Robby Gordon is all set with a new and powerful V8-equipped truck to go after victory in the 2014 Dakar Rally that starts in Rosario, Argentina, January 5, as 149 international competitors plan to compete to become in one of the most extreme and demanding motorsports events in the world.

This will be Gordon’s 10 Dakar Rally. His previous runs have resulted in an amazing nine-stage victories, however, the overall title has eluded him. In 2005, his initial Dakar Rally effort, he became the first American to win a stage in the race, which began in 1979.

Entering its 35th edition, Frenchmen have dominated the Rally, taking 19 overall victories. Finland has produced five race winners, Japan three, Germany two and one each from South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, Spain and Sweden.

“I feel more prepared than in any of our previous trips to the Dakar Rally,” Gordon said. “Since our first race in 2005, where we accomplished our goal of becoming the first American to win a stage, our focus has been on winning the overall title. I believe with the experience we have, and the new car we have built, this year could be our time.”

Gordon is bringing the lightest and most technologically advanced machine he has ever built to the 2014 Dakar Rally. The car was built in North Carolina and is based on designs and experience from his multiple desert off-road racing victories in addition to his Dakar stage victories. The SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires sponsored HST Gordini is a V8-powered, FIA-chassis truck running on 37-inch Toyo Tires. Finding speed should not be a challenge for Gordon and navigator Kellon Walch.

The 2014 Dakar Rally will wind its way through three countries. Starting in Argentina the race will take a short route through Bolivia before finishing on January 18 in Valparaiso, Chile.

To follow Gordon and the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires team as they try to rise above the competition at the legendary Dakar Rally, log onto www.speedenergy.com and www.toyotires.com for race team updates. Fans can also participate in the Dakar Rally experience by connecting on www.planetrobby.com and follow along with the team on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/thespeedenergydrink, and www.facebook.com/toyotires, twitter.com/SPEED_ENERGY, twitter.com/ToyoTires.

Daily highlights from each stage can be viewed on the NBC Sports Network (DIRECTV Channel 220 / Dish Network Channel 159 / AT&T U-Verse Channel 1640 / Verizon FiOS Channel 590) January 5-18. Check your local listings for times and schedules for NBC Sports Network.