Dakar

[Stebel]

Just 3 more days to start.:rock: Anybody knows If there will be any TV coverage of this event? Or internet will be the only source of news from dakar?:confused:

[Samco Fab]

The daily showing of Dakar Rally 2007 starting Jan. 7th 2007, will be on the Versus channel (formerly was OLN). Get the daily dates and times here:

http://www.versus.com/nw/article/vie...=true&catID=76

I cant wait, I will follow the race from the internet. Check out Robby Gordons Youtube page for daily video updates.

http://www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Go Robby!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJKLfRvLlms

[72 Virginians]

Sweet.
Dennis, will you post daily updates? I get blocked here at work.

[Denis]

Versus (formerly OLN) has announced their coverage schedule for the 2007 race. They look to be doing the same as last year, including 1/2 hour daily stage coverage and 3-4 hour-long wrap-ups at the end.


1/7 Sunday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/7 Sunday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/8 Monday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/8 Monday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/9 Tuesday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/9 Tuesday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/10 Wednesday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/10 Wednesday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/11 Thursday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/11 Thursday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/12 Friday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/12 Friday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/13 Saturday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/13 Saturday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/14 Sunday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/14 Sunday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/14 Sunday 7:00PM - 8:00PM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/14 Sunday 10:00PM - 11:00PM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/15 Monday 1:00AM - 2:00AM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/15 Monday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/15 Monday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/16 Tuesday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/16 Tuesday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/16 Tuesday 5:30PM - 6:30PM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/17 Wednesday 1:00AM - 2:00AM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/17 Wednesday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/17 Wednesday 3:30PM - 4:30PM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/17 Wednesday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/18 Thursday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/18 Thursday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/19 Friday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/19 Friday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/20 Saturday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/21 Sunday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/21 Sunday 3:30PM - 4:30PM 2006 hour long wrap-up
1/21 Sunday 6:30PM - 7:00PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/21 Sunday 7:00PM - 8:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/21 Sunday 10:00PM - 11:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/22 Monday 3:00PM - 3:30PM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/23 Tuesday 6:00PM - 7:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/27 Saturday 7:00PM - 8:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/28 Sunday 2:00AM - 3:00AM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/28 Sunday 3:00PM - 4:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/28 Sunday 7:00PM - 8:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/28 Sunday 10:00PM - 11:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/29 Monday 10:30PM - 11:30PM 2007 hour long wrap-up
1/29 Monday 11:30PM - 12:00AM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/30 Tuesday 12:00AM - 12:30AM 1/2 hour daily wrap-up
1/30 Tuesday 6:00PM - 7:00PM 2007 hour long wrap-up

[Denis]

01/06/2007 - Team Dakar USA Clears First Hurdle: Scrutineering

Robby Gordon’s Team Dakar USA arrived at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon for scrutineering in an impressive all black convey that consisted of six off-road vehicles that include the H3 race Hummer, a T4 4x4 race entry to support the H3, a 4x4 support truck, a 6x6 support truck, and two assistance Hummer H1’s.

After almost a year of preparation for the most challenging off-road race in the world, the Monster Hummer team was given the green light to race in the 2007 Dakar Rally. The day of scrutineering included almost five hours of activities that included GPS training, document processing, photos, Iritrack installation and finally technical inspection.

Gordon’s Toyo Hummer which caused a sensation last year was equally well received. The all black race truck was the last vehicle to complete the technical inspection process but the crowd was still thick with anticipation to see what has quickly become a fan favorite. Billboards throughout the Lisbon area feature the H3 Hummer – including a 40ft high billboard cascading the side of the Cultural Centre.

“It’s very exciting to be here,” said Gordon, “The reception for the Hummer has been unbelievable. Our guys have worked so hard to get everything ready and I feel we are very well prepared. After last year we identified our weaknesses and went to work. The Hummer has been in the wind tunnel and we have put almost 10,000 miles of testing on it. We have one shot and we are hoping to make it count.”

The first of 15 stages in the Dakar Rally begins tomorrow in Lisbon and travels to Portimão. The rally can be seen in the United States on the Versus Network. In addition Team Dakar USA has combined forces with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com.

