Enthusiasts and nationally ranked professionals from around the country are already preparing to compete in Western Australia’s premier desert race. With Comparisons to the Finke Desert Race the Gascoyne Dash over two days covers some of the harshest and remote country in Australia; it is a true test of machine and competitor.

The rapid growth and success of the event has turned the Dash into a national standard desert motor sport that is not only competitive but entertaining with many spectators camping out, to get a taste of extreme racing.

 It all starts on Thursday with scrutineering in Carnarvon, an oasis town on the west coast 1000kms north of Perth. On Friday the competitors head out for prologue to base camp, Coonatha, set up on a cattle station 200km inland. Day one of the point to point event is 187kms across a full range of terrain; medium paced station tracks, sandy river crossings, red sand dunes, rocky hill climbs and fast station tracks back to the finish at Coonatha camp. Competitors intent should be to survive day one, many don’t.

Day two is an awesome challenge over 324kms through some extreme natural desert and outback terrain back into Carnarvon.

2007 CAMS outright champion Brain Robinson of Outer Bounds Racing

“The best off-road race I’ve ever been in”, was how winner of the event Brain Robinson described the Gascoyne Dash.” It was sensational “ he told the crowd that gathered at the Carnarvon Race Club to watch the bikes, quads and cars complete the grueling 500 kilometers of the 2006 event. “Tougher than the Finke”.

Photographs and information on this year’s event will be available on Monday 22nd October.

For more info and photos, visit:

www.gasdash.com

www.digitalrailroad.net/RJSteadman