‘a little bit nastier’ 2010 Australasian Safari

Australasian Safari course ‘a little bit nastier’ in 2010

The new course set for the 2010 Australasian Safari, an off-road adventure through the remote and rugged Western Australian outback, has been described by Clerk of Course Ron Rigby as ‘a little bit nastier’.

Ron is responsible for driving and charting the course, which takes several months to complete as off-road tracks are tested, and approvals received from private landowners, state government and local shires.

Ron said competitors in Safari, taking place from 17 to 25 September, would experience new terrains in 2010 towards the latter stages of the event, and there would be a few surprises in store.

“Every leg will present its own unique challenges. There will be some great driving and riding sections as always, and we’ve reduced the amount of fenceline driving to provide as much variety as possible.

“It will be more about endurance than speed and we’ve thrown in some great challenges to make it a little bit nastier for even the toughest competitors.

“Riders and drivers will hit some heavy bush and treed areas where it will be likely they’ll encounter fallen logs and branches.

“Add to that some dramatic sand dunes in the final stages and preservation of both competitor and vehicle will be the key to making it to the finish,” Ron said.

In a new concept for Australasian Safari there will be no servicing of vehicles allowed on a couple of the legs to heighten the endurance challenge.

The Australasian Safari commences in Perth on 17 September with an official start before heading east to Southern Cross, north and further inland to Leonora, south to historic Coolgardie, and to the border town of Norseman with a finish in the beautiful south coastal town of Esperance.

More than 100 competitors in moto, auto and quad bike categories will take on the Australasian Safari challenge in 2010, covering more than 3600 kilometres over seven days.

The event has attracted competitors from around the globe and professionals and amateurs alike.

In total approximately 530 people will travel with the event, including officials, service and support crews, volunteers, media, a medical team, authorities, and of course families and friends of competitors.

The event will be broadcast around the world and closer to home on One HD, and attended by international media.

The Australasian Safari is marking its 25th year in 2010.

For more information visit www.australasiansafari.com.au

WHO TO WATCH IN 2010 AUSTRALASIAN SAFARI

Seasoned veterans, professional motorsport competitors and even some first-timers will challenge the 2010 Australasian Safari. Key competitors to look out for over the course of the 2010 Australasian Safari include:

Auto

V8 Supercar champion Craig Lowndes who will be swapping the smooth tracks of Bathurst for the rugged Australian outback, in what will be his first Australasian Safari. His co-driver is former V8 Supercar team owner and experienced Safari competitor and past winner Kees Weel.
Past Safari winner and regular Dakar competitor Bruce Garland, with co-driver Harry Suzuki returning to put up the challenge for a finals berth in their Isuzu D-MAX ute.
Father and daughter team Brent and Sarah Twaddle, competing together for the first time, following Sarah’s successfully completion of the 2008 and 2009 Safaris.
Auto driver Des Harrington who clocks up 14 Safaris over 25 years this year. His son Richard, 20, will join his father as his co-driver.
Kiwi Toni Feaver, competing in her first Australasian Safari after competing in 15 Australian Rally Championships, six Tarmac Rallies and 12 World Rally Championships.

Moto
Internationally-renowned Brazilian moto competitor Ze Hélio competing in his first Australasian Safari. He is Brazil’s number one rallye racer, five-time winner of the Rallye dos Sertoes, and came 12th outright at Dakar 2009.
Sweden’s rally princess Annie Seel returning to the Safari for a second consecutive year. Annie is a veteran of the international off-road racing circuit, having competed in four Dakars (named 2010 Female Champion) and more than 60 international rally sport events.
Ben Grabham, three-time Finke winner and two-time Safari winner in 2007 and 2008, fighting to regain his first place position.
Last year’s outright moto winner Jacob Smith and brother Todd Smith who placed 2nd outright in 2009.
David Schwarz – competitor in two Dakars and seven Safaris with multiple class wins and placings in 2009.

Quad
2009 Quad runner-up Paul Smith and 2008 Quad winner John Maragozidis, both who have competed in all Safaris since 2008 when the Quad category was introduced.

And finally…
Our ‘vintage’ competitors Terry Pinson (age 63) and Les Walkden (age 62) in the auto category and Robin Humphrey (age 56) in the moto category. They’ll be showing the young guns how to survive the gruelling seven-day course.

For more information visit www.australasiansafari.com.au .