Imagine roaring engines and clouds of desert dust 🌵 as mud-caked vehicles race across the vast Sahara, braving steep dunes, rugged valleys, and scorching heat. The world's toughest endurance contest tests human grit and mechanical might from the stunning Auvergne region of France all the way to the vibrant city of Senegal. 🏁
Back in 2004, Fang Faming, a savvy advertising executive from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, stumbled upon live coverage of the epic Dakar Rally on TV. Instantly hooked by the adrenaline-pumping scenes, Fang watched as fearless adventurers pushed themselves to the limit in a sprawling desert where mistakes could spell disaster. 😱
As the thrill settled, an idea sparked in Fang's mind: Why not bring such an exhilarating rally to Xinjiang? With the sprawling Taklimakan Desert—one of the world's largest—and landscapes featuring deep canyons and breathtaking cliffs, Xinjiang seemed like the perfect playground for such an epic event. 🏜️✨
Wasting no time, Fang dove into extensive research and feasibility studies. Realizing he needed expert help, he teamed up with seasoned off-road racer He Junhuai and off-road motorcycle enthusiast and sharp businessman Su Haobo. Together, they embarked on a mission to turn this desert dream into reality. 🚗💨
Reference(s):
How Xinjiang's local gem transformed into a world-class spectacle
cgtn.com
