The annual Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash to be held during the last weekend of October has attracted the attention of the BBC, who will send adventure journalist Ben Fogel to Western Australia to compete in the adrenaline charged event.
First held in 2003, the Gascoyne Dash is now considered one of Australia’s most gruelling desert motorsport races.
Event Director Paul Kelly said the Gascoyne Dash was a 450-kilometre cross country motorsport race across some of the harshest desert and outback terrain on Earth.
“This is a motorsport event that puts car against car and bike against bike and then the quickest of each against each other to determine who will be crowned King of the River,” Mr Kelly said.
“Winning is something, finishing is everything – whilst the winners will not agree, the field of competitors will.
“Anyone can join the Gascoyne Dash as a competitor. If you have a reasonable level of fitness, a thirst for adventure, a dose of common sense and a suitable machine, you’re in with a chance.
Event spectators will get a thrill from watching competitors battle it out, whilst enjoying authentic outback experience of camping under the stars, swimming in billabongs and witnessing the majestic landscape of the Kennedy Ranges National Park.
Australia’s Coral Coast CEO David O’Malley said the Gascoyne Dash was gaining international recognition, with the event attracting motorsport enthusiasts from interstate and overseas.
“People come from far and wide to compete in this iconic outback event,” Mr O’Malley said.
“The BBC is even sending adventure journalist, Ben Fogel to Western Australia to cover the event for a series of documentaries which will generate more interest internationally for future events”.
“It’s a gruelling race and the terrain is harsh, but ruggedly beautiful – not that competitors will be able to stop and admire the scenery!”
The event starts Thursday, 27 October, with competitors and spectators converging on Carnarvon to complete race registration, vehicle and bike scrutiny.
On Friday the action will be fast and furious with bikes and cars setting their best times over a 10-kilometre track.
The race begins at 7am on Saturday, 29 October with cars roaring off the starting line for a 240-kilometre loop. The race continues on Sunday, 30 October for another 200 kilometres of outback racing.
The King of the River will be crowned and collect $3,000 prize money on Sunday evening followed by the traditional ‘finishing is everything’ party. Entry to all venues is free.
The Gascoyne Dash is supported by Eventscorp, the Department of Regional Development and Lands and Royalties for Regions. Visit www.gasdash.com for further information.
