OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Linc]

This is cool; quads are finally getting main streem recognition. Race will be televised on Channel 10 and on Foxtel.

Quad bikes to grow Australasian Safari appeal

The Australasian Safari, held in Western Australia 23 to 30 August, is set to see competitor numbers surge with the announcement that it will accept quad bikes in the 2008 event.

In 2007, its first year in Western Australia, the Safari attracted 102 competitors in cars or on motorbikes, but organisers believe that 20 to 30 quad bikes will enter this year, creating a field of around 140 competitors in the recently renamed event.

Western Australia has the largest sales in the country of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes, and event director, Justin Hunt, is confident that many of those who will take up the challenge will be locals.

“Quad bikes have already established a great place in the Australian motorsport scene, and are already involved in events like the Gascoyne Dash in WA, and the Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory,� Hunt said.

“It only seems logical that we grant them access to enjoy the Safari, which is rightly considered this country’s ultimate off-road adventure.

“Quad bikes are the fastest growing sector in the recreational bike market and we want to embrace them and create a separate category for them to compete.�

Quad bikes will have two classes of competition, one for those under 500cc and one for those over 500cc.

“The manufacturers we have spoken to so far are very excited about this move.

“Further, we have put a lot of changes in place for 2008 to make the event more accessible to competitors and less of a logistical challenge.

“We want to keep the event growing, increasing its local and international profile, and we think the quad bikes will add enormously to the media appeal as they provide great action-packed competition,� he added.

“The combination of cars, bikes and now quad bikes, all competing in the spectacular Western Australian outback, should create plenty of exciting vision for the TV cameras and photographers to capture and distribute around the world.�

Australasian Safari gets underway in Kalgoorlie on August 23, then heads north to Mt Magnet and Meekatharra, then east onto Geraldton, before heading south and finishing in Perth on August 30.

More information can be found at www.australasiansafari.com.au

PM or call Lincoln on 0404 08 09 04

[cowchaser]

Opps I just wet myself.

This is the kind of event that I thought would never happen in Oz!

Congrats to all that has made this happen (and Linc I know you had a big part in this thanks mate)

So who has the balls to enter one of Australia's premier international motorsport events???? I know I plan to. Huskygoat this sound right up your alley, are you keen?
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Smitty

[Quad]

this is good , something to think about .

[TasRaptor700]

Sounds like quads are finally being included in things, now just have to get lots of riders to participate.

Congrats to those that helped make it happen.
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Andrew

[Gaz #5]

This might be the stepping stone to allow quads into more MA and other type even (The 24hr trail in SA would get 20+ enteries easy).

[cowchaser]

Don't waste time thinking Quad just do it!!!
Gaz your right on their once we are accapted into events like this it will open the door up big time for events like the 24hr, Condo, Australian Off Road seires and so on. It's all very exciting for off road racing here in Oz
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Smitty

[Quad]

first things first like this week end sunday ,big day riding . for you racing good luck.

[Linc]

http://www.australasiansafari.com.au/News/Quads.html

NOTE: Classes are over and under 550cc's.......

[Huskygoat]

Vjcrose and I are already working on our Quads ( Outlaw IRS) I have a TE510 that I have built for the event . Looks like my apprentice will have to ride that . Wow man we have work to do

The Idea would be to finish ?

Our polaris came back from finke in 2006 every weld had stress cracks . So I believe choose your bike carefully ( will it break ? can I fix it? bob the builder) Instead of who will give me a free one

Sorry the Idea would be finish and beat vjcrose just think getting beatin by a girl

Huskygoat

[cowchaser]

I don't think you can compare Finke to the Safari except for it's in the desert. The Safari will not be anywhere near as rough as Finke but the long Kms will be just as taxingon bike and body.

I with you Goat Safari is not a race it's an adventure the plan will be just make it to the line
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Smitty

[Linc]

I reckon if you finish you've won anyway; so.

All quad finishers will get an award.......

Linc

[Quad]

hey ive got a spare large fuel tank yfz 450 if needed.

