Australasian Safari 2010

Long-distance, all-terrain racers take note: The 2010 Australasian Safari is shaping up to be as spectacular an event as it was last year.

Organisers of the Australasian Safari say the 2010 event already looks promising with "a very high level of interest from around Australia and around the world."

The event is now open to expressions of interest on the official website at http://www.australasiansafari.com.au . The organisers have extended the closing date for Early Bird entries, which attract lower entry fees, to 5PM on April 15.

The event will begin with a ceremonial start from Perth on the evening of Friday September 17, with a new Leg Zero "0" on the following day. Leg one kicks off on Sunday September 19, with the event finishing on Saturday September 25 after competitors have completed seven legs.

Four-wheel drive vehicles, motorbikes and quad bikes compete in the event which covers around 3,700km over largely unforgiving terrain. About 500 competitors, support crew and officials crowd a designated campsite at the end of each day's racing, "generating an economic boost for the regional towns along the route."

The 2009 event attracted more than 100 competitors from Australasia and overseas, and injected something like $2 million into WA's economy.

And the Australasian Safari should remain within WA for the immediate future. Following an agreement secured by the WA state government, the event has been given a green light for the next three years, with options for six more years.

The event runs alongside the non-competitive Adventure Tour, which follows the same route and is designed to appeal to less gung-ho adventurers.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi