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JAMALKA OFF ROAD 360 2024 – BIGGER & BETTER THAN 2023? – YOU BET!

Filed Under: Enduro, News

The roar of engines returns to Tumby Bay for the highly anticipated second edition of the 2024 Jamalka 360 Desert Race, scheduled for this weekend from the 1st to the 3rd of March. Following the thrilling and action-packed events of 2023, enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the resurgence of the track, set to host bikes and buggies over two exhilarating days of racing and, of course, plenty of off-track entertainment suitable for the entire family. With participants journeying from all corners of Australia and excitement mounting for an even grander spectacle, let’s take a look at what’s in store across the weekend for the Jamalka 360 Desert Race in 2024.

For those that have made the trip down, spectator camping is available from Friday arvo, with toilets and showers available on-site, so set up your camp and settle in while the competitors commence their reconnaissance lap to kickstart a weekend of thrills and skills. 

Jamalka merch is available all weekend so everyone can take home that special piece of history, with T-shirts, hoodies, hats and all things Jamalka available to young and old, this will surely be a hot ticket item set to sell out. 

Saturday morning will be a great first taste with fans checking out the vehicles and motorcycles as competitors prepare to take off, but only after heading to the brilliant Jamalka Bistro, which will be serving food for the duration!

Once you have your favourite viewing spot, start the day right, with an egg and bacon roll, with their lunch menu kicking in from 10am and not forgetting dinner, which will be available until 8pm each night. 

The Shed’s bar will also be open from 12pm to 10pm each day, and all can head there and the big screen to watch LIVE go-pro racing action from the riders.

An impressive field of 100 senior riders, led by Finke Desert Race ‘legend’ and Dakar Rally finisher Ben Grabham, will all be pushing to the limit for the 2024 crown. Grabham is in exceptional form and determined to snatch the number 1 plate from last year’s inaugural ‘King of Jamalka,’ South Australia’s own Jay Simister!

The weekend’s excitement is further heightened by the inclusion of the Northern Territory pair, James Heenan and Luke Hayes, who are likely to have plenty of desert racing experience under their belts. Additionally, local talents like John Harkness (who secured 3rd place outright in 2023) and Clint Letton (a nearby resident) are expected to make their mark in both the class and overall results.

Added into this will be the quest to see who claims the Open Women’s crown, with Finke Desert Race finishers from 2023, Port Augusta’s Aimee Butler and Chloe Barton from Nuriootpa likely to lead the field, in yet another great stoush between these 2 close friends!

This year will also feature junior riders for the first time, aged 13-U16 years, who will kick-start a head-to-head race, with male and female riders competing in two 20-kilometre races over the weekend. 

Making their appearance for 2024, Port Lincoln locals, Caleb Churchett and Reef Halman are keen to take on riders from across SA, as well as NSW & Victoria, with 2023 MSA Rising Star Award nominee, Charlize Waldhuter, leading the Junior Girls charge!

Presentations will close off the weekend on Sunday arvo at 4:30 pm in The Shed if your trackside – so be sure to hang around and grab a selfie or two with the 2024 ‘Champions of Jamalka’, before heading home to rave to all your friends about what a great weekend you had just experienced – and that you can’t wait for the 2025 event!

Don’t fret if you’re not able to make the trip down to Tumby Bay, as you can keep up with all the desert racing action through the below socials and get your front-row seat to all the action as the 2024 Jamalka Off Road 360 is being broadcasted LIVE over Saturday and Sunday through their YouTube channel.

Facebook – Jamalka Off Road Racing 

Instagram – Jamalka.offroadracing 

Youtube – @benmcnamara2133

 

Who’s going to be announced the King of Jamalka for 2024??
Gates are open for 2024, are you ready??
Calm before a huge weekend of racing at the 2nd Jamalka 360 Desert Race outing.
Hundreds on hours of event prep is all set to come together for one massive weekend.
A little look into the challenging terrain ready to welcome 2 and 4 wheel competitors.
Fully stoked ahead of 2 big days ahead.

