OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Linc]

Australasian Safari to be held in first week of August

The Australasian Safari has gathered new momentum following the success of the 2008 running of the event, and looks set for a bright future in its Western Australian home base.

Competitor feedback has confirmed the event’s status as the region’s toughest endurance motorsport test, with many comparisons to the renowned Paris Dakar being made by the experienced international competitors.

This year’s event started in Kalgoorlie and finished, after nearly 3000 competitive kilometres and seven days of gruelling competition, in the state’s capital, Perth.

While details of the 2009 course are yet to be revealed, the event will be held in the Goldfields, Gascoyne and Coral Coast areas of the state from Saturday, August 1st until Saturday, August 8th.

According to Event Director, Justin Hunt, the response from competitors to the changes made to this year’s event have ensured a strong future for the Australasian Safari in 2009 and beyond.

“The 2008 event was extremely well received, and we expect to see significant growth in competitor numbers in 2009,� Hunt said.
“This year’s course was a real test of endurance, skill and courage, and the drivers and riders loved the challenge.�

“It seems the tougher we made it, the more they enjoyed it.�

“We’ve already identified some awesome terrain for 2009, which I’m sure will further enhance the reputation of the event.�

One of Australia’s most experienced racing drivers, Tony Quinn, was full of superlatives for the Australasian Safari, despite retiring from the event.

“What an extreme event,� Quinn said. “I didn’t go to school for long enough to learn sufficient words to best describe the event - brutal and phenomenal are the two words that come to mind.�

“The bug has bitten. I can’t wait to have another crack,� he added.

AFL legend, Tony Lockett, also competed in the Australasian Safari for the first time, riding a motorbike for the factory Honda team. Lockett finished mid-field in the event, and loved every minute of it.

"It was long days and it was good to finish, but I had a ball,� Lockett said.

Asked if he would be competing again next year, Lockett added: "My word."

Victorian Sue McCready, who co-drove Des Harrington to second place in the auto division in 2008, is making plans for next year too.
“It was the toughest event I’ve ever done, but also the most beautiful,� McCready said.

“I expected sand, dust and repetitive stages. I got sand, dust, trees, wildflowers, native animals, and a bit of history to boot. I’ve seen the rabbit proof fence, the Carnarvon Ranges, emus in the wild and water holes in the most unlikely of places.

“Teamwork has never been as important in an event as it was in the Australasian Safari. The driver, the navigator, the car and the service crew must all work together like a well lubricated machine to be successful.

“I came home exhausted, bruised, mentally drained and with orange dust in everything. Would I do it again? In a heart beat,� she added. The high number of competitive kilometres versus road section distance was popular amongst competitors, and is just one of many reasons that organisers expect larger entry numbers in 2009. The response from overseas competitors has already been very encouraging.�

2008 saw a dedicated class for Quad bikes, which proved popular, despite limited entry numbers. A significant competitor increase is expected next year, with many riders already stating their intentions to enter.

Eventscorp Executive Director David van Ooran said he anticipates another successful Australasian Safari next year.

“We have received some positive feedback about this year’s event and look forward to learning more about what is in store for 2009.
“I’m told the planned areas for 2009 contain some excellent competitive roads which I’m sure will whet the adventurous appetite of many competitors,� Mr van Ooran said.

Expressions of interest for the 2009 Australasian Safari will open in November, and prospective competitors are encouraged to get their entries in early to guarantee a start in the event and to take advantage of the early bird entry discounts.

[cowchaser]

Count me in.

Ok guys you all have a date now. It's time to start saving and building a bike. Trust me the earlier you start the better.
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Smitty

[PeteW]

cowchaser wrote:

Count me in. Ok guys you all have a date now. It's time to start saving and building a bike. Trust me the earlier you start the better.

yeah like next week would be good.......
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www.thumbpump.com
www.dirtcomp.com.au

[bullet]

I only entered this year to make sure brother Smitty behaved himself...
So I guess I'm in again next year too.

