Sainz leads Dakar rally; NASCAR’s Robby Gordon 2nd today, 5th overall

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."

Sainz, in a Volkswagen, completed the loop around Copiapo in the Atacama Desert in 5 hours, 32 minutes, 55 seconds. Gordon, driving a Hummer, was just 21 seconds behind at the finish. The stage was shortened by 125 miles because of the hard terrain.

The rally is being held in South America for the first time after fears of a terrorist attack drove it out of its traditional setting in Africa. The race lasts two weeks and covers nearly 6,000 miles in 14 stages. Much of the race is across terrain with no roads. It started in Buenos Aires Jan. 3 and is set to finish there on Saturday.

In the overall standings, Sainz is followed by Volkswagen teammate American Mark Miller, Giniel De Villiers of South Africa, Nani Roma of Spain and Gordon.