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 | Australasian Safari: Countdown for the Australian Marathonrally 2010.
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Des and Richard Harrington, the dynamic father and son Australian team, are aiming for a finals position at this year’s Australasian Safari. Unofficially known as "The Dakar Down Under", the Australasian Safari is an eight-day endurance race that takes place in the rugged Western Australian outback.
Des is taking on his 15th Safari and is the only entrant this year to have competed in the first event back in 1985, known then as the Wyns Safari. 2010 will see Des bring on a new co-driver, Richard Harrington, 20, winner of the 2008 Sportsman Buggy State Championships and also Des’ son.
Des has come close to winning the Safari in previous years, achieving second outright Auto in 2008, but has never taken the flag. He hopes that this year, with his son onboard, the 25-year goal will become a reality.
"There is no greater pleasure than to compete in this event with one of your sons," Des said. "This year we have put together a very experienced team of mechanics and this vehicle should be very competitive, naturally if not a win, another podium finish would be great."
Des will be driving a modified 2008 six-litre Chev-powered Nissan Patrol ute. Both competitors currently live in Carrum Downs In Melbourne’s South East.
The 2010 Australasian Safari commences with a ceremonial start at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth on September 17, before moving to Southern Cross for the official start of the race on September 18. From Southern Cross competitors will race across the Western Australian outback before crossing the finish line eight days later in the Great Southern town of Esperance.
Competitors, including V8 Supercar champion Craig Lowndes, will be on hand from 4pm to 8pm at Hillarys in September 17 to show off their vehicles and chat to motorsport enthusiasts.
2010/08/31 | 15:12 CET | EDITOR: MR/HS/PITTAWAY
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