2012 Great Race starts this Friday!

Due to a massive interest in the Anniversary event, entries for the 2012 Great Race closed well in advance of the actual start date of this coming March 9. This year, 75 Indians and 75 Harleys, all pre-1958 models as per Great Race rules, have been registered. This is beyond the initial cap of 130 entries, but due to overwhelming interest, the cap on entrants was extended to 150 for the event's anniversary year.

This year's Great Race will be held at Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, and the format for 2012 gives all competitors the opportunity to form teams of four to contest for special trophies. Eleven teams have been entered this year. As in past years, the 2012 Great Race is a navigational and reliability trial held over 2 days and 600+ kilometres in distance.

An individual competitor can score a maximum of 50 points. Team bonus points are awarded for finishing in the top 10 in the rolling race. This is held on a usually steep decline of several kilometres. Competitors must not run their engine. Last year, speeds of 100 kph were attained on the descent. The winner of the rolling race is the rider whom travels the greatest distance.

Points are also scored for a time trial where an average speed must attained over a certain distance. (Usually about 100 kilometres) The distance is not known beforehand. At strategic positions on the course, check points are placed to monitor a competitor's progress.

Will Indian triumph again and extend their winning record over Harley? The best way to find out is to get to Jindabyne and see for yourself! The success of past events prove that the Great Race is as much fun for the locals and spectators as it is for the participants. The event starts on Friday, March 9 and runs through to Sunday, March 11.

For more details, go to http://harleycity.com.au/index.php/shoptalk/events/the-great-race.

Images: Craig Abraham/Harley City