With the stages of the 2009 Dakar Rally proving to increase in difficulty as the event progresses, the competitors get more opportunities to exhibit why they should be on top of the standings.

After enduring a broken power steering bracket, Eric Vigouroux drove the No. 324 Vanguard Hummer to a 28th place finish in the fifth stage of the event. Vigouroux currently sits 31st overall.

"Given the fact that this is Eric Vigouroux's first time in one of the Hummers, he is doing a great job piloting the No. 324 Vanguard Hummer," stated owner of Vigouroux's car, Robby Gordon. "If he had not encountered the problem with the power steering bracket, I would estimate that he would be in the top-20. It is just unfortunate that the part broke."

Gordon was able to show the world just why he was owner in the Dakar Rally's fifth stage. After rolling his Monster Energy Toyo Tires Hummer in the fourth stage, Gordon rebounded with a third place finish. Gordon and his rider Andy Grider concluded the stage only 4:12 behind the leader.

The duo's spectacular efforts bumped them up two spots to seventh overall, only 41:48 behind the leader.

"Today, the course was very challenging. The No. 309 Monster Energy Toyo Tires Hummer drove through the sand dunes with ease, and Andy did an excellent job of navigating us," commented Gordon. "Honestly, I think that this is where we made up the most time throughout the day. We were having a great run until we lost another power steering belt."

Gordon continued, "We quickly replaced the belt and got back on the track. All in all, I am happy with today's performance. We were able to close the gap on the new leader, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. We moved up to seventh overall and are just trailing by 41:48 minutes. In my opinion, the race has just started. There is more than enough opportunity to make up the 41 minutes."