[Denis]

Stage 1 - Saturday 6 January 2007 | Lisboa – Portimão

Amazing scene from the Lisbon Cultural Center this morning as the 2007 Dakar got underway. Thousands and thousands of fans lined the streets on the liaison from Lisbon to Portimão. The arrival at Portimão signaled the first stage in the 2007 Dakar Rally.

Robby Gordon and Andy Grider in their Toyo tire clad Monster Hummer were the 20th vehicle on the 117km special. By the end of the stage they were 13th overall in the car class – 8 minutes and 44 seconds behind the stage winner and Portugal native – Carlos Sousa

Robby Gordon quote after the first Stage
The stage was very tight and technical and the sand was soft and deep. We had a good race going but we got stuck trying to avoid hitting some fans. I would say we lost close to five minutes by being bogged down. That was the biggest problem. We had a couple of technical issues with the truck. The clutch was slipping so we had to baby it a bit. Overall we are going to be ok. I’m satisfied with how we are going to stack up against the competition.

[Denis]

As of right now Gordon/Grider are 18th overall.

Another american, Mark Miller, driving VW Touareg for VW Motorsports is 8th.

[Samco Fab]

Mark Miller is driving for the works VW Tourag team, he won the Baja 1000 in a Pro Truck turned Trophy Truck with Ryan Arcero two years in a row (2003 and 04) Robby and Mark are the best chances by far that an American has ever had at winning this thing overall.

I think over 150 million people watch the Dakar in Europe, we are somehow stuck on Nascar:rolleyes:

The Russian Kamaz big trucks have dominated the truck category for years, those trucks are amazing how big they are, and what they go through. I saw a Caterpillar sponsored truck running with the top dawgs, that was cool.

[Dnmeistr]

I saw the coverage today on the Dakar, and it wasn't looking to good for Robby and his H3, they got stuck in the mud pit, the H3 is massive compared to the VW Tourag and BMW's from what it looked like on screen, also a lot heavier, the smaller cars were having no problems going through the mud pit. The best thing I like about the Dakar is watching the big trucks race :)

[Denis]

Jan 7 2007 - STAGE 2 Update» Portimao – Málaga

The second stage of the 2007 Dakar Rally brought about disappointment for Team Dakar USA. First the team was assessed a 13 minute penalty for speeding during the first stage and that was compounded by an off-course excursion during the second day of the 15 stage event.

“We had a hard day today,” explained Team Dakar USA navigator Andy Grider. “We got sucked off into a little ditch and set it on its side and lost another five minutes.”

The incident sent the team back to 46th in the day’s classification and dropped the Monster Hummer to 18th in the overall standings.

The American team now finds themselves trailing the Volkswagen team of Carlos Sainz by 31:08.

The Rally leaves European soil and heads for the Moroccan city of Nador for the third stage in the Dakar.

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 8 2007 - Stage 3 Update: Nador > Er Rachidia

Days like these will separate the amateurs from the professionals. The start of the stage began with a 205km liaison from the ferry which brought the race vehicles to Nador for the start of the special. The length of the special was 252 km with an ending liaison of 192 km to reach the destination of Er Rachidia for a total distance of 649 km .

Today’s special began with a very technical aspect including numerous elevation changes and a winding course which tested the navigation skills of the competitors. The course consisted of rocky trails and several perils, with longer stretches that allowed the competitors to push their vehicles to more aggressive speeds. A course very well suited to Team Gordons race Hummer H3.

“The terrain of the special was quite rocky and ideal for the H3.” said Gordon “If there was anything I would have changed it would have been the length of the special. A longer course would have given me more time to pass more of the competitors that are just ahead of our team.” Gordon said with a smile

“We started the day in some what of a catch up mode,” explained Gordon. “Any problems from the previous day will follow you to the start of the proceeding day.” A finish of 41st from the day before will mean you start from that same position the next day.”

Team Gordon’s Monster Energy Toyo Tire Hummer made the most of the day and finished the special in 21st place. This will place the H3 in the 21st starting postion for stage four.

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Now this is hardcore.

