In 2008, armed rebels in Mauritania threatened to kill or kidnap racers, so an African route became too dangerous even for the Dakar Rally.
Therefore, in 2009, the race moved to another continent, South America.
Racers bounced over sharp rock in Argentina and got stuck in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth.
They drove twice across the Andes Mountains at about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level.
At those heights, drivers and car engines both struggled to get enough oxygen.
Even in its new home, the Dakar Rally still beat about half of the racers.
In 2009, 178 cars started the race, and only 91 crossed the finish line.