Results – SA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUNDS 1 & 2 RUN AND WON AT CULBURRA

Filed Under: Enduro, News

Over the weekend of the 15th and 16th of July, the SA Off Road Championships made a long-awaited return for a new 2023 Championship season. A treat for riders and spectators the Keith and District Motorcycle Club put in exceptional behind-the-scenes work to bring a brand new course and venue in Culburra for Rounds 1 and 2. With the new additions, there are still iconic fan favourites making the return for 2023, we are very fortunate to have both WSB Distributors and Painttech continue their support of the SA Off Road Championships.

With the weather finally changing from the wet muddy conditions and turning it on for the weekend, over 170 riders converged to the course ready for everything that was going to be thrown at them over the 2 days.

A Saturday cross-country format course met riders eager to get those early Championship points. Most riders and their support crew opted to camp at the track the Saturday night whilst many surrounding towns generously rolled out the welcome mat to scores of Off-Road racing spectators, looking for a full weekend getaway experience. Rounding out the weekend with a well earned challenge, a fast-paced sprint format race greeted riders and spectators on Sunday with juniors powering through a 5km course and seniors tested on an 8km course. Of course, in between races, there were plenty of rider catch-ups and course chats throughout the pits.

Appreciation shout-outs must go to the Johnson Family of Tintinara who have been extremely supportive, giving up land to host an inaugural venue for this year’s round 1 & 2 events. Their allowance for the Keith and District MCC and volunteers to enter and carryout anything required to building a new track is much appreciated. A big thank you to, Andrew and Sally, Eddie & Will.

We want to send a special thank you to the Frank Fatchen Cartage, Contract & Earthmoving! Leigh, Lisa and their kids have put in countless hours to make the 2023 SAORC rounds 1 & 2 such a success through the donation of machinery, fuel and time.

The 2023 SA Off road Championships continue onto Keyneton over the 26th and 27th of August for rounds 3 and 4 with riders already gearing up for some pretty tight down to the line racing.

2023 SAORC Round 1 Cross Country Full Results – HERE.

2023 SAORC Round 1 Cross Country Full Results – HERE.

Thanks to Eric McConnochie for the pictures of all the action throughout the weekend.

     

EVENT PREVIEW – 99 YEARS IN THE MAKING – THE ICONIC HARDI 24 HOUR KICKS INTO ACTION FOR 2023

Filed Under: Enduro, News

The HARDI 24-Hour Trial, an annual motorcycle reliability trial that was first run in South Australia in 1924, is the must-see event this weekend. This year, the town of Eudunda once again is the host after a 4-year rest due to pandemic and drought. 168 competitors on 137 machines will begin to file off in one-minute intervals this Saturday 8 July from Main Control at 11.01am at the Eudunda Oval.

With longer distances in competitive stages, this year is sure to be a challenge for both rider and machine. Course conditions are looking favorable due to a good amount of rainfall in June; however, it is almost a certainty that the bikes will find some dust between mallee trees somewhere on the course.  At least 300 volunteers will again be assisting in running the event including many motorcycle clubs running control points spread out around the Eudunda and surrounding districts. Spectators are well catered for with three competitive sections around the course will be on offer this year to the public as designated spectator sections, with many hundreds of spectators expected to be in attendance.

For those looking for refreshments, the Eudunda Sporting Club will be catering to the public at the Main Control for the duration of the event. The Eudunda Roadhouse will remain open all night to offer fuel, food and drinks. The Eudunda Show Society will have 24 Hour Trial merchandise available at Main Control with card facilities 3pm – 6pm Friday and from 9am Saturday.

Again, the field is looking ripe for some tight competition. 2023 sees 31 sidecars line up for the largest sidecar field in 24 years. Last year’s winning rider Shane Beckmann is back with his regular passenger Adam Brook, after Adam had to sit out last year’s Trial due to a Covid diagnosis. Shane will be after a second win to share with Adam.
Shane ‘Crash’ Schiller is celebrating a win in his class in the Welsh 2 Day Enduro in the UK last weekend with last year’s winning passenger Brian Anthony. ’Crash’ will be attacking this year’s 24 Hour Trial with his regular passenger Steven ‘Stiff’ Doecke who have previously won together on three occasions. 4-time winners Mark Launer and Tyson Rohrlach are also fresh off the plane from the Welsh 2 Day and will be looking to carry that momentum into the ’24’. Max and Sam Hutchesson, also 4-time winners are back after Max took a year off due to injury.