Warning to those interest in entering... IT IS ADICTIVE
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[John Mags]

bullet wrote:

Warning to those interest in entering... IT IS ADICTIVE

How true! On the drive back we were already comming up with a plan for next year.
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When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[John Mags]

bullet wrote:

Warning to those interest in entering... IT IS ADICTIVE

How true! On the drive back we were already comming up with a plan for next year.

Here are some emoticons to describe the event. You will feel all these emotions and more......
_________________
When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[bullet]

I reckon there was a lot more of these in there.
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[Huskygoat]

Loretta Lynn is on 15/16 of August so if I say very nice things to V we might be there. No promises

Huskygoat

[John Mags]

Huskygoat wrote:

Loretta Lynn is on 15/16 of August so if I say very nice things to V we might be there. No promises Huskygoat

Would be good to see you and Viv have anoher crack. You guys were great company out there and besides I still need to get you guys an after party drink.
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When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[toss]

I no this is a dumb question but to those who did it last year - how much did it cost you including everything?
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always ready to have a go at anything once

[toss]

how much did it cost you last year - inc everything?
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always ready to have a go at anything once

[toss]

how much does it cost with everything?
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always ready to have a go at anything once

[cowchaser]

I reckon you could do it for about $8000 if your on the east coast and have to travel to get there. Thats without building a bike. Ask Linc he did a great job on a budget and it proberly didn't even cost him that!
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Smitty

[Huskygoat]

who are trying to kid Smithy entry and food was 4000 mate try 18000

and I reckon next year if I do it $30 000 per entry sharing costs that quad the lot.
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Truth and Honor and Trust ... never under estimate Them.

[Mrs_Gaitar]

http://www.australasiansafari.com.au/

updated website with press release for today

early bird entries etc
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www.waquadmx.com

[cowchaser]

Huskygoat wrote:

and I reckon next year if I do it $30 000 per entry sharing costs that quad the lot.

Not sure how you run your show Husky but my budget is less than half that
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Smitty

[Huskygoat]

I buy my quads
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Truth and Honor and Trust ... never under estimate Them.

[Linc]

Huskygoat wrote:

I buy my quads

Now, now........

But seriouly if you already have a quad it could be done for 8k no worries.

Linc

[Huskygoat]

Just a few expenses that you should watch for : service car cost . food for that service car. cost of that service person ,fuel for that service car. fuel for quad ( don't buy the cheap dirty stuff) spare parts , tire balls (only way to go) radio, map roller , a good Jacket, 28 spare belts if you ride auto, access to somebody with a welder, and if you love your quad stay a home because after Sarfari there won't much you didn't break. (I know you didn't break much linc you were to smooth) I'll probably be there next year to do the job properly.
_________________
Truth and Honor and Trust ... never under estimate Them.

[v8toy]

hey husky i wasnt that exspensive to run was i i didnt eat much well i think i didnt haha plus add in the exspense if the car is nearly written off on the way home haha
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go hard or go home

[John Mags]

Cool, the Husky's ride again.
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When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[cowchaser]

Is the Maggot going be there to defend his title????
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Smitty

[John Mags]

Don't know about any title defending qoing on. Would like to come out and have another ride for sure as lond as work and $ permit.
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When I'm racing I'm living..... everything else is just waiting.

[bullet]

It's 'title defending' Maggots. It's yours mate, you've got it
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Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[hustleratv.com.au]

Huskygoat wrote:

Just a few expenses that you should watch for : service car cost . food for that service car. cost of that service person ,fuel for that service car. fuel for quad ( don't buy the cheap dirty stuff) spare parts , tire balls (only way to go) radio, map roller , a good Jacket, 28 spare belts if you ride auto, access to somebody with a welder, and if you love your quad stay a home because after Sarfari there won't much you didn't break. (I know you didn't break much linc you were to smooth) I'll probably be there next year to do the job properly.

Husky, you forgot one thing ,bring at least one pair of jeans it might get cold at night
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hustleratv.com.au 0407 797 780
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