[Denis]

Jan 9, 2007 - Stage 4: Er Rachidia - Ouarzazate

Africa begins to show her many traps in today’s stage. This was the competitors’ first opportunity to see the dunes in the 2007 Dakar Rally. Today’s stage was a test of the competitor’s patience and endurance.

Gordon had high hopes for today’s special which was 405km over terrain that was well suited to both the H3 and Robby Gordon’s driving style. He felt that this Moroccan stage from Er Richida to Ouarzazate would have given both he and navigator Andy Grider the chance to showcase the team’s speed.

Contaminated fuel caused the Team Monster Energy/Toyo Tire/Hummer to have less horsepower than the H3 race engine is capable of producing and never allowed the team to really show their strengths.

“Our goal was to come here and win,” said Gordon as he returned to the bivouac. We have been plagued with bad luck, but we won’t let it get us down. This is a long rally and we must put the bad luck behind us and keep moving forward.”

As the team prepares the H3 for the following day’s special to Tan Tan they believe that the fuel issue has been resolved. The rocky terrain of the stage 6 special will be a favorable environment for the Hummer to regain momentum and to improve the overall standing of the team.

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 10, 2007 - Stage Five Report: Ouarzazate - Tan tan

While Carlos Sainz won the fifth stage of the 2007 Dakar, much of the buzz in the bivouac surrounded the impressive performance of American Robby Gordon and his Monster Hummer. Team Dakar USA was relegated to a 77th place start based on their finish in the previous stage. Gordon charged his black Monster Energy Hummer to a 15th place finish in the stage which moved him up to 36th in the overall classification. The finish was the best for the day in the Open Category.

Robby Gordon’s Quote after Stage Five
“The tires that Toyo brought to Dakar have been spectacular and it really showed today in the very rocky track. We passed quite a few cars today by leaving the track and we punished the tires and they survived extremely well. Our finish today will get us a much better start tomorrow so we are looking at getting the Hummer closer to the front so we can contend for stage wins. Much has happened so far but you have to realize that this race is just five days old and there is a lot of racing left. Our team is working hard and since we solved our fuel problem the Hummer is running exceptionally well. We are going to push hard and make something happen!”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Some pics

[Denis]

Jan 12, 2007 - Stage Six: Tan Tan – Zouerat

Wind and rain made the night miserable for most of the bivouac on Thursday night but Robby Gordon woke up with a smile on his face. Gordon knew that the conditions would provide perfect racing conditions for the Monster Energy Hummer. In the previous days stage Gordon had charged to a 15th place finish through the dust. Today the dust would be neutralized.

During the night the Monster crew worked tirelessly to replace the fuel delivery system along with the clutch, transmission and drive shafts.

At the end of the stage, Robby Gordon Motorsports became the first American team to capture a stage in the Dakar Rally. For Gordon it was his third stage win since he started competing in the Dakar in 2005. The stage was won in 2:58:57, just 17 seconds ahead of the second place buggy of Jean Louis Schlesser. The victory moved Team Dakar USA up to 19th in the overall classification – 3:49:07 back of the Volkswagen driven by Carlos Sainz.

Robby Gordon’s Quote on the sixth Stage

“That was a good result for the team. It’s just what we needed. We lost two days trying to diagnose the fuel problem, which in the end turned out to be bad fuel. There still is so much racing left so who know what can happen. For now the immediate goal is to get up into the top ten.”

[Denis]

Some pre-race photos

[Denis]

Jan 13, 2007 - Stage 7 Report: Zouerat – Atar

With a sandstorm brewing in the region the organizers of the Dakar Rally cut the seventh stage from 542km down to 407km. The storm provided some additional challenges to an already complex stage. Team Dakar was the first to make tracks after winning the sixth stage the previous day. Some challenging navigation in the dust cost the team some precious time and by the end of the day they finished in the 13th position - 1:22:37 adrift of the eventual stage winner Giniel De Villiers. The result continued the teams ascension in the overall classification to 16th which is now 5:08:33 behind race leader Giniel De Villiers.

