Intent on proving natural gas is up to the demands of the one of the world’s toughest motorsport events, a newly formed Gasco-Terpel Gasel team have prepared two V6 Toyota FJ Landcruisers to compete in the 2010 Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally commencing on January 1. Both vehicles have undergone conversion to compressed natural gas, fitted with Pelmag conversion kits from Argentina and Italian AEB electronic control units to manage the gas fuel supply. The applied technology is the same used for standard vehicle conversions.

The Gasco-Terpel Gasel team received approval to race the two Toyotas in a new experimental category, after passing rigorous inspection by rally technicians.

Celebrating being approached by the team to drive one of the Landcruisers in his first Dakar, Luis Carmona said, “having the luck to be at Dakar for free, sponsored by mechanics and all logistical support, not many drivers can say that!” Carmona and co-driver Luis Miguel Carmona, his son, together with the other team led by Ignacio Casale, will be focusing more on getting to the end of the rally rather than racing hard.

Casale's Landcruiser relishing rally-like conditions

In Casale’s words, “I will get to the finish in Buenos Aires, demonstrating that a natural gas vehicle is not only cleaner but reliable, secure and able to withstand the toughest race in the world.”

Both Carmona and Casale are experienced rally drivers, with previous strong showings in Patagonia Atacama rallies. The event is due to conclude on January 17th.