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
