Kalgoorlie on the cards

The BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship has confirmed the annual Kalgoorlie Desert Race has been named a candidate event for the 2020 Championship and beyond.


CAMS Director of Motor Sport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the popular event was firming as a potential fourth round of the AORC, with discussions ongoing with event organisers and the local government.

“Kalgoorlie Desert Race has proven itself as a popular and exciting off road event that is one of the highlights of the Western Australia motor sport calendar,” Smith said.

“We’re really excited to be working with the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder who are amazing supporters of the event in its current form, and also really passionate about growing the race into a national level event. They have a rich history of hosting motor sport events and would certainly be capable of welcoming the AORC to the west.

“The extension of the BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship is always something we are looking into and this event in Kalgoorlie is certainly a very strong candidate to be part of the AORC line up.”

Mayor John Bowler said the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder would be thrilled to host a national level motor sport event on its doorstep.

“Our region is a thriving and passionate community which sees the terrific benefits that flow from hosting a motor sport event like the Kalgoorlie Desert Race,” Cr Bowler said.

“The race is iconic and well known amongst Western Australians and we’re extremely keen to see this event take on a national standing and welcome even more competitors, crew and spectators to our wonderful City.

“The history of motor sport in Kalgoorlie-Boulder runs deep and has been well documented. We’re excited to be looking to add yet another chapter to our motor sport history.

“The economic benefits of hosting a round of the Australian Off Road Championship to the City are worth noting, with a large number of people expected to stay and experience this terrific part of Australia.”

This year’s Kalgoorlie Desert Race will be held on 27 and 28 October, with CAMS and the AORC representatives expected to attend the event to gain a better understanding of how it will fit into the national calendar.

A final decision on the event’s standing in 2020 is expected to be made in the coming months.