Robby Gordon’s Quote following the seventh stage of the 2007 Dakar Rally
“We have made it to the rest day in Africa. I’ve been trying to be really smooth and avoid problems. Today was one of the more difficult stages. We got into some really soft sand so we aired the tires down to 10lbs and we were just bogging down in second gear. There were a lot of guys that got stuck and you are starting to see quite a few cars drop out of the rally. Visibility was a major issue and we lost the track for a while which cost us some time. Overall I’m pretty happy with the effort. The Hummer is running great and the Toyo Tires have been very good.”

“Our strategy for the rest of the race to finish and anything outside of the top ten will be a disappointment, anything better we will consider a success. The Monster guys have done a good job of preparing the car, the Hummer has been fast enough to win a special and without the fuel problems we probably could have won a couple more and probably sitting well within the top five.”

[Denis]

Jan 14, 2007 - Stage 8 Report: Atar to Tichit

With its 589 km special, stage eight proved to be the longest special yet in the 2007 Dakar Rally. It was the first special where the competitors faced the serious sand dunes of Mauritania and a day where Robby Gordon and his Monster Hummer felt at home. Gordon, a frequent visitor to the Glamis sand dunes in Southern California had high expectations for the day.

Gordon and navigator Andy Grider began the special in the 13th slot and at days end they managed to move up five positions for an eight place finish for the special. The Hummers time of 8:46:36 put the team 1:14:44 adrift of stage winner Gniel De Villiers of South Africa. The result vaulted the team up into the top ten in the overall classification. The first American team and car manufacture to win a stage in the Dakar Rally now finds themselves back 06:23:17 from the overall lead.

Robby Gordon’s Quotes following Stage eight

“We have moved ourselves into the top ten which is a testament to how hard the team is working. The Monster Energy guys did a fantastic job of preparing the car for the eighth and ninth stages. Tonight we are without assistance in Tichit which meant we had to be easy on the Hummer. The team is making its way to Nema were we’ll meet up tomorrow. Today’s stage was very difficult. The sand was fine and very soft – much different from the coarser sand in Glamis. Everything ran well but had to be slightly conservative because we were stretching the fuel window and we don’t have any support tonight – there really was no room for error. Now that we are in the top ten we are going to set ours sights on a top five finish. There is still quite a bit of racing and in this business you never know what is going to happen until the end.”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 16, 2007 - Stage 9 Report: Tichit to Nema

Without the benefit of assistance from his team, Robby Gordon began the ninth stage in the 2007 Dakar Rally from the 10th starting position. The ninth stage left the sand dunes and got onto the hard pack which is well suited for the Monster Hummer. By days ends Gordon arrived at the bivouac in 11th place in the car category - 33:09 back of eventual stage winner Jean-Louis Schlesser. The result allowed the Monster Hummer to move to eighth in the overall classification.

Robby Gordon’s quotes following stage nine
“We had a really good run going. We ran with the Mitsubishis for about 200 km when we lost the rear tire inflation system. It broke off the air nozzle which resulted in a flat rear tire. We lost about 10 minutes changing that tire and after about another 100 km we got another flat on the rear. Our second spare is a light weight tire which can only go on the front so essentially we had to put the front tire on the rear and the lighter spare on the front. That cost us some additional time. Unfortunately with the mini spare we can’t run wide open so that impeded us as well. “

“We were stretching the fuel window so again like stage eight we had to be conservative with the throttle. Overall we finished 11th which is a very good result considering the troubles we had. It also moved us up to eighth in the overall standings. That’s a result that I’m happy with. There are over 1100 km of racing left and obviously some of the other teams are having trouble. We have had our share of problems and we are still in this game – we just have to survive these upcoming stages. Tomorrow we are going to try win the special. I think the special is especially well suited to the Hummer so the 10th stage might be Hummer time.”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 17, 2007 - Stage 10 Report: Nema to Nema

The 366 km special loop from Nema to Nema was perfect terrain for the Monster Energy Hummer. The big bumps and single tack played perfectly to the Hummer’s impressive suspension package and that showed as the Hummer, which began the stage in the 11th starting position, cleared the first check point in the lead. A pinched fuel system breather hose ruined the day when the Hummer H3 was never completely fueled up due to a faulty reading. Gordon and navigator Andy Grider ran out of fuel towards the end of the stage and managed a 23rd place finish, yet managed to maintain their eight place ranking in the overall classification.

