Preview: 2014 Australasian Safari

The 2014 Australasian Safari in Western Australia officially gets underway with a ceremonial start in Wanneroo this evening, followed by the prologue tomorrow to determine starting positions for leg one on Sunday.

Following the withdrawal of sponsorship by the Western Australian government, this year's event will be the final one out west – and perhaps anywhere for the foreseeable future.

The 2014 instalment is the 29thth running of the off-road epic, and in the motorcycle division there are three standouts: Yamaha teammates Rod Faggotter and Shane Diener, as well as American Quinn Cody (KTM).

Faggotter (pictured in the 2013 event) is the defending champion and a top 15 finisher in the Dakar Rally, so the Queenslander deserves event favourtism on his WR450F. With the extra support and back-up provided by the Active8 Yamaha team, Faggotter goes into the event well prepared and confident of a strong showing.

“So many things have to go right throughout the week to win an event like this and there is always a challenge to be faced,” Faggotter said. “I have prepared as best I can and know that the Yamaha WR450F is up to the task, so now we just hope everything goes our way and we can bring home a good result.

“It will also be a special safari as the future of the event is unknown at the moment. It's an iconic race that has a long history so I look forward to getting out on the trail and taking on the WA outback one more time.”

Diener, from South Australia, returns to the event after finishing an impressive third place in 2013, while Cody has an imposing list of career highlights, including four Baja 1000 titles, as well as being a three-time Baja 500 champion and 2011 Dakar Rookie of the Year.  It will be Cody's first time in Australia.

“I'm not sure what to expect from safari, but have heard it is long and difficult,” said Cody. “I'm sure the local guys go super-fast and know the terrain. So for me, I need to ride steady, smart and hope I have the speed to be there in the end.”

There are 37 motorcycle riders entered, including more internationals from Botswana and Italy. KTM is again the dominant marque with 22 to line up in the prologue tomorrow, with Honda, Aprilia, Husaberg and Suzuki also represented.

The Australasian Safari is also a registered Dakar Challenge event. The Dakar Challenge prize includes a free entry into the Dakar, along with vehicle transport, catering, insurance, plus more. This year, six riders will be fighting for the coveted Dakar Challenge honours.

In the quad class, Heath Young (KTM) and John Maragozidis (MMR) look set to renew past hostilities, while eight side-by-sides will compete – one Arctic Cat and two South African-entered buggies in the Polaris-dominated field.

There are 26 in the auto pack, including old stagers like former bike winner Steve Riley, Tony Quinn,  Des Harrington and Bruce Garland, while in 2014 a new auto class called Safari Challenge has been inaugurated for “everyday 4WDs”. The vehicles only require basic safety equipment, and a Jeep Wrangler will be driven by Carsales journalist Matt Brogan.

In the safari, competitors will depart from Perth and head north to the Shire of Murchison, continue up into the Gascoyne region and around the Kennedy Ranges and into Onslow. The competitors then turn south for Exmouth, down through tropical Carnarvon and finally finishing in Kalbarri. Total distance is around 3400km.

The course will travel on mainly private land, meaning that only the only competitors will have the opportunity to experience these otherwise inaccessible areas up close and first-hand.

The bivouac locations for this year:

For more information on the Australian Safari visit www.australiansafari.com.au.