Faggotter breaks Safari bogey
After several years of trying, Yamaha rider Faggotter has finally tasted victory in the Australasian Safari, the 2013 event taking competitors on a 3200km, seven-day marathonSeventy tired and battle-weary competitors made it through to the finish line of the 2013 Australasian Safari in Geraldton (WA) on September 28, 3200km and seven days after 100 racers started in Jurien Bay.
Queensland Yamaha dealer Rod Faggotter (pictured) scored himself a convincing win in the moto class – his first win and Yamaha’s first since Alan Cunningham prevailed way back in 1986. Matt Fish (KTM) was second ahead of another Yamaha rider, Shane Diener.
Diener also won the Dakar Challenge, which means he has a free entry into the 2014 Dakar Rally in South America.
The final leg of the Safari saw competitors tackle three stages including a beach blast south bound from Kalbarri, farmland with sharp rocky tracks, steep beach descents, and a fast run through sheep paddocks.
The riders finished on the stunning Geraldton foreshore, where a guard of honour was then formed as Ivan Erceg’s bike and his race card were solemnly delivered through the finish line by close mate and multiple Safari competitor Vern Strange.
Erceg passed away in the 2013 Safari after a big crash in leg six.
After several years of trying, Faggotter was over the moon with his victory.
“I have tried to win this thing a few times now and something always seemed to happen but this time luck was on my side, the bike was perfect and everything ran smoothly,” he said.
“It feels awesome to win this race as it is such a tough event to win. You can’t do it without a great team and the Yamaha Desert Racing crew, including Vernon Strange and Ben Dickson, again did an amazing job and I’m so thankful for their support and encouragement not only this week but in the time leading up to the event.
“I also want to thank the organisers on another great event and pay respect to Ivan Erceg. This year’s race will always be remembered because of what happened and I hope that every year this race is ran competitors think of Ivan and the great guy he was.”
Lee Stephens (Honda) and car rally champion Alister McRae (KTM) were fourth and fifth, the pair both Safari rookies. KTM was a standout manufacturer with seven out of the top 10 moto competitors.
The other winners were Geoff Olholm (auto), Michael Heuchan (side-by-side) and Heath Young (quads).
For complete results visit www.rallyresults.com.au.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