[PeteW]

woo hoo, looks like were going to WA this year then.
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www.thumbpump.com
www.dirtcomp.com.au

[John Mags]

I have been pushing hard for this to happen for years now. The reason has always been rego permits for the transport sections.

This is a dream come true.
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When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[Gaz #5]

So are you in Mags, that new ktm of yours would be perrrfect

[hustleratv.com.au]

this is awsome and would have to be great for our sport, this event would be bigger than the finke, (for quads) , what timing we now have some race team forming, so we look pro, and also the privateers, sound like dakar.
what does it cost to entre ?

and the running cost would have to be in the thousands eg.fuel ,tyres, spares ,etc.etc. it might be something you only get to do once in your life time (for a privateer).think of the memories.

so start saving all, the more that entre the better it looks for quads.

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hustleratv.com.au 0407 797 780
Importer of OMF performance product / wheels
Maxxis Tyres
Boundless Suspention
Bad Boy Power Drinks

[Linc]

All the great feedback from quad riders has been awesome; supprisingly the bike guys seem to be all for it too.

I can tell you guys there has been interest from Japan and NZ , get your teams and support sorted, it should be a very interesting race.

Linc

[47industries]

Hey Linc, I know you are up on all things Safari, could you give those who are considering going some sort of idea of cost, ballpark?
I know it is over 3k to enter, and I think I heard that it is $250 per support vehicle and $200 per support person. I heard also that the quad would have to be able to do at least 250km without refueling. Is that right and what else? I'm guessing you would have to budget over $10k per quad by the time you included support and getting there, not including the quad itself and setup. But hell it would be worth it!
Mick@47
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The way to this man's heart is through his esky

[dangerman4]

is this a MA event?
could i possibly enter in the over 550cc class?

[cowchaser]

I'm not sure of the ruling Dangerman but I thik they run under the F.I.M. rules and you just may have a case there. The winner of the quad class in last years Dakar was a Banshee with a road bike engine in it and they run under the same rules. I sure Linc would know for sure
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Smitty

[Linc]

Q: Can any type of quad enter?.
A: Yes; as long as the quad complies with the general rules of the Australian Safari.



Q: What is the maximum distance between fuel stops?.
A: No fuel stops will be more than 250km apart; it is an entry requirement that you ensure you can make 250km on one refuel.



Q: Does the quad have to have lights?.
A: Yes, you need a head light and a tail light as well as indicators and a rear mounted dust light.

As I know the rules you have to run your headlight at all times so your dust light would be your tail light. There is a rule as to the minimum size of light but most quad tail lights are big enough




Q: What safety equipment is required?
A: Nerf bars, a lanyard type kill switch, a water container, hat, radio and a first aid kit.

You need to carry 3L of water in a minimum of 2 containers but this can include your cammelbak.

Radio.....we have been corresponding with (sausage) Smith and think we have found a unit for $90



Q: What navigation equipment is required for the race?.
A: You will need a map roller and odometer.

There are a few brands available and the whole wizbang kit is about $1000 ~ $1200. I purchased a Touratech system for $700 secondhand. Some people have fabbed up a home kit from a plastic lunchbox and then use the bike odometer........basic but it seems to work.



Q: Will I need a GPS
A: No


I haven't got the details yet but there will be a fuel, a catering and a transport service, so technically you only need to get to the start with your quad and pack and then everything would be taken care of but this is a pretty hard core way of going about it.

I will post more info as the details are worked out. As usual if you have a specific question you can PM or just call me on the number at top of page.

Linc

[dangerman4]

Smitty might have some competition.
whats the prize for outright positions? 1st 2nd 3rd?
im in the process of building up another hybrid so we will see how that progresses over the coming months.

Last edited by dangerman4 on Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

[cowchaser]

Sounds good dangerman the more the the better
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Smitty

[vjcrose]

NO way is husky riding his bike - it got stolen on the weekend....

You can touch his woman but DON'T touch his f'n bikes! I never seen him so upset!
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Family is most important.... next is our quads

[Postie]

Geez that pisses me off just hearing that , good luck Husky catching these parasites , you could easily loose a person up in your parts , *edit , or may they find there own way up a hollow log