Back in 2019, the Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park was named as the destination as one of the five rounds making up the 2020 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season.
Unfortunately, the past two challenging years prevented the Can-Am Loveday 400 from actually hosting the best off road crews in Australia, but this weekend, it finally gets its chance.
And what a way to burst on to the national stage.
A bumper entry list of 75 crews was confirmed earlier this month, with the number the highest ever in Loveday’s strong history of off road racing.
Not only is there a record number of crews for the three-day event, but also the quality makes this a hotly anticipated event serving as the fourth round of both the AORC and KINCROME SXS Motorsport Australia Championship.
With both Championships now past their respective midway points, this round is a major crossroads for many stars as a massive round in South Australia could go a long way in what is becoming an entertaining title fight.
Very little separates the two major championship contenders in Jake Swinglehurst and Ryan Taylor, while nine-time AORC champion Shannon Rentsch can never be ruled out, while the Trophy Truck stalwarts of Brent Smoothy, Brett Comiskey and Beau Robinson will likely offer a fight to the pro buggies.
Click here to view the entry list.
As for the SXS competition, which once again boasts the biggest class of 39 crews, there are plenty of names capable of leaving Loveday on a high – especially the top five crews.
A mix of experienced campaigners and drivers just beginning their journey into their AORC careers occupy the top spots with many of them fresh at the South Australian event.
Leading the pack is Greg Campbell, James Cook and Glen Akroyd, while rookies Glenn Brinkman and Josh Wiedman are equal fourth with Justin Rider.
The challenge of never having been to Loveday was something Wiedman was looking forward to tackling.
“I think Loveday should be pretty good as it’s similar to Pooncarie. I have seen some videos of it and it looks pretty full on, so I am keen,” Wiedman said.
“It’s a bit hard to prepare for an event you have never been to, and all you can do is do some research and watch videos. I have had time on our property, as seat time is the main thing.
“I think having 10 laps of a 40km course is a good thing because it means you can get into the groove when you know the track and do the same loops. It will almost be better than just going over once.”
Awaiting crews will be 10 laps, which will be split in half across the weekend and broken down into six sections.
Before the official race gets underway, crews will have the ever-important Prologue on Friday, where they will be up against the clock on the shortened seven-kilometre course.
Click here to view the schedule for the Can-Am Loveday 400.
With great views of the course available from the grandstand, off road fans are encouraged to head to Loveday to see the event live.
Those unable to make it but still want to stay updated can do so through all AORC social channels, as well as heading to the event’s Facebook page for a live stream.
Extended highlights for the event will be available for fans on 7plus and then on 7mate shortly after the event.
The Can-Am Loveday 400 takes place at Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park in South Australia on 29-31 July.
