SOUTH AFRICAN TRIUMPHS IN AUSTRALASIAN SAFARI DAKAR - JUST BIKES

South African triumphs in Australasian Safari Dakar Challenge

Instituted this year, the Dakar Challenge offered entrants in selected events - who nominated for the Dakar Challenge - the chance to win free entry to the 2013 Dakar rally in South America. The Australasian Safari was one of two events selected for the moto division, the other being the Taklimakan Rally in China. June's 'Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race' in Africa, and October's Pharaoh's Rally in Egypt are the events for the auto division entrants.

Those that entered the Dakar Challenge weren't required to win their respective events - they just had to make sure they finished ahead of the other Dakar Challenge competitors. This created a race-within-a-race between the Dakar Challenge entrants which has added an extra element to these events.

For the Australasian Safari, the opportunity for a free entry to Dakar saw the moto division attract five international entrants: two each from South Africa and the Netherlands, the other from the USA. Australia's Todd Smith (GHR Honda CRF 450X), Russell Scoble (JC Motorsport Honda CRF 450X) and Vernon Strange (Yamaha Desert Racing WR 450F) were the locals who signed on for the Dakar Challenge.

Todd Smith went into both the Safari and the Dakar Challenge as a favourite, having previously won the Safari in 2011. However, a broken crankshaft on Leg 1 ended his Dakar Challenge before it had even begun. The time penalty incurred for failing to complete the day's stages ruled Smith out of the running for the Safari win, as well as the Dakar Challenge. This opened the door for WA local, Strange, who led the other Dakar Challenge runners for four of the Safari's seven legs.

Leg 5 proved to be pivotal, with three of the Dakar Challenge entrants eliminated, including Strange, who suffered a mechanical failure. Alex van Ginkel (Netherlands - KTM) and Michael Johnson (USA - Honda) both crashed on the same stage, requiring hospitalisation. This opened the door for the remaining internationals, specifically Cummings, who had a lead of several hours over Melchior van Heertum (KTM 530 EXC) from the Netherlands.

The South African was able to maintain his lead, and avoid crashing, until the seventh and final leg of the Safari. Fortunately, his spills on the final day were minor, and he was able to remount and continue. At the finish, Cummings was fourth overall and Dakar Challenge winner, finishing over three hours ahead of van Heertum (who finished the Safari eleventh overall) and South Africa's Glen Grundy (21st overall).

Speaking at the podium presentations for the Aus Safari in Geraldton, Cummings was over the moon with the result of his first attempt at a marathon off-road event.

"I'm really happy that I've been able to maintain the pace over the seven days. I was uncertain how I would progress over the course of the event.

"I'm feeling happy to get through it, it was unknown pressure for me especially yesterday getting a 45-minute penalty. I made some stupid mistakes today, I went too slow in the sand and had a big crash in the second stage - my only crashes of the event have been today!

"I've liked the organisation of the Australasian Safari and the routes. I've learnt so much coming out of this race. I've had some great pointers from Jake and Todd (Smith) and I'm looking forward to next time."

Cummings had planned to enter Dakar with or without the Challenge win, but did not yet have all the funds required. The South African said the free entry would greatly assist financially, as well as providing him with more exposure and credibility to attract additional sponsors.

"Winning the Dakar Challenge means it will be easier for us to get sponsors, it lightens the load on the pockets. I was uncertain of how I would go on a multi-day event and I'm so happy I've managed to maintain pace over the seven days."

"I have to thank the GHR Honda team - they are the best team I could have ever done the Australasian Safari with and I am so looking forward to going to Dakar with them."

Chris Evans, ASO Dakar Correspondent for Australia, who was in Western Australia for the finish of the Australasian Safari, said he was really pleased the Dakar Challenge created so much interest in the competition.

"I'm delighted there was so much enthusiasm for the Dakar Challenge and after a good fight we have a worthy winner," Evans said.

Justin Hunt, Event Director for the Australasian Safari said he was pleased the event was recognised by ASO Dakar.

"It's been a great for us to be able to give young riders the chance to participate in the Dakar rally," Hunt said. "We're really pleased for Brett and the opportunities this will provide him."

Australia's Dakar Challenge entrants, Russell Scoble and Todd Smith, finished the Safari 26th and 27th respectively, and fourth and fifth in the Dakar Challenge. Vernon Strange failed to finish.

For further details and full results from the 2012 Australasian Safri, go to www.australasiansafari.com.au