Out of the 106 Solos, the Expert class is looking strong. Two-time winner Riley Graham will again front up against 4-time winner Sean Throup. Both past champions have had limited bike time for 2023, but do they have the upper hand with their past knowledge and experience? These two will also have hot competition from locals Zach Tremaine and Clinton Voigt.

Another two riders that will be chasing the #1 spot are Jacob Smith and Cooper Sheidow. Jacob is returning from Condobolin NSW to make amends for his DNF last year and placed 6th at the Finke Desert Race 4 weeks ago, while Cooper won the recent Robertstown Two Day Trial in his first attempt at night riding and finished 6th outright at the Hattah Desert Race last weekend. On top of this, you can throw in a handful of other riders that are capable of a potential win.

Scrutineering of machines will take place on Friday Night. Live timing will again enable the trial to be followed to the second from anywhere around the course and around the world. This means that provisional results will be available shortly after the event with the Presentation Night being held on Saturday 15th July at the Vine Inn Barossa,
Nuriootpa. Live timing can be followed at www.24hrtrial.com

The 24 Hour Trial Organising Committee would like to thank the Regional Council of Goyder for the use of their road network and all the landowners for the generous use of their land. Spectators are asked to respect private and council land, please take all rubbish with them, and take care on the roads.

The committee have been hard at it again, preparing the oldest continuing motorcycle event in Australia as it builds up to the 24 Hour Trial Centenary next year.

Thank you to our sponsors for their continuing support:

NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR

HARDI Australia

PLATINUM
Pitmans Yamaha

GOLD
The Barossa Co-op
Schutz Industries
Valley Power Equipment
Vine Inn Barossa

SILVER
Barossa Motorcycles
GS Moto
Paradise Mazda
Penrice Quarry & Mineral
Modern Air
Schwarz Excavations & Civil

BRONZE
EIF Industries
Kapunda Tyre Service
Southern Moto

#78 Riley Graham 📸 Don Macaulay                                                         #1 Shane Beckmann & Adam Brook 📸 SandPlow Photography 

#2 Mark Launer & Tyson Rohrlach 📸 SandPlow Photography                            #79 Sean Throup 📸 Don Macaulay                          #6 Crash & Stiff 📸 SandPlow Photography 

 

#8 Max & Sam Hutchesson 📸 Les Ludgate                                 #80 Clinton Voigt 📸 SandPlow Photography                                               #91 Zack Tremaine 📸 SandPlow Photography 

SOUTH AUSSIES SHINE AT HATTAH FOR 2023

Filed Under: Enduro, News, SAORC

Hattah has always been an exceptionally popular staple event, Australians annually count down the days until they hit the road again for the trip over and 2023 was no exception. A strong field of South Australian ‘Hattah newbies’ and veterans alike, jumped over the border to join the 839 strong field of competitors in taking on the challenge for another year. We take a look at just a few South Aussies that tamed the Hattah challenge for its 25th anniversary in 2023. 

Shaking off a tough 16th-place  overall prologue run and 7th in class, Cooper Sheidow knew he had work to do and was definitely the man to do it. Putting his skills and course knowledge to the test, he went from 16th to 6th in the first lap and landed an exceptional 4th place class finish in ‘251 – 450 4 Stroke’ and a 6th place overall finish at the end of the weekend – Pretty impressive stuff!!

 

Above: Cooper Sheidow pushing hard 📸 Foremost Media                       Above: Cooper in between all the dust 📸 Foremost Media

No stranger to the Hattah challenge, SA’s Will Price got straight back into the rhythm from the get-go, scoring a 5th-place class prologue with sights set on the main show. Narrowly missing out on the top spot, Will took a well-deserved P2 for the ‘up to 250 4-stroke class’. 

Did you say 3 top five class finishes for the ‘Ladies Tenacious Women Of Hattah 4 laps’? That’s right, congratulations Emma Haylock finishing the weekend with a 3rd place finish, Aimee Butler, hot on her heels in 4th and Chloe Barton chasing them both down, to finish 5th.

