Braving sandstorms and searing desert heat is not the sole preserve of drivers on the Dakar Rally, as Chinese drivers will soon get a taste of the action at the Taklamakan Rally.?

Dubbed "China's Dakar", the rally has established itself as the most challenging race in Asia. It began in 2005 and as it enters its third year it is growing in popularity and prestige.

This year's event will cover 4,500 kilometres, 2,000 kilometres of which is timed, and runs from May 1 to May 12.

Approximately 200 drivers and motorcyclists will race against each other in an arduous 10-day adventure through Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. But the biggest challenge will come from the rapidly changing weather and diverse landscapes, ranging from mountainous terrain to treacherous desert.

"It's awesome. Driving through that heat and sand is crazy," said Wu Xiaoguang, who competed in the motorbike group last year. "I am so excited to drive in such a great event, this is a fantastic experience for us."

The race starts in provincial capital Urumqi, but swiftly heads into the desert. The drivers then move through seven stages encompassing the Silk Road, Lop Nur, the Tianshan Mountains and the Turpan Basin before ending in Aksu.

The main test for competitors will be in Lop Nur, when weather and sand form a potentially dangerous combination.

While the Dakar Rally is expensive to join, $500,000 for cars and $200,000 for motorbikes, the Taklimakan is much more affordable as participants pay just $400. The top prize is $12,500.

"A race like this was my dream when I was a little boy. Now I have a chance to realize it," said He Jiayu, a car group participant last year. "You never know what is going to happen. I think that's the attraction of this event.

"But it is really hard to drive in over-40-degree heat. We just kept on digging sand all day because the car would frequently sink.

"I had to use a GPS system, a device that helps navigation, but we were also taught to deal with situations when the GPS does not work properly."

As important as driver ability is the quality of the car, which must be powerful and reliable. With factory teams joining last year, the event has become more professional.

"Cars are extremely important for the competitors," said Zhang Luowei, driver of three-time national rally champions Lufeng Team.

"I have a wonderful car this time, which was improved with a 4.8-liter engine," said Lu. "However, how to keep your car in good condition all the time is another challenge for us.

"As long as I can keep it in good repair until the last stage, I will get a sound result."

The teams began designing their cars last December in Beijing, Shanghai and Xinjiang.

"Taklamakan Rally is paradise for us," said Zhang. "But you have to drive on some hellish roads to reach the final destination.

"Driving the whole route is not a miracle. That's reason I am so eager to conquer the Rally."

The event is organized by the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the National Administrative Centre of Auto Racing. It is sponsored by Bayi Iron and Steel Co, Ltd.

(China Daily January 19, 2007)