the official Polaris team, they speed up to try to end Can-Am's hegemony. The five Portuguese crews bring the experience of the very strong national off-road championship.
The local representation comes strong and more than equal to the foreign rivals. In action, two other Dakar winners: the patriarch of the 'Dust Family' Reinaldo Varela, also three times world champion; and Leandro Torres. And three Sertões champions willing to repeat the feat: the current one, Deninho Casarini; Denísio do Nascimento (2019), and Bruno Varela (2017). The Varela family still has Gabriel and Rodrigo, all of Can-Am. Highlight also to Rodrigo Luppi, vice in 2020; and one of the biggest winners in the history of the race: Edu Piano, with achievements also in trucks (category no longer disputed) and cars.
After participating in the first four stages last year, Nelsinho Piquet is back to do the whole rally. And Kaíque Bentivoglio, winner as a navigator in the cars in 2019 alongside Lucas Moraes - this time will drive. With so many machines on the entry list, everything indicates that the definition of the Sertões winner will be as or more exciting than in the last edition when the fight went on until the last kilometer.
Hybrid
The expectation is on the debut of the two hybrid SSVs - Exo Nb models - developed and manufactured in Brazil by Giaffone Racing, in partnership with CBMM. On Sunday (08/08), 15 km from the Sertões Village, in Tibau do Sul (RN), the Giaffone Racing team's truck suffered an accident, which caused damage to the vehicles. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Giaffone is evaluating the damages to put the cars on the grid.
The Exo Nb UTVs have chassis reinforced with niobium technology that increases the resistance and reduces in up to 10% the vehicles' weight. Another novelty is hybrid propulsion. An electric set regenerates the energy dissipated during braking and reacceleration and transforms it into extra power. And, most importantly, it reduces fuel consumption and the emission of waste in the atmosphere. The first step on a path that foresees, by 2025, that all vehicles in the Sertões count on fuels of non-fossil origin.
What they said:
Deninho Casarini
"We have prepared very strongly and the goal is to win once again. It's a different rally this year, with a different type of specials, but our team showed last year what it's capable of. It won't be easy, as at least 10 UTVs can be considered strong contenders for victory."
Reinaldo Varela
"The Sertões is an incredible experience. Besides all the adrenaline and desire to win, the championship allows you to experience the local culture with all the safety standards that the moment demands. The competition will be fierce, but we are very confident in our performance as a team".
Edu Piano
"The Sertões has been part of my life for 26 years, I don't know how else to start a season without having the race in my planning. We love to accelerate, but that's not all, there's a lot of strategies involved. It is essential to have a good navigator, well-prepared equipment, and a team that meets all the needs, we work for this".
Automatic translation from the official press release
Photo: Sertões Rally / Marcelo Maragni
