Australia's Premier 4wd Event
Visit www.outback4x4challenge.com for more information.It was in 1999 that serene country on the outskirts of Broken Hill, New South Wales first heard the roar of Outback Challenge engines. Since then this highly popular event has grown to be one of the toughest in the world.
To many, the allure of the outback is the vastness and serenity; to the teams entered in this event, it's the unknown and more challenging side of the outback which beckons them to the tempestuous country north of Broken Hill.
Each year in May more than 100 competitiors put their highly modified four wheel drives through more than 19 special stages, lining up to compete in Australia's premier four wheel drive event.
This gruelling event combines the competition prowess of Competition Manager Paul Vanderhorst and is backed by Australia's leading 4wd accessory manufacturer ARB Corporation and world renown winch manufacturer Warn Winches, along with Procomp Tyres, Track Trailers, Second Air, the City of Broken Hill, New South Wales Tourism and a host of other supporters.
Unlike other four wheel drive events in Australia, the special stages at the Outback Challenge are longer, creating a true test of endurance and skill for all teams, which have included international teams from; Malaysia, France, England, Scotland, New Zealand, The United States, Alaska and South Africa.
Whilst the main focus of the event is on the driving, recovery, winching and navigating skills of the participants, they will also be tested on their knowledge of outback related skills such as; first aid, tyre repair and survival skills.
Each team will need to be self sufficient for the duration of the event carrying enough food and water to survive the rugged outback country where temperatures can soar to over 40°C and rain can deluge the tracks in an instant.
To compete, the team of driver and co-driver must be experienced and confident in all aspects of four wheel driving and be at home in the wide, vast expanse of the Outback, and of course their vehicle must be in first class condition. Confidence in their navigational skills is a must too as this is remote country. One special stage is set in a paddock on Nundooka Station where crews must find 10 GPS points within this 28,000 acre paddock. It's like finding a needle in a haystack whilst driving cross country around gorges and creeks. Worse is if they don't make it back within the designated time, their efforts have been wasted as they will receive no score. This is where time management also comes into the fore.
Don't be deceived into thinking that this is a bunch of young lads from the city taking on the outback; the average age of the crews is 39 and these machines have been adapted to Australian conditions using good old Aussie ingenuity - and as you'd imagine that's not a cheap exercise. Onlookers marvel at the modifications which are made to these once standard 4wds, many of which can be adapted to the standard family wagon for outback 4wd trips.
The outback also presents a challenge for organisers, with their headquarters based at Nundooka Station 150kms north of Broken Hill on the Tibooburra Road. Melbourne based company Just Communications along with Telstra Countrywide have set up satellite telephones, satellite internet and radios. This service will be utilised to order spare parts from Silver City 4wd in Broken Hill for competitors to repair their vehicles.
The event kicks off with a night special stage outside Broken Hill, then a special stage on the Sunday which is open to spectators.
From here teams are split into four groups and head for the special stage competition areas on the rugged terrain north and east of Broken Hill before again meeting up on the last day to compete together.
Competitive four wheel driving is Australia's new motor sport and is gaining in popularity each year due to the fact that it is accessible to most regular Aussies with a four wheel drive. The ARB Warn Outback Challenge truly is Australia's premier 4WD event and promises to deliver 'One Week of Sheer Hell' to the world's best four wheel drivers for everyone's enjoyment.
Find out more on the Outback Challenge website (www.outback4x4challenge.com).
