2012 AUSTRALASIAN SAFARI - PROLOGUE - JUST BIKES

2012 Australasian Safari - Prologue

Historic Glengarry Homestead, east of the City of Geraldton, played host to the 22.44km Australasian Safari Prologue, which was essentially a time trial for the first leg of the race. In addition to determining the start order for Leg 1, the short sprint prologue also served as a valuable shakedown opportunity for competitors who are still feeling their way with new or recently prepared machinery.

With the course ducking and diving through gates, along and between fences and across open paddocks, the opening stint gave competitors a good taste of Western Australia's mid-west terrain. Many said they were playing it safe to get a reasonable position for tomorrow, not taking too many risks.

Prologue winner Warren Strange said his fastest time was all due to the set up of his 2012 model Honda CRF 450X.
"The Prologue was awesome it was good fun and the bike's great. It's all set up for Dakar - the steering is light - there's no weight on it, and the fuel tank sits really low. I felt relaxed and really enjoyed it."

Last year's moto winner Todd Smith (GHR Honda), and fastest Dakar Challenge finisher for the day, said he took it pretty easy.
"The bike is really good, I didn't push too hard, just working my way into it. It was the perfect start and I'm happy to be starting in fourth position tomorrow," Smith said.

International entrant, Manuel Lucchese (Husaberg Rallye Racing) from Italy, finished ninth in the moto division, nearly two minutes behind Strange. He said he was getting used to a new bike and wanted to ease himself into his second Safari.

Competitors will be truly tested on Leg 1, starting the day along the surf with a sandy beach stage before heading inland for a rocky river crossing, farmland stages and a fast stage to finish before ending at the overnight stop at Kalbarri, 592km north of Perth.

In addition to gunning for the best possible result, seven riders in this year's event are also competing in the 'Dakar Challenge', which will see the highest place finisher in this component of the event score a free entry into the 2013 Dakar Rally.

The Australasian Safari is one of only four Dakar Challenge feeder events this year, and only the moto entrants are eligible. The Dakar Challenge for auto entrants has been allocated to other events.

For a full competitor list and more details visit www.australasiansafari.com.au.