Next stop for the BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) will be the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro, for the third and final round on 10-12 August.
New to the calendar in 2017, the Rainbow Desert Enduro was declared a success by competitors, off road fans and Rainbow locals alike.
Competitors enjoyed the endurance aspect of the event and the tough, muddy conditions while spectators were treated to some spectacular racing, with the track conveniently located just two kilometres from the tiny north-west Victorian town of Rainbow.
Organisers from the Victorian Off Road Racing Association have been hard at work in recent weeks, getting the track and facilities primed for another exciting event.
Victorian Off Road Racing Association President Brett Price said work on the 80-kilometre track will produce closer racing between the AORC classes.
“Some of the long straights have been broken up,” said Price.
“There has been about 1.5 kilometres added to the track.
“On the run home we shoot into a paddock and run around the perimeter, breaking up a long straight. And heading away from the spectator area before you hit the desert, we now go through some trees instead of along the road.”
There have also been some exciting additions to enhance the spectator experience – two jumps have been added, with plans to build one more, in front of the spectator area. Competitors will complete these jumps in prologue and on every lap of the race, providing thrilling viewing for fans. Spectators can also expect more parking areas.
Competitors will welcome larger pit bays and for officials, a UHF repeater has been installed to improve communication for recovery crews.
Supported by Graincorp and the West Wimmera Health Service, the Rainbow Desert Enduro will kick off on Friday afternoon with scrutineering taking place in Rainbow’s main street. There will be plenty of entertainment for fans including a jumping castle for the kids, music and fire drums to keep warm.
On-track action starts on Saturday morning with prologue, followed by racing on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
Camping is available at the Rainbow Recreation Reserve, with some powered sites available.
Supplementary regulations will be available, and entries open, in early July. For all information on the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro, visit www.aorc.com.au/rainbow-desert-enduro/.