It seems as though NASCAR driver Robby Gordon has not been able to catch a break the past few days in the 2010 Dakar Rally.

In yesterday’s stage 7 from Antofagasta to Iquique, Gordon saw a glimmer of hope as he took the lead in the stage but was heartbroken when the alternator in his Monster Energy/Toyo Tires HUMMER failed.

“We started off with a really good run. By the start of the second liaison, I motored by two cars and was about the fifth car on the road. I saw low voltage on the dash and switched back and forth between batteries for about 120k before the Monster Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER finally stopped running,” Gordon said. “We had to wait a long time for a replacement, which cost us a lot of time. It's just a huge bummer. I am ready for tomorrow's rest day so that we can reevaluate and strategize for the rest of the race. Our plan is to come on strong for the final stages and make up as much ground as possible.”

Gordon dropped to 10th in the overall standings after finishing the stage in 24th.

Today, the drivers and their teams can regroup and relax on the rest day. They will begin stage 8 on Sunday from Antofagasta to Copiapo.

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