Oz Safari stalwart returns
The only driver to have competed in the very first Australasian Safari will return to contest the event in 2010, with his son in the co-driver's seatWith just over two weeks to go until the chequered flag flies for the 2010 Australasian Safari, competitors are well and truly ready to begin their high speed 3600km trek across Western Australia.
Des Harrington will be returning to the endurance event for his 15th Australasian Safari, having competed as far back as 1985 – for the very first event – when it was called the Wyns Safari.
Running for eight days and beginning on September 18, with the ceremonial start on the 17th, the Australasian Safari will conclude in Esperance, where competitors will be keen for a bit of rest and relaxation after one of the most gruelling events in the country.
Like many of the 'Auto' class entrants, Des Harrington will be driving a modified off-road vehicle, a 2008 model Nissan Patrol ute, powered by a robust six-litre Chevrolet V8. Travelling from the quiet seaside Melbourne suburb of Carrum Downs, Des will be heading to Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth with his 20-year-old son, Richard, who will be co-driver.
The eight-day event takes competitors across some of the harshest terrain in the Australian outback, and while the young Richard Harrington may be a relative new comer to the event, he's no stranger to off-road racing, having won the 2008 Sportsman Buggy State Championships.
"There is no greater pleasure than to compete in this event with one of your sons," Des revealed. "This year we have put together a very experienced team of mechanics and this vehicle should be very competitive. Naturally if not a win, another podium finish would be great."
While Des Harrington finished second outright in the Auto class in 2008, he has yet to claim victory in the Dakar Down Under, as the Australasian Safari is often called.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
