After a strong start in the seventh stage, the Morocco Desert Challenge came to an abrupt end for Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar. Due to a broken rear diff, their Can-Am Maverick R came to a standstill in the dunes. The car was eventually returned to the bivouac too late to be repaired, partly due to poor communication and inadequate support from the organization.
“We were unlucky, that’s part of it,” says Erik. “But the way it was handled afterwards was downright bad. The Sweeper was supposed to take the car and Wouter to the bivouac, but dropped them off halfway. Then it was suddenly our responsibility, while the team had just returned to the bivouac. That kind of thing just shouldn’t happen. The organization really made a big mistake here.”
Nevertheless, Erik also looks back on the week with pride: “We drove and navigated well, were better every day and we were fast. The podium was realistic. Too bad it had to end like this, but it does give confidence.”
On the positive side, the four other Maverick Rs in the team, which Erik helped develop, are running without any problems so far and with drivers who are very happy with the car.
Erik’s next rally is the ELE Rally on 24 and 25 May, where he and Anja will be at the start.
