Don Hatton Again Unable To Compete In Dakar Rally

Don Hatton, a 53-year-old off-road motorcycle racer from British Columbia, Canada, has been met with opposition every time he's attempted to race in the Dakar rally, and this year is no different. The Globe and Mail reports that Hatton was all set to ride in the 15-day off-road race that kicked off on January 1, but a freak accident on Christmas Day has foiled his plans yet again.

He was moving hay bales on his farm when the trailer collapsed and he was struck by a 1,500-pound bale. The accident left Hatton with a separated shoulder and damaged tendons, which have rendered him unable to participate in this year's rally.

When Hatton entered the competition for the first time in 2008, it was canceled the day before it was set to begin due to terrorist threats, according to the news source. The following year, he at least got to ride for a few days before he was in a crash and withdrew from the competition. He tried for a third time in 2010, but the rally's website reports that he had to pull out of the race after a few days because of bad gasoline in his bikes' tanks.

After taking a year to shake the bad luck, Hatton was sure his trouble was over, but now he tells the Globe and Mail that he may take this as a sign that he is not destined to compete at Dakar.