With the 2013 edition of the Australasian Safari commencing this weekend in Western Australia, this week’s Rewind looks back on the event that was one year ago.

After eight days of off-road action, Jake Smith took home the Australasian Safari 2012 victory aboard his Honda CRF450X.

The 24-year-old lead the event from start to finish, building a comfortable winning margin of 31 minutes over his closest rival.

Needless to say, Smith was excited to have clinched his second Australasian Safari title, after earning his maiden event win in 2009.

“It’s never over ‘til its over so I was taking it easy to get through the cool beach stages and cross the finish line,” said Smith. “Having won last in 2009 it’s a really good feeling to win again.”

The Australasian Safari is one of the greatest races in the land.

Coming in behind Smith to take the runner-up position was Warren Strange, the 47-year-old took it too the young guns and came out satisfied with his result.

“I’m really happy that an old guy like me can do this!” said Strange. “I gave up motocross riding when these guys around me were kids! I’ve tried to do quite a lot of events this year in my preparation for Dakar so I’m really pleased it has paid off.”

In his first-ever attempt at the event, it was Ryan Inghram rounding out the podium in third place overall aboard his KTM.

“I’m feeling pretty good with this being my first Safari, it’s the longest event I’ve contested,” said Inghram. “It was harder than I thought, a tough week. The stages were good, the longer the better for me. The bike’s been great to me too.”

2011 winner Todd Smith saw himself being knocked out of contention for the win early on after suffering a broken crank shaft.

Bring on Safari 2013!