Customer case Nebrija
Self-sufficiency is the key: the “Nebrija to Dakar” project’s experience with AluForce pop-up gazebos
When people talk about motorsport, they usually think straight away of international circuits: modern facilities, enclosed pit garages and cutting-edge technology. The world of rallying, however, is completely different.
There are no permanent facilities and no spaces designed down to the millimetre for each team. On the contrary: out in the wild, teams have to build their own infrastructure from scratch, and being self-sufficient becomes an essential requirement to survive and compete.
The desert challenge
During events such as the Rally Dakar, teams work in extreme conditions. Scorching heat during the day contrasts with cold nights, dust gets in everywhere and the wind puts both people and equipment to the test. In that context, a professional, sturdy pop-up gazebo is not a luxury but a necessity.
A good gazebo doesn’t just protect you from rain or sun; it also provides a safe workspace where mechanics, drivers and support staff can get organised and keep up with the frantic pace of the competition. A customised gazebo also brings added value: it increases visibility, strengthens the team’s identity and conveys professionalism to sponsors, rivals and the media.
As the “Nebrija to Dakar” team, made up of students and professionals from Nebrija University in Madrid, explains:
“Being self-sufficient in the middle of the desert makes the difference between pushing on and falling behind. A solid, well-designed gazebo is as essential as any tool.”
Gazebos that can withstand anything
The team needed to replace the structures it had used in previous competitions. Its priority was clear: to find a supplier that combined high quality with great visual appeal. It was during that search that they discovered the AluForce pop-up gazebos from Above & Beyond.
“We chose the AluForce gazebos for their attractive design and the quality of the materials. They’re easy to put up, incredibly tough and have allowed us to work in far more comfortable conditions.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
These gazebos become genuine mobile workshops. Thanks to their robustness, they can stay up for long periods without wearing out. The technical fabric protects against sun and rain, while the aluminium frame ensures stability even in strong gusts of wind. And in a rally, where every minute counts, speed of set-up is essential: within minutes, the team has a fully functional workspace.
More than functional: the team’s image
In modern motorsport, image is almost as important as race performance. Sponsors want visibility, the media capture every detail and fans want to identify with professional teams. A customised gazebo with logos, corporate colours and additional flags becomes the perfect stage for showcasing the team’s identity.
“The visual impact we’ve achieved is huge.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
“Not only do we have a more comfortable, better-organised workspace, we also project a much more professional image. That builds trust with sponsors and leaves a strong impression on other teams. Everyone notices our gazebo.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
Being able to surround the gazebo with custom flags amplifies that effect. In competitions where dozens of teams are fighting for attention, details like these make all the difference.
Personal service
The collaboration with Above & Beyond went beyond delivering the product. According to the team, one of the most valuable aspects was the personal, attentive service they received from Above & Beyond.
“We received exceptional service from day one.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
“The Above & Beyond team answered all our questions, advised us on every detail and made sure the gazebo was perfectly suited to our needs. It wasn’t just about selling a product, but about supporting us throughout the whole process.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
That level of commitment built a relationship of trust that goes far beyond a simple purchase. For a project like Nebrija to Dakar, which combines academic rigour with a passion for sport, finding partners who share the same working philosophy was essential.
The value of self-sufficiency
In the world of rallying, every day is a race against the clock and the elements. Days start at dawn and end late at night, with mechanics checking engines under makeshift floodlights and drivers preparing the next stage with maps and data. In that setting, having reliable infrastructure can make the difference between staying in the race and dropping out.
Being self-sufficient doesn’t just mean being able to repair a vehicle without outside help; it also means looking after the team’s wellbeing. Shaded areas to rest, enclosed spaces to organise tools and workbenches protected from the dust: all of this is possible thanks to a quality gazebo.
“Without a solid structure, the pace of the rally would be unsustainable. The gazebo becomes our nerve centre: it’s where we eat, work, plan and even find a few minutes’ rest.”— Team mechanic
Technology at the service of sport
AluForce gazebos offer not only strength but also innovative design. They’re made from high-density technical fabrics with reinforced seams and an assembly system that saves time and effort. Their modular design also lets you connect several gazebos to create larger spaces as needed.
This is a big advantage in long competitions: the team can expand or reduce the covered area depending on the number of vehicles, the staff on site or the weather conditions.
An investment that lasts
For Nebrija to Dakar, buying these gazebos has been a long-term investment. Thanks to the durability of the materials, the structures can be reused across multiple competitions without losing quality or appearance. Not only does this make the most of the team’s budget, it also contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacement.
“The fact that the gazebos still look as good as new after so many days is impressive. It’s a product built to last, and we value that enormously.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
A wholehearted recommendation
After months of use in extreme conditions, the team’s verdict is clear: they would recommend Above & Beyond without hesitation.
“There was absolutely nothing we didn’t like about the gazebos. They exceeded our expectations in every respect: quality, functionality, image and service. For any team looking for a reliable partner, Above & Beyond is the right choice.”— Paula Narros, communications and marketing for the project
Conclusion
The experience of the Nebrija to Dakar project shows that in rallying, as in life, self-sufficiency is the key. A gazebo isn’t just shelter from the sun or rain: it’s a symbol of preparation, professionalism and resilience.
Thanks to AluForce pop-up gazebos, this university team has been able to compete in professional conditions, give its members a safe workspace and guarantee its sponsors an impeccable image.
In a sport where every detail counts, choosing the right gazebo can make all the difference. And, as the Nebrija University team knows well, that difference can mean reaching the finish line.
