Huntersville, NC (Best E Casino) - One of NASCAR's most versatile drivers, Robby Gordon, will show off his unique skills in the 29th running of the famed Dakar Rally. The 38-year old will begin the 15-stage, 8,708 kilometer trek on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal. The race will end 15 days later in Dakar, Senegal.

Gordon is the only American to have won a stage. In 2005 the California native shocked the world by winning his first stage of the historic race. He also won the third stage that year.

Gordon is coming off another BAJA 1000 win (he teamed with Andy McMillin in December) having won the race in 1987 and 1989. Besides his rally wins, Gordon's resume includes wins in NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, Indy Cars and IMSA sports cars.

"I will be disappointed with anything other than a win," said Gordon on his website. "Toyo Tires and Hummer have made a commitment to win Dakar and our sole focus is to become the first Americans to complete that goal."

Frenchman Luc Alphand won last year's edition.

"It was like a dream for me to win the Dakar Rally last time," said Alphand. "I have won major skiing competitions, but this was so very different. It was a great team effort and that is the important factor with the Dakar."

The race spans six countries and two continents. There are 185 cars, 240 motorcycles and 80 trucks set to take the start in Portugal's capital city.