Australasian Safari: Event newsletter 2008-11-29

PERTH START FOR 2009 AUSTRALASIAN SAFARI

Australia's toughest motorsport challenge, the Australasian Safari, will start in the Perth next year, with a new course, new vehicle and competitor categories, as well as heavily discounted early entry fees.

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2009 event, as are Early Bird Entry Fees, which provide significant discounts for those competitors who are quick off the mark.

The week-long endurance event for cars, motorbikes and quad bikes will start in the Western Australian capital for the first time on August 1, with another innovative route that will build on the outstanding success of the 2008 event.

The course for the 2008 Safari was applauded as one of the best in the event's long history, and according to event director, Justin Hunt, things will only get better in 2009.

"We had a great response from competitors after this year's event," Hunt said. "Not only was the course a real challenge, but the country we went through was some of the most magnificent that you'll ever see, and Western Australia has left a lasting impression on everyone."

"In 2009 we'll start in Perth, and although we aren't yet able to release the details of where the Safari will go next year, I can assure competitors that it will be an awe-inspiring experience for them."

Western Australian Tourism Minister Dr Liz Constable said that it would be great to have competitors and media from around the country and around the world in Western Australia for the 2009 Australasian Safari.

"Western Australia has such a diverse and exciting landscape, ideal for a challenging motor sport event like the Safari," Dr Constable said.

After moving to Western Australia in 2007, the Australasian Safari continues to increase in popularity, and as the competitor base grows, so too does the evolution of the event.

2008 saw the introduction of a stand-alone category for Quad Bikes, and riders such as South African, Vicus Vandeventer, returned home full of praise for the event. It is expected that entries in the Quad category will increase significantly next year.

New vehicle and driver categories are also being introduced for 2009, and these, along with more details on the Safari, will be announced in the coming weeks.

-credit: australasiansafari.com.au