Source: Supplied.

Australasian Safari organisers have announced that September’s 2014 edition will be the last in Western Australia and potentially the event altogether.

A statement released by event organisers this afternoon confirmed the news, following a successful seven-year tenure through outback WA.

“After seven years in Western Australia, it’s with a heavy heart that we wish to advise the 2014 Australasian Safari will be the last one held in Western Australia,” announced event director Justin Hunt.

“My company Australian Safari Pty Ltd has a contract with Tourism Western Australia. The contract contains the option for TWA to extend the current agreement for a further three years (2015 to 2017). TWA has declined to take up this option in the current climate.

“In these tough economic conditions, it is fair to say we have done a very good job running an international level motorsport event. However, the anticipated growth in competitor numbers and external commercial support has not been realised.

“After working very hard for a number of years, we haven’t been able to significantly increase the size and media impact of the event to justify the investment. Tourism Western Australia has been a wonderful partner.

“Whilst I am devastated, I respect their decision and give my commitment to my stakeholders, sponsors and the competitors that Safari 2014 will be an amazing experience. I would like to thank my team in my office, the 2014 Organising Committee and our volunteer officials who have been so supportive of our ambitions.

“The 2014 Australasian Safari will run as planned and will be a celebration of a motorsport icon that it truly is.”

The Wynns Safari began in August 1985. The event was originally founded by Tom Snooks and Danish adventurer Hans Tholstrup, who took on the role as promoter. By the 1986 event Hans had left the partnership and Tom became the event promoter from 1986 to 1992.

Just after the 1986 event, Bob Carpenter moved from country New South Wales to Sydney to join Tom, and eventually took over as event promoter from 1993 to 1997. The event did not run in 1998, but was picked up again by Advantage International in 1999.

In 2000 Sports management company, Octagon Australia got involved in running the event and did a deal with the WA government to move the Safari to Western Australia in 2007. They appointed Justin Hunt as the event director and in 2011 he took over the rights to the event, setting up his own company Justin Hunt Management.

The 2014 Australasian Safari will take place in Western Australia on 19-27 September.