Darren Skilton is piloting an Unlimited car in the Open Production 1 (OP1) class while Joaquin De Uriarte and Mark McMillin are racing a Raptor and JeepSpeed in the Open Production 2 (OP2) class.

“General’s Grabber tire was born from competition and we feel the arduous terrain of the Dakar Rally is a perfect testament to what this tire is capable of,” says marketing director Travis Roffler.

“Darren drove a Ford Raptor outfitted with General Grabbers to the Class win in OP2 last year and the tire performed superbly, so we look forward to adding to our win record in 2012. We wish Darren, Joaquin and Mark the best of luck as they embark on the ultimate adventure,” he adds.

At the event’s special starting stage, Skilton finished just one second behind 2010 champion Nasser Al-Attiyah and 9:51 behind the lead car.

“To be honest the size of the dunes took me by surprise,” says Skilton, who is being accompanied by navigator Skyler Gambrell.

“Skyler and I just aired down the General Grabbers and had no problems staying on top of the sand,” he reports.

“Volkswagen’s departure from the rally really opens up the field to privateers like myself,” Skilton points out. “I have a competitive car that has just been sitting and waiting for the right opportunity. That opportunity has arrived.”

The vehicle is equipped with a full independent suspension, King Racing Shocks and Method Race Wheels in addition to the 35-inch tires.