The Australasian Safari has been won by Todd Smith on a GHR Honda CRF450X, leading the race since Leg 2.

The 26-year old from Condobolin, NSW, finally made it to first place after finishing second in both 2010 and 2009, winning by 20 minutes over brother Jacob Smith on a Honda in second place and Rod Faggotter from Queensland on Yamaha.

Todd had a dream run this week, taking out his first Safari after three other attempts and racing with his favourite competitor, brother Jacob also from Condobolin who won the Safari in 2009.

“It’s a great feeling, I’ve been chasing this for a few years and it’s my fourth attempt at Safari,” he said. “It’s not sunk in yet and this is my first major win in something like this.”

Defending champion Ben Grabham was ruled out early in proceedings with technical troubles on his KTM, while Dakar legend Cyril Despres sustained a foot injury and was forced out while vying for podium honours.

South Australian Shane Diener onboard a Yamaha who won eight of the 17 stages but lost four hours on Leg 5 for not being able to complete the day due to starter clutch failure.

Ninety competitors started the Australasian Safari seven days ago on the coast in Geraldton, Western Australia in auto, moto, quad and non-competitive Adventure Tour category.

Yesterday, 69 competitors and adventure tour participants crossed the finish line and they are all winners for making it through 4000km of harsh outback terrain which threw everything at them.