Dakar dreams: Dakar Challenge entry update Date: 30-Aug-2013 Aiming not only to finish but to take home free entry into Dakar 2014 will be the goal of nine Moto category and two Auto category competitors at this year’s Australasian Safari. The Australasian Safari has once again been named as one of five premier off-road motorsport events worldwide to host the Dakar Challenge, giving one amateur Moto rider and Auto team free entry into the world’s toughest off-road event. Amongst the Dakar hopefuls is Moto competitor Ryan Wallace from the USA. “I first learnt about the Dakar rally while travelling round Europe in my early 20’s,” said Ryan. “I was so impressed by the competitor’s determination to finish and their racing abilities - I made it a life goal of mine to enter!” said Ryan. Ryan has been training with former factory Dakar racer Jimmy Lewis to prepare himself for the Australasian Safari. “My main focus for Safari is to finish, as it has reputation for being a tough rally. It would be incredible to achieve this and have my family there with me to celebrate.” Another Moto competitor vying to be Dakar Challenge winner is Western Australian John Bouwknegt (pictured left). John has also had the goal to compete in Dakar since his early 20’s. “I used to read everything I could on the Dakar Rally and Australasian Safari. I loved the mystery of both events, but it was 20 more years before I actually thought about riding a Safari and another few more for Dakar,” said John. “For most mere mortals like me it has to be a long-term goal because of the lengthy preparation needed for it. “Dakar is an adventure beyond all others, and the chance to see South America in such a unique way would be magic.” Last year, only those competing in Safari’s Moto category were eligible for the Dakar Challenge. In 2013, amateur Auto competitors also have a shot winning a free Dakar entry. The rivalry between the only two nominated Auto teams will be fierce. Amy Lerner and Tricia Reina from the USA will be competing against Chris May and John Cassidy from Western Australia to win the challenge. The successful competitors will follow in the footsteps of last year’s Dakar Challenge winner South African Moto rider Brett Cummings. “The Dakar challenge carries a great amount of publicity at the Dakar itself,” said Brett. “The winner of the free entry will not only get a great discount on going to Dakar, but they are well and truly looked after at the event. “The most important thing for competitors to remember at Australasian Safari 2013 is that it’s not over until that chequered flag is waved! Determination wins.” Dakar Challenge Entry List - Moto Charlie Ball (NSW) John Bouwknegt (WA) Russell Jackson (VIC) Ryan Wallace (USA) Hein Eigenhuis (NSW) Edward Tonkin (WA) Ben Young (VIC) Shane Diener (SA) Rod Colling (NSW) Dakar Challenge Entry List - Auto Amy Lerner / Tricia Reina (USA) Chris May / John Cassidy (WA) It is a condition of entry into the Dakar Challenge is that entrants must never have participated in the Dakar, nor have finished in the top ten of an FIM all terrain rally. The Australasian Safari will commence with a Safari Show on Thursday 19 September. Competitors will cross the finish line in Geraldton after seven tough days in the Western Australian outback on Friday 27 September. The Dakar is a rally raid style off-road endurance race travelling through South America. The route for the 2014 Dakar is yet to be released. For more information on Australasian Safari visit australasiansafari.au/website/home.html, Facebook https://facebook/AustralasianSafari and Twitter @austsafari.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:02:07 +0000
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