The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) can today confirm the St George 399 and the Rainbow Desert Enduro as rounds of the BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) in 2018.
New to the calendar of Australia’s premier off road championship in 2017, the success of both events this year has ensured their inclusion again in 2018.
The St George 399, held in the small rural town of St George in Queensland’s south-west, will open the BFGoodrich CAMS AORC on 4-6 May.
With the Tatts Finke Desert Race confirmed as round two of the championship on 9-11 June, the Rainbow Desert Enduro will again be the third round of the BFGoodrich CAMS AORC, moving one week later to 10-12 August.
CAMS’ General Manager of Motor Sport Events Michael Smith was expecting big things from the two events in their second year.
“The St George 399 and the Rainbow Desert Enduro came on board with the BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship last year and provided new challenges for Australia’s best off road competitors,” Smith said.
“The feedback we received about both events was fantastic; competitors loved the newly-constructed course at St George and the support that the Rainbow Desert Enduro received from the locals in western Victoria was amazing.
“With one event now under their belts, we are expecting big things from both events in 2018.”
Hindmarsh Shire and the Victorian Off Road Racing Association are excited by the announcement that the Rainbow Desert Enduro will be a part of the AORC for the next three years.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Greg Wood said: “The inaugural event was a huge success and a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our wonderful wide open spaces and friendly communities. We look forward to the Enduro continuing to grow in stature and becoming a “must visit” event for off road racers and off road fans!”
Kym Barber, President of the South East Queensland Off Road Racing Association (SEQORRA) said competitors can expect some new challenges at the 2018 St George 399.
“We will be extending the track by 20 kilometres for next year’s event so competitors can look forward to even more racing,” Barber said.
“We are continuing to build strong support from the local community as they prepare to welcome the event back to St George for the second time and we can’t wait to see everyone there in 2018.”
2018 BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship Calendar
Round 1: 4-6 May St George 399, St George, QLD
Round 2: 9-11 June Tatts Finke Desert Race, Alice Springs, NT
Round 3: 10-12 August Rainbow Desert Enduro, Rainbow, VIC