NASCAR star Robby Gordon started his seventh Dakar Rally today in a continued effort to become the first American to win the 6,000-mile two-week race from Argentina to Peru.

Gordon was fifth at the conclusion of stage one after towing teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah, who experienced oil pressure troubles, to the end. Al-Attiyah, the defending champion, had run first and Gordon second at the intermediate checkpoint earlier in the day.

“We had an engine oil pressure loss and preferred to wait for Robby to tow us to the finish,” said Al-Attiyah. "This is not a good way to start the Dakar.”

The only American to win a stage of the world famous event, Gordon lost valuable time assisting his teammate.

"We were setting a fast pace until we saw Nasser stopped at the side of the special's course," Gordon said. "I stopped to tow him, this has cost us some time."

Thirty-eight year-old Argentine bike rider Jorge Martinez Boero lost his life in an accident Sunday between Necochea and Energia during stage one. Boero died of head and chest injuries received when he reportedly ran off course and struck a sewer line.

Race officials released a statement that partially said, "The organizers of the rally offer their heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."

 MORE NASCAR NEWS