Dakar Rally makes symbolic start in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Thousands have gathered at the Obelisk in the center of Argentina's capital for the symbolic start of the Dakar Rally.

Competitors will make a 215-mile drive to the city of Colon. The real racing on the 5,600-mile journey across Argentina and Chile begins Saturday for more than 350 drivers in cars, motorbikes, quads and trucks. The finish is back in Buenos Aires on Jan. 16.

The rally was moved to South America in 2009 because of safety concerns and the possibility of a terrorist attack in Africa.