Dakar sponsor sues Robby Gordon’s team
On Jan. 4, 2008, the Dakar Rally 2008 was cancelled by the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) due to threats of terrorist attacks by al Qaeda against the Rally and its participants.
Vanguard is in the business of security, providing security software and services to many government agencies and Fortune 500 companies around the world. The company's software protects its customers from internal and external threats including cyber-terrorism attacks.
At the time of the cancellation of the 2008 Rally, Vanguard had independently confirmed the terrorist threats and agreed with the ASO's decision to cancel the Rally; the risk of attacks by al Qaeda was real, and the risk was simply too great. Factory-sponsored teams registered for the Dakar 2008 and others also supported the ASO's decision to cancel the Rally due to the terrorist threat.
Vanguard continues to believe Robby Gordon is one of the most talented off-road race drivers in the world, and has the highest respect for his driving abilities. However, with the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar Rally due to terrorist threats, along with Team Gordon's public statements in response to that cancellation, continued sponsorship of Team Gordon no longer provides Vanguard with the appropriate promotional opportunities.
On February 19, 2008, Vanguard took legal action against Team Gordon Inc. seeking an injunction prohibiting Team Gordon from associating itself with Vanguard's trademarks. Vanguard is also seeking a declaration from the Court confirming Vanguard's proper termination of the Sponsorship agreement.