Sunraysia Safari Rally course locked in

The event management team for the inaugural Sunraysia Safari Rally has finalised its route, barely a month out from the scheduled start date.

Event director Troy Bennett has revealed that two competitive stages have been dropped due to a legal dispute involving one of the properties along the route. Bennett says that the dispute was unrelated to the rally, which still comprises 1230km of competitive stages and is scheduled to run between the dates of August 16 to 19. That should be more than enough to satisfy competitors, Bennett says.

The Sunraysia Safari sets out to revive cross-country rallying in this country after the demise of the Australasian Safari three years ago.

In addition to cross-country cars and moto/quad vehicles, entries are open to PRC (Production Rally Car) vehicles, but Bennett suggests drivers exercise caution on some of the sandy sections of the route.

"The Event Checker is of the opinion that the course is no rougher than what you'd experience in other endurance type rallies, provided you keep on the straight and narrow, and follow the navigation!" he advised in an event newsletter.

Currently the organising team is awaiting approval for Side by Side/UTVs to take part. Standard cars – without roll cages fitted – can enter, but are subject to a 100km/h speed limit on competitive sections. Bennett says that this 'Standard Car Challenge' aims to provide a taste of competition for inexperienced crews.

As the name of the event suggests, it will be based in and around Mildura, in Victoria's far north west. Each day's competition will conclude in Mildura that night. The event HQ will operate from the Golden River Holiday Park, which has vacancies available for accommodation during the event, and offers a 'breakfast and dinner' package.

Bennett says that the Sunraysia Safari is the jumping-off point for a five-year plan to "revitalise and expand cross-country rallying in Australia". By the end of that five-year period, Bennett expects the event to have attained 'international' status.

The event will be televised by the Seven Network in Australia. It's also to be aired in New Zealand and parts of Europe and North America. A documentary concerning the event will be available for purchase in due course.

More information is available from the event organiser's website.