A MAN injured competing in the tough Dakar Rally is back in harness supporting other Race2Recovery drivers as they aim to become the first predominantly disabled team to complete the 5,600-mile course.

Ben Gott, 36, son of Keith and Linda Gott, Land Rover specialists in Alton, was a key driver in the Race2Recovery four vehicle Land Rover Wildcat squad determined to prove that serious injury need not preclude you from doing extraordinary things.

But, experienced as he is, Ben is lucky to be alive following a near-death experience toward the end of an arduous sixth stage of the South American rally when he rolled his Wildcat in a ditch, writing the vehicle off and putting himself and teammate, US Marine triple amputee Mark Zambon, out of the race.

"In a single smack your Dakar dream can be over," said Ben who was driving at around 50mph when he hit the ditch.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.