Jake Smith wins 2012 Australasian Safari

His second victory as a Honda rider, and this time he held the lead for the entire duration of the seven-leg, 3500km event

A beach dash along the Indian Ocean from Kalbarri to Geraldton saw out the eight-day, 3500km Australasian Safari on September 29, with Jake Smith, 24, winning the moto division as he did in 2009. He held the lead for the entire event and finished with a comfortable 31 minutes to spare over Warren Strange, both aboard Honda CRF450Xs.

Ninety-two competitors crossed the finish line today in Geraldton, out of 115 who started the Safari on September 21.

Smith said he was still feeling really good after the eight days of racing but was relieved it was all over.

“It’s never over until it’s over so I was taking it easy to get through the cool beach stages and cross the finish line. Having won last in 2009 it’s a really good feeling to win again,” he said.

Strange’s second place was also a huge personal achievement for him, having had leukaemia for 20 years.

“I’ve been able to take time off work to train and now I’m following my passion, life’s too short,” he said.

“I’m really happy that an old guy like me can do this! I gave up motocross riding when these guys around me were kids!

“I’ve tried to do quite a lot of events this year in my preparation for Dakar so I’m really pleased it has paid off.”

Ryan Inghram, 33, also from WA, was third on a KTM450 despite this being his first attempt at the Australasian Safari.

“I’m feeling pretty good with this being my first Safari; it’s the longest event I’ve contested,” said Inghram.

“It was harder than I thought, a tough week. The stages were good, the longer the better for me. The bike’s been great to me too.”

Meanwhile David Schwarz, 42, finished in the top 10 of the Safari for the 10th consecutive year. This year he finished seventh.

“Ten years of racing is a long time. I’m tired but happy. This year’s stages were great, I really enjoyed it, it ranks right up there with the other Safaris I’ve done,” said Schwarz.

“The variation in the terrain and the styles of riding were great and there were some true Safari stages. It was great to go somewhere new.”

Auto

John Hederics (NSW) and Kees Weel (Qld) in their Holden Colorado finished a comfortable one hour 24 minutes ahead of their nearest rivals and drove a steady race over the past eight days. Hederics holds the record for most Australasian Safari wins in both Moto and Auto.

Hederics said he was happy, relieved and glad to be back.

“I had to rush back for the footy today to watch Sydney (in the AFL Grand Final)!” said Hederics.

“We held the lead for three days and had it to lose. Driving conservatively is sometimes harder than going fast.

“I’ve been on loads of Safaris as a competitor and as support, and this is by far the best course. The difference in terrain and the variances have been really good. The organisation is good and there are experienced guys running the show and they know what’s required.”

The second place for West Australians Rob Herridge and Sam Hill was a huge achievement. Their Subaru Forester was entered in the Production Class, meaning the car had very few modifications. They finished an impressive one hour and 39 minutes ahead of third place holders and with their service crew managed to keep the car on track for the eight days.

Veteran off-road racers of more than 40 years, Victorians Reg Owen and Russel Cairns, placed third in Auto, a well-deserved position after competing in an impressive 15 Australasian Safaris.

Quad

Victorian Paul Smith, 35, won convincingly on his Honda TRX700XX. He has contested every Australasian Safari since quads were introduced five years ago and won in 2010.

“Especially after last year’s stuff up and the helicopter ride to hospital with a broken leg, I’m really glad to be on top,” said Smith.

“In true Safari form, the event had to throw something at me, and in the last 3km I hit a sheep. It was okay and ran away.

“I loved the Gascoyne region for Safari; the stages were awesome – pure evil! It’s the least troubles I’ve ever had on the event and it’s a credit to the guys who built the bike. I’m really happy -- next stop Dakar!”

For more information on Australasian Safari and the latest results visit www.australasiansafari.com.au. Updates are available on Facebook and Twitter at @austsafari and check out the video updates on our YouTube channel – AustralasianSafari.

Jake Smith wins 2012 Australasian Safari

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