When the Australasian Safari kicks off from Wanneroo on September 19, it will do so for the final time.
Organisers told motoring.com.au earlier this year that the demise of the event comes from a combination of factors, including a lack of competitors, sponsorship and media coverage. Though this year, a portion of media coverage will fall to motoring.com.au, as the team readies itself to compete in the Safari's swansong. Driving a purpose built long-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler, the motoring crew will compete in the 'Safari Challenge' class, joining seasoned auto, quad and side-by-side competitors for up to 80 per cent of the gruelling 3500km event.
The 'Safari Challenge' class limits competitors to stock four-wheel drives and a top speed of no more than 100km/h. Organisers say the new class, which doesn't even require that vehicles be fitted with roll cages, will "make the event more appealing to teams on low budgets and operating vehicles that can be driven every day".
Safari Challenge competitors will be tracked by GPS and penalised for excessive speed. The category aims to test the teams' navigation prowess throughout the week-long event.
The tour will cover some of the Western Australian outback's most picturesque landscapes, with stops in Geraldton, Murchison, Gascoyne Junction, Exmouth, Carnarvon and Kalbarri along the way.
motoring.com.au will be joined by a cast of talented competitors from countries including Botswana, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, and United States. Many of those competitors have competed previously in events such as the Dakar and Baja Rallies.
Spectators are invited to join the field for the ceremonial start from 6pm. The free event, hosted by the City of Wanneroo, will allow motorsport fans to get up close and personal with the competitors and their vehicles before their 3500km journey begins.
Competitors will cross the Ceremonial Finish Line at Kalbarri Foreshore, Wanneroo on September 29.