ATAR, Mauritania -- At least 100 racers in the Paris-Dakar Rally were stopped at Mauritania's border by armed guards demanding $64 to pass.

Customs officials had earlier imposed the passage fee, and even though rally organizers overturned the order, it appeared word did not reach security forces at the border, race spokesman Roger Kalmanovitz told The Associated Press.

"I cut the motor, and put my hands up,'' two-time defending rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan told France 2 television.

French TV showed soldiers surrounding each car, truck and bike at the border.

"The soldiers were armed. They were saying to each car to pay 50 euros,'' Masuoka said. "We discussed this. This was the first time this ever happened to me, so I agreed.''

It's not unusual for border guards in Mauritania and some other countries in West Africa to demand and receive illicit payments from travelers.

At least 100 racers paid Wednesday, and rally organizers still were checking with other drivers. Asked if any of the money had since been refunded to drivers, Kalmanovitz said, "You understand we are in the middle of the desert?''

On Thursday, mechanical trouble cost Masuoka more than an hour, and the overall lead.

France's Stephane Peterhansel moved into first, finishing the 220-mile 8th stage in 5 hours, 1 minute and 25 seconds. Belgian Gregoire deMevius, in a BMW, was just over 32 minutes back in second, while Masuoka fell to third overall.