Great news!! at least for South America. I'd love to go, and it's closer than Africa.
Argentina and Chile have a long history and tradition when it comes to rally races. Racing 10 days in Argentina and 5 days in Chile.
I'll do everything to go watch it, amazing race.
http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/presentation/us/r3_1-news.html

Dakar's finish line will be in... Chile? :confused

Maybe they'll have to ford the Altantic to Dakar.