Grabham wins Safari

Bathurst-based Honda rider Ben Grabham (pictured) has won the motorcycle section of the Australian Safari, despite carrying a broken collarbone. He gained the injury on the Kalgoorlie to York leg of the event, trying to dodge wildlife.

The 26-year-old Honda CRF 450X rider had an off on Ryans Find, the 33km second stage of last Friday (31 August), and broke his left 'wing', finishing equal sixth on that stage, but scarcely missing a beat for the remainder of the day.

Despite the unscheduled exit, the Bathurst rider went on to demonstrate that the injury should be no major impediment to his hopes of winning the moto crown in his Safari debut, taking out the remaining Jaurdi and Clarkson Flat stages to end the day nine minutes and 16 seconds clear of the field.

"About 4ks from the finish I tried to dodge a furry critter in the dust and collected a stump along the way," he said.

"It doesn't really hurt, I expected it to hurt a lot more."

"It was popping around a bit, but it's not going to stop me tomorrow. I've got another good collarbone."

Grabham's GHR Honda team had its own medico on board, who has wrapped the shoulder tight under his red racing uniform.

"I will do anything I can," he said. "I sure do have a chance (to win this year's Safari)."

"I have a lot of minutes up. It's what I was hoping for."

Despite expectations to the contrary - many other riders doubted he could overcome the injury - he as good to his word.

The Safari win tops off a good year - he also won the 2007 Finke Desert Race.

Meanwhile Yamaha's Jacob Smith has confirmed his position as one of the country's leading off road motorcycle riders after an impressive debut in the gruelling race, where he has finished second.

The 18-year-old from Condobolin in NSW was competing in only his second ever navigational rally.

Smith rode consistently throughout the event to finish eight minutes and 53 seconds behind Ben Grabham and upstaged a host of more credentialed local and international riders along the way.

"It was an awesome experience," said Smith. "We went into the event with a 'take it as it comes' attitude but knew if we played it smart we could get a podium so really, we have ended up with the best possible outcome."

"The bike was just awesome and didn't miss a beat over event and for that I would really like to thank Yamaha, our Team Manager Gary Williams and our team sponsor Ross Mitchell."

"Special thanks must also go to my team mate Jonas Street for helping guide me through the last nine days," Smith acknowledged.

Top 10 bikes - After Stage 33 Day Nine (final stage/day)_
1. B GRABHAM (NSW), Honda CRF 450X, 15:52:12_
2. J SMITH (NSW), Yamaha WR450, 16:01:05_
3. A CHANNING (NSW), KTM 660 Rallye, 16:21:44_
4. A RIEMANN (SA), KTM 450EXC, 17:29:01_
5. M FISH (VIC), KTM 525 EXC, 17:51:03_
6. A COAKER (NSW), Honda CRF 450X, 17:52:36_
7. D SCHWARZ (SA), KTM 660 Rallye, 18:09:39_
8. B KIENHUIS (VIC), Husaberg FE 650, 18:12:36_
9. B HUDSON (QLD), KTM, 450 EXC, 18:18:42_
10. T O'CONNOR (NSW), Yamaha WR410, 18:22:55