Don Hatton out of 2010 Dakar race

Don Hatton has been forced to retire on Stage 3 of the 2010 Dakar race upon advice of race medical staff.

For hours Don had been struggling in axle deep in the white sand dunes east of La Rioja in 45 degree Celsius temperatures. The combination of poor engine performance brought on by bad gas, fatigue from the heat and the lingering affects of the food poisoning meant that riding the steep dunes was almost impossible. Riding with fellow Dakar racer Duncan Tweedy they were both overcome with heat issues. They were provided water from passing participants in cars and trucks to help them cope with their situation.

Passing race medical officials advised them both not to proceed as:  “you will die in the dunes”, plus, “there are no helicopters available as they are all busy trying to get guys out of the dunes”. Not encouraging news considering their location and physical condition.

Still suffering from dehydration due to food poisoning that Don had on Stage 2 of the rally along with the advice of race officials Don decided to retire from the race. He was one of 20 motorcyclists, nearly 15% of the entrants, to retire from the race yesterday.

We know at this time Don was safe at the Bivouac last night and is making his way back to Buenos Aires to meet up with his wife and support team.

We will advise further once we have been able to interview Don

On behalf of Don, Natalie and the whole Rally Raid Canada – Destination Dakar team we would like to give our utmost thanks to our fans, sponsors and especially our media supporters !

Dakar Racing Factoid – things you might not know or thought of :

According to an AFP account, the total death count of people involved in the Dakar race since it’s inception in 1979 is 52 competitors and 16 spectators.

For more information and photos check out http://www.destinationdakar.ca/