16-01-2011 - The sympathetic Argentinian crowd gave the Dakar caravan a hart warming cheering on arrival in Buenos Aires. At the show celebrating all finishers of the monster rally they had a good look at all those mean machines. The crowd rose out of their seats when Marcel van Vliet did a donut with his large, heavy VEKA MAN truck. The show was a real crowd pleaser, more than the tango show an Argentinian dance group displayed.

"They loved what we did. They had never seen a truck doing a donut before", Marcel laughed at the podium ceremony which took place the day after the finish, at a horse racing ring next to the La Rural rally centre.
Unfortunately the honouring ceremony where the desired memorial plaques were awarded was spoiled by rain. While the entire day had been hot and sunny, a thunderstorm disrupted the moment of fame for the VEKA MAN crews. Our men were not to be bothered by the weather, like overexcited teenagers they started a playful mud fight. After two weeks of total dedication and concentration for the drivers, navigators, mechanics and staff playing in the mud was a good release of pressure.

The night before, after Franz and Marcel secured their fifth and seventh position in the general rankings, the crews were lauded with a standing ovation by all of team boss Peter Versluis' guests. In a restaurant at the scenic Puerto Madero team manager Fred van Putten thanked everyone involved in this adventure. He had a long list of names, everyone was complimented because you can not do Dakar on your own. That is why Fred underlined the importance of team work. Whether you are a sponsor, an employee or part of the cabin crew, everyone is essential. The bottom line of the night? Full power towards Dakar 2012!