The 2008 edition of the Dakar Rally, one of the longest, most iconic, endurance auto races in the World, has been canceled due to persistent threats against the race itself from the terrorist group al Qaida, as well as a recent attack against French citizens in Mauritania. It is the first time in the 30 year history of the event that it has been cancelled.
The epic race is run each year from Paris to Dakar, a trek of more than 5,760 miles, across rugged, open terrain without clearly defined roads. Competitors drive trucks, dune buggies, and motorcycles. The Rally is an incredible test of endurance for both man and machine, and it's 15 stages stretch across some very desolate desert regions in Western Africa.
Organizers of the event decided to pull the plug on this year's event following the killing of a French family, who were vacationing in Mauritania, on December 24th. Eight of this year's stages were to take place in that country, and when considering the remoteness of the course, they felt that it was impossible to ensure the safety of the competitors, so they decided to cancel the event altogether.
You can read more on the story in this article over at ESPN.com.
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