Robby Gordon’s quotes following stage 10
“We really had a great run going. The track was perfect for the Hummer and we really felt like we should have won the special. It seems like fuel issues have been the story of our Dakar. First we got bad fuel in the early stages and then yesterday a faulty reading on the fuel meter once again ruined a stage for us. It’s really a shame because we came to Dakar believing we could win this race and the way we have run I really think we could have. Overall our preparation has been really good and our team this year is gaining experience that I’m sure will pay off in the future. Our goal is going to be to try to finish this thing on as many high notes as possible. There are four stages left and we are going to try win them all."

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 19, 2007 - Stage 12 Report Ayoun – Kayes

Leading through the first checkpoint, the navigational aspects showed on stage 12 of the 2007 Dakar Rally. A split second decision to follow another cars dust sent Team Dakar USA astray and into a rock garden that ultimately cost the Monster Hummer a strong finish. Gordon and his Monster Hummer were the 23rd car to start the special and despite the navigation challenges managed to finish 13th for the day. The team managed to hang on to it’s eighth place in the overall classification - 07:02:57 back of leader Stephane Peterhansel.

Robby Gordon’s Quotes on Stage 12
“One more stage gone and one more stage we could have one. We were on it, leading through CP 1 and CP 2 and about 60 km from the end we got lost and we got ourselves stuck in a rock garden. We gave up about 20 minutes which is very disappointing since we have had no mechanical issues so far. Tomorrow we’ll start closer to the front so hopefully we can make up some ground and try to win another stage.”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7

[Denis]

Jan 20, 2007 - STAGE 13 - Kayes – Tambacounda

A day in single track and dust made for slow going for Team Dakar USA. Robby Gordon and his American built Hummer managed an 11th place finish for the stage and maintained their 8th place position in the overall classification.

Robby Gordon’s quotes following stage 13

“It was definitely a day of follow the leader. The track was narrow and dusty and we had very little room to pass. We never really got to open up the Hummer and show its strength. The Dakar is winding down and I’m satisfied with what we have accomplished. We certainly have quite a few pages of notes that we will apply to our program next year. The best thing that has come out of this year Dakar Rally is the experience our team has gained. My guys are already looking forward to coming back next year and hitting the ground running right away. Of course we are proud to be the first American team and manufacture to win a stage in the Dakar, but truthfully there is unfinished business for us here. Even though it looks like we are going to win the open category for this year’s race I think when we return our main objective is to give the factory teams a run for their money.”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7. Also search www.youtube.com for “Eurosport Dakar” to see the international programming.

[Denis]

Jan 21, 2007 - STAGE 14 Report – Tambacounda – Dakar

On a stage better suited for the rally car styled cars, the Monster Hummer and Robby Gordon put on an impressive performance on the 14th stage of the 2007 Dakar Rally. The Monster Energy/Toyo Tire sponsored Hummer started the day in eight and finished fifth just 1:54 minutes behind stage winner, Carlos Sainz.

Robby Gordon’s Quotes following stage 14
“I was impressed with our performance today. We are competing with some of the best WRC drivers in the world and it’s no secret that the Hummer is a Monster compared to the four wheel drive cars of Mitsubishi and Volkswagen. I’m very proud of our whole team. Once we sorted out our fuel issues this team has come alive the last part of this Rally. Winning a stage was huge for us and we already know were we are getting beat. Again the experience the team has gotten this year will show next year for sure. Tomorrow’s final stage is a short stage but we are going full tilt to try and win. I think the course is better suited for the works teams but we’ll start up front and see what we can do. If our team can make the gains that it made from last year to this year – next year I know we will be in good shape.”

The Dakar Rally can be seen on the Versus Network in the United States. In addition Team Dakar USA has teamed up with Micron to provide daily video updates that can be seen on www.RobbyGordon.com. To see all the videos from the 2007 Dakar Rally visit www.youtube.com/rgm7. Also search www.youtube.com for “Eurosport Dakar” to see the international programming.