Above: Emma Haylock #52 ready to take on the challenge                      Above: Chloe Barton and Aimee Butler twinning it up.                                    

📸 courtesy from Emma.                                                                                         📸 from Chloe Barton #28                                                                 

 

An outstanding effort for the Gear brothers from Keith in the ‘200CC – 250CC 4 STK – 13 – U16 Big Wheel Race’, Ollie finished second by a mere 15.430 seconds with a total time of 1:40:34.702 and Davey rounded out the top 5 in 1:44:25.284. 

 

In the mix with the Gear Bothers, a special mention and congratulations go out to Archer Colwill for his 4th place finish and Will Mcinnes, keeping Davey on his toes behind him in 6th place – well done!

Shout out to Alex Head, after a solid weekend of racing, he put on a great show in the ‘Up to 250 2 stroke’ class, taking out the big P1 – Fantastic work!

 

 Above: Davey and Ollie Gear ready to take on the Hattah for 2023.                                                           📸 courtesy Penrite Hattah Desert Race 2023

📸 courtesy Brad Gear

Taking on some pretty stacked junior competition in 85CC 2STK and 150CC 4 STK – Small and Big Wheel – 12-U16, Harry Gilbertson let his riding do the talking and finished the weekend with a great second place class finish and just 40 seconds off first place Cooper Ford. 

In the Junior Small Wheel race, Levi Rossi and Declan Smart had an exceptional weekend, finishing first and second against some incredibly fast juniors. Riley Mullen nearly made it an all SA podium finishing narrowly outside top 3 in fourth place – 3 South Aussies out of top 4, pretty great achievement!!

To all of our South Australians that made the trip over, congratulations for all your racing achievements. 

For a comprehensive look at all the results – outright and class, junior and senior – head to this link to see how all your favourite south Aussies went! – HERE.

 

Above:📸 courtesy Foremost Media. 

2023 SA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP LOOKING FOR HELP!

Filed Under: Enduro, News, SA Women in Motorcycling, SAORC

In yet another disappointing setback for the 2023 Championship, the Juventus MCC have sadly had to pull out of running the first 2 rounds of the 2023 SA Off Road Championship, due to a serious lack of man-power available to make the event happen.

No-one wants to see the 2023 Championship slip back to a 4 round series, so this is a FINAL CALL to see if there is a Club, or a group of people, that would be prepared to assist with the running of rounds 1 and 2 of the Championships over the weekend of June 17 & 18 at ACUSA Park, Harrogate.

Assistance will be available as to where everything is at the Park: car parks, toilets, access points, etc, and specifically to show where the tracks can, and can’t, go.

What would be needed are the following:

  • Track marking and un-marking teams (Monday of the June Long Weekend for marking, unmarking on the Sunday after racing or the following Saturday at the latest)
  • 2 teams of sweep riders each day (minimum of 4 riders per team) – this is a must for the safety of all riders, as well as keeping the event on schedule.
  • General assistants on the day for the following;
    1. Pit allocations and assisting teams/riders where they can set up.
    2. Sign On & Scrutineering assistants each morning
    3. Pit marshals – to assist with riders getting to the start line.
    4. Starters and finishers for each Test.
    5. Back up scoring teams.
    6. Bike recovery team.

Motorcycling South Australia will assist with the following:

  • Assign the appropriate level officials to run the meeting.
  • Approve the supp regs and all relevant paperwork.
  • Set the event up in Ridernet and monitor all entries as they come in, and deal with any issues that may arise – specifically in relation to endorsements and numbers.
  • Organise the event programs.
  • Organise the round awards (trophies), that would be presented at the next rounds.

Motorcycling SA are keenly aware that the sport as a whole, and Enduro specifically, is suffering from a serious lack of volunteers to make events happen, so, if you think your Club, or a group could put together a team to make these rounds happen, please call the MSA Office, 8332 9000, or email administration@motorcyclingsa.org.au BEFORE Monday, May 15th.

Motorcycling SA have regularly been advertising for the past 4 years for persons interested in becoming the Sports Manager for Enduro, but to date there has not been a single applicant, and the position is still vacant. If you would like more information on the position, please email administration@motorcyclingsa.org.au to get all of the information available.