Hino trucks pass vehicle inspections without event. We are good to go.
Both HINO 500 Series trucks will wait for the starting gun on Jan 1 at Parc-Fermes.

On December 30, in preparation for the Dakar Rally 2011-a commemorative race in that it will be the 20th Dakar Rally for Hino Motors-HINO TEAM SUGAWARA underwent vehicle inspections and completed all administrative paperwork at the "Rural Palace," an exhibition hall located in the city of Buenos Aires. Since most European teams have completed their preliminary vehicle inspections at Le Havre, France, vehicles that underwent vehicle inspections in Buenos Aires included our HINO 500 Series that were shipped directly from Japan, and teams from South American and other regions. While the pace at which inspections were carried out was relatively relaxed as the number of vehicles was small, the atmosphere was decidedly somber during checks on the vehicles themselves, when applying car numbers and organizing sponsor stickers, as well as during inspections for equipment such as helmets and racing suits that are required to be FIA-certified. Both of our cars passed inspections without a glitch in about 1.5 hours. The trucks were then moved to the Parc-Fermes adjacent to the Rural Palace, concluding preparations the team has been carrying out for the past year. Now all we do is wait for the starting gun on January 1. The 4 crew members and 5 mechanics from Hino Motors and Hino dealers were gearing up for a race that, as rumor has it, will be even tougher than last year's race.

Yoshimasa Sugawara: I'm relieved as the process went smoother than on other occasions. I've been told that I will be the oldest contestant in this race at 69 years of age, but I'm in top shape, having arrived in South America on the 10th. Right now, I am eager to begin racing in what will be the 28th Dakar Rally for me.

Hiroyuki Sugiura: I've taken part in this race in the past as a staff member, but his time around, I felt a different kind of excitement and tension during inspections as I will be taking part as a navigator. While I have experience navigating for Yoshimasa Sugawara at the Mongol Rallies in 2008 and 2010, this will be my first experience at the Dakar Rally. In addition to a degree of pressure, I feel the full support of our mechanics and other staff members.

Teruhito Sugawara: Vehicle inspections went smoothly and I'm excited for the race to start. This will be a commemorative race for Hino Motors in that it will be the 20th race for the company. It will also be the last year in which our current race vehicle will be racing in the production vehicle division (due to vehicle homologation expiration). I'm gearing myself up mentally to produce solid results.

Seiichi Suzuki: While we did not encounter any problems, vehicle inspections are always a nervous affair. We had our moments, such as not having our car number ready, but all we have to do now is race.

Takayuki Monma: Vehicle inspections were a bit cumbersome but I'm relieved our trucks passed without any problems. We have a group of 5 mechanics to provide solid support for the team for this race. We are committed to making sure that both cars finish and redeem our disappointment from last year (when Car 1 had to withdraw from the race).

Masayoshi Yamamoto: This completes our preparations for the race. I think I'm relatively accustomed to the mood here, having lived in Ecuador in the past, but I've never been in a rally environment. I've still got much to learn and I intend to give it my best.

Hiroshi Hashiba: As always, vehicle inspections are an anxious and nervous affair. I'm relieved that our trucks passed without event. This will be my second race since the 2004 rally, but it will be my first time in South America. The atmosphere here is completely different from that of Europe-Africa races, and the trucks of our rivals have evolved considerably since my last experience. I've renewed my conviction that we can never let our guards down.

Takashi Sanno: We passed inspections so now all we do is wait for the starting gun. Although I personally do things at my own pace, I could feel the good tension among everyone else, and this excites me. I would like to keep this state of mind and give it my best till the end of the race.

Kenichi Suetsugu: We are perfectly prepared. It's been hot since we arrived in Argentina on the 20th, but that discomfort is being pushed aside by a good sense of tension as we gear up for the race. We can't be more prepared.