The Secret World of Off-Road Racing

Off-road racing is an often-forgotten section of motorsport.

What Is Off-Road Racing?

Well, there are lots of categories. The ones we’ll be concentrating on are cross-country racing and forest rallies.

What’s Cross-Country Racing?

It’s where competitors race on farm tracks and often no tracks at all. Sometimes the “track” is nothing more than a fence line through rough, rocky scrub… or two points on navigation notes with only bush in between. Accurate navigation is crucial. It’s not unusual get lost – even the with top competitors. Cars have to be built tough to handle brutal punishment – mostly 4 wheel drive with high ground clearance.

What Are Forest Rallies?

Forest rallies are conducted on defined tracks, normally dirt forestry tracks through state forests. Accurate navigation is still essential. It’s very easy to get lost in a pine forest!These rallies are easier on the vehicle. Lots of people race old modified road cars – anything from Datsuns to custom-built Ford Escorts. Our team races a Pajero – just because we can!

So in this section, we’ll look at:

• how we’re converting an NP Pajero into a racing ute, and
• all sorts of off-road events.

We’ll keep adding posts along the way, so be sure to check back here from time to time.

Have a question? Please ask! We’re happy to help.

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