News 20 Nov 2012

Off-Road Observer: 46

Alex Gobert focuses on the world of off-road, presented by Yamaha's 2012 WR450F.

A new series for 2013 has been confirmed this week in the Western Australian Desert Racing Tri-Series, set to attract big interest next year. Here are the plans, but for off-road enthusiasts, this could be the start of something very interesting in the years to come.

It’s official, a WA desert racing tri-series will be run in 2013. The series will consist of two already established desert races in the Pilbara region and a newly formed race for the series in the upper Gascoyne region on Doorawarrah Station.

All races are two-day events, covering a total of 500km in the format of minimum 100km loops with the rider’s base camp adjacent to the central pit and race control area.

A club for the desert racing series is currently being developed, with full details about the club, including the official website is to be released on 20 December 2012. One of the aims of the club is to enable riders from all parts of the country to be able to participate in the tri-series races.

A major sponsorship drive is underway with the aim to get some industry contenders on board. A significant amount of sponsorship is required as there is an $80,000 prize pool up for grabs with class prize money down to 10th place.

Series Event Schedule and Prize Plan:
21-23 June 2013 Doorawarrah 500 Doorawarrah Station, Carnarvon WA
12-14 July 2013 Indee 500 Indee Station, Port Hedland WA
10-11 August 2013 Kumarina 2-Day Kumarina Station, Newman WA

Total Prize Pool: $80,000
Outright Bonus: $20,000 (winner of all three races outright)
Outright and class prize moneys to 10th place finishers

“A race series for the riders by the riders is what we are doing here,” said the event co-ordinators. “The popularity of desert racing in this country has been growing at a massive rate and there is no reason as to why it needs to stop. We have some of the best and most varying terrain in the world that suits us down to a tea. We are extremely excited and have been talking about this for the past seven years – it’s time to bring it. You will see an economic and professionally run event series with an environment that supports family and the die-hard racer in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Let’s start with three in 2013 and see how it goes.”

Sounds exciting and already a number of big name riders are talking about potentially competing in the series – including AORC, Finke and Hattah champion Toby Price!

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