BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—Giniel de Villiers of South Africa won the first Dakar Rally held in South America. Volkswagen teammate Mark Miller of the United States was 9 minutes behind in second. Third was NASCAR regular Robby Gordon of the U.S. Gordon, who had climbed in the standings, had problems in the final two stages and couldn’t close on the top two. In Saturday’s final stage he had to overcome a tire puncture. He finished 1 hour, 47 minutes behind de Villiers.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—After a day of cooperative team driving today, Giniel de Villiers of South Africa leads Volkswagen teammate Mark Miller of the United States by just over two minutes heading into the last stage of the Dakar Rally. Next in line, nearly 90 minutes back, is NASCAR Sprint Cup regular Robby Gordon of the U.S. in a Hummer.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—Dakar Rally leader Carlos Sainz dropped out of the race after crashing into a ravine during today’s 12th stage. Sainz was not injured, but the two-time world rally champion from Spain and his French teammate Michel Perin were taken by helicopter to Fiambala, where the stage began, Dakar Rally spokeswoman Emilie Poucan told The Associated Press.

COPIAPO, Chile—Carlos Sainz of Spain won the 10th stage of the Dakar Rally today—his fourth win in 10 stages so far—to maintain his overall lead. NASCAR driver and rally veteran Robby Gordon finished second in the stage, 275 miles in the world’s driest desert, and is fifth overall. Spanish biker Cristobal Guerrero was involved in a serious accident and taken by helicopter to the Regional Hospital in Copiapo. Hospital director Dr. Anita Quiroga said surgeons drained fluid from Guerrero’s brain. The rider was stabilized, but Quiroga said the next 24 hours are “crucial to determine his prospects.“