2007 Dakar Daily - The Good Guy File: Johnathan Edwards, M.D.

Pulling off an event like the Dakar Rally requires the participation and sacrifice of many fine men and women every year, and not just the fast guys with numbers on their backs or rooftops. Long after the dust settles on each daily special test and transport section this army of silent warriors does without basic necessities (read: eating and sleeping) in order to keep their riders and drivers in the hunt. You won't read about them on rally websites or see their faces in your favorite magazines -- truth is they're not in Africa to lead a stage or race for a podium finish. But when it comes right down to it these truck drivers, mechanics, technicians, tire changers, chefs, communication specialists, and computer techs are the behind the scenes heroes who make it possible for a chosen few to ride, drive and survive until tomorrow.

Again this year the Dakar Rally in general, and #9 Red Bull KTM rider Chris Blais in particular, is very fortunate to have one of the best "silent warriors" in the rally business along for the ride. He's Johnathan Edwards, M.D., of Las Vegas, Nevada, and hopefully by the time you've read this, after he's secured his own rider and who knows how many others in need of a diagnosic, treatment or just some reassuring words - in english or french - Amercia's own "Dakar Doc" will have finally found a chance to steal a few winks more than the "about an hour" that he settles for most nights on the Dakar.

Sleep tight rally racers, the good Doctor's on duty tonite.

-- Scott Cox