Entries in Australia’s ultimate off-road adventure, the Australasian Safari, have officially opened with organisers promising an event that will test even the most hardened competitors of the sport.
When the ceremonial start takes place in the main street of the Kalgoorlie on the afternoon of August 23, the anticipated record field will face a gruelling 3300 competitive kilometres across the next seven days.
Just getting to the finish line in Perth on Saturday August 30 will be a significant achievement. Victory in each of the three key competition categories – car, motorbike and quad bike - will rightly be savoured, and the winners revered.
Event Director, Justin Hunt, is in no doubt that their names will be entered alongside the other legends who have won the event because the course for the 21st Safari is one of the toughest ever.
“There are a total of 3300 kilometres to be travelled, and nearly 70 percent of those are competitive on very challenging terrain,” Hunt said.
“Last year Safari debuted in Western Australia and it was tough, but this year it will be even tougher. But at the same time, we’ve made it logistically easier for competitors and their service crews.
“We expect this combination - competitively challenging, yet logistically easy - will make the event a big hit with endurance enthusiasts around the world.
“Entries are now open, and we’ve had very strong interest from drivers and riders from New Zealand, Japan, the UK, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, Sweden, Germany and, most recently, from Russia, so we’re expecting a strong international field.
“The Supplementary Regulations are now on our website with entries closing on July 25.
“Western Australia was almost made for this type of event. The state is an adventure seekers’ paradise.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the 2008 course took in some of the key tourism regions, showcasing the Goldfields, Gascoyne and Coral Coast regions to a big international audience.
“The event will showcase the regional towns of Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Geraldton, as the Safari makes its way to Perth for the finish,” Ms McHale said.
More information can be found at www.australasiansafari.com.au
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