Aussie Dakar heroes amongst many big names on the bill at the annual WA event.
A handful of Australia’s top off-road riders have been confirmed in the lineup for this weekend’s staging of the annual KTM Natural Terrain MX at Tumbulgum in Western Australia.
HSE Motorex KTM Desert Racing’s Ben Grabham is a big-name entry to the event, the accomplished racer going beyond the borders of his usual discipline to challenge for victory in the Pro class.
Just over 12 months since his career-threatening crash at the Condo 750, Grabham is back to his competitive best, recently winning the moto division of the Australian Rally Championship in Busselton.
He’ll be up against fellow 2013 Dakar Rally finisher, Husqvarna Rallye Team’s Matt Fish, with both riders eager to challenge for the title which is well and truly up for grabs as 2012 champion Luke Davis contests the Murray Bridge MX Nationals event on the same weekend.
Event promoter Willie Thompson has promised entrants will be met with a fast, dynamic track, unlike any other seen in previous years.
“As always the track will be completely different from anything previously used, it will be around 2 kilometres in length, possibly just a little longer, and it will be completely different to any previous Tumbulgum track,” explained Thompson.
“The first time any of the riders get to ride is at the first practice session. Everyone will be surprised just how dynamic this track will be when it’s finished and it will be fast.”
500 junior competitors will take to the track on Saturday, with Pro class seniors to follow on Sunday.
Off track the event will feature freestyle motocross demonstrations, starring Matt Schubring, along with BMX and buggy demos, helicopter rides, and a sideshow alley.