CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
GEARING UP FOR THE NO-HOLDS-BARRED 2018 OUTBACK CHALLENGE.
BASED out of Broken Hill and running over four days (September 26-29), the Outback Challenge is one of Australia’s most iconic and globally revered offroad events. More than just a ‘race’ the Outback Challenge is a true 4x4 adventure designed to test the country’s most skilled off-road drivers and navigators as they tackle some of the NSW outback’s toughest terrain. The event is also a cracking way to showcase this part of Australia’s unique and spectacular landscape.
Through every stage, each team must navigate via GPS to hundreds of virtual waypoints. This year’s event differs from previous ones with a base-camp style setup, meaning teams venture out each day then return to the same finish point after the stage(s) are completed.
The four-day frenzy begins on Thursday, September 26, with competitors able to sign in and get their vehicles scrutinised before the first of two stages. There will be a day stage and an awesome night stage on the Thursday, before the next few days of full-on competition.
Teams have to be selfsufficient (carry spares and all other gear), and the event is guaranteed to test the toughest off-road rigs while keeping the spectators on hand highly entertained by the driving and – no doubt – fast vehicle recoveries.
The last stage – the 150km-long Mad Max – is a brutal but spectacular way to end the competition. This monster stage comprises a single 150km lap of a course that takes competitors through three massive outback stations north-east of Broken Hill, with just two fuel stops along the way.
Mad Max is described by Outback Challenge organisers as ‘natural terrain with few marked tracks’. In other words: a truly tough test of driver, navigator and vehicle. Not only do they have to keep themselves and their vehicle in one collective piece, they have to try and do that while racing against a challenging eight-hour time limit for that stage.
For off-road competitors, the Outback Challenge is definitely on the top of the ladder for Aussie 4x4 events, and for spectators it is also a must-see; not only are you getting the chance to witness top-notch off-road driving, you can also stay on after the epic four days of the event and explore more of the Broken Hill region.
You can even plan your own future assault on the Outback Challenge. It’s gonna be epic and an event that shouldn’t be missed!
Website: www. outbackchallenge.com.au
Phone: 1300 788 105