The new look Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge suprised us all with the date change! Despite the Dakar competitors not being able to make it in time, 35 cars entered. This time Mark was unable to drive due to work commitments and Glen Reid took over the leash with Paul Richards navigating once again. They achieved a 10th overall position and 1st in class, despite having a 24hr penalty on the second day. The Saluki certainly showed a clean pair of paws, although it was moulting by the time it reached the finish ramp! All photos courtesy of Craig McAteer.

The Ha'il Baja was to be the first round of the World Cup for Cross Country Bajas. When female navigators were barred from entering, the FIA status was pulled, but the rally continued. The first few photos show the route on Day 2 when the Organisers were doing their route checking - it's not many times that you see white stuff in the desert! Mark Powell, Paul Richards, James Thomas and Mark Adams drove the 1,600 odd kms to Ha'il and achieved 2nd position overall and then drove back to Dubai! The photos in this gallery are a diary of their exploits!

Since the early days Team Saluki strived to generate publicity - the amount that we have achieved over the few years that we have been on the rally circuit is certainly very impressive!

His Highness Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior, inaugurated the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Team Saluki had the buggy on display on the Trading Enterprises / Honda stand when his Highness dropped by, giving Mark the chance to brief HH with their recent exploits!

This was to be Team Saluki's year - no works teams due to the change of location for the Dakar and months of preparation. Seeded number 210, we started Day 1 in 36th position after a tussle with a berm in the prologue. By the time we got to PC1, we were already up into 9th position... then the gremlin struck...