Motel manager by day...
With the Australasian Safari only weeks away, the Carsales Network is this week profiling female competitor Sarah Twaddle.Originally hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, 27-year-old Sarah Twaddle says that when she's not out shopping or having fun with her mates she's in the gym, preparing herself for competition in the gruelling Australasian Safari.
Currently employed as an assistant hotel manager in Orange, New South Wales, Twaddle is a three-time entrant in the cross-country safari and will be piloting a new short wheelbase Mitsubishi Pajero in this year's event. Twaddle will be accompanied by her father Brent, who joins her as navigator for the first time.
Her vehicle of choice will be essentially unmodified for the event, a condition of the showroom class category, with no spare extra shock absorbers or added creature comforts to make the 3600km trek easier on its occupants. Twaddle says she hopes to prove that in driving to suit the conditions, anything is possible.
"It has been a dream since Dad first moved to Australia from New Zealand for us to do the Safari together," said Twaddle. "And also so one day I can tell my kids that I did that toughest cross country event in Australia three times -- and once with my father!"
Sarah is confident that her father/daughter 'Roo Racing' team will do well in 2010, but admits it won't be easy.
"The biggest challenges are getting over the mental and physical drain and being able to adapt to the changing race conditions," she explained. "But I know what is needed to get to the finish line, and I'm ready to do it again and give my father a first time finish."
Sarah will be competing against auto, moto and quad bike drivers and riders from Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Japan, China and the UK, including V8 supercar champ Craig Lowndes. The Australasian Safari is likened to the Dakar for its huge challenges and vast distances covered.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the Australasian Safari will commence in Perth, Western Australia on September 17 and conclude in the picturesque southern coastal town of Esperance eight days later.
For more information visit www.australasiansafari.com.au
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