The Gascoyne Off Road Racing Club, located in the Gascoyne River region of Western Australia, is a sports club that organises and hosts the annual Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash. This desert race is renowned for its challenging nature and is considered one of the toughest races in Australia. The race takes place in the harsh and remote country between the seaside town of Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction, where the desert meets the sea.
The Gascoyne Dash is a motorsport event that features both car and bike races. Competitors race within their respective categories, and then the fastest from each category compete against each other to determine the ultimate winner and the “King of the River. ” The event has gained a reputation for its difficulty and demanding terrain, making it a true test of both machine and competitor.
The Gascoyne Dash is also closely tied to the local community and pays homage to local identity Neville Brandstater, who tragically drowned in the Lyndon River in 1995. The race takes place in the Gascoyne River, known as a mighty river of sand. The “Dash” in the event name refers to the original boat races that were held down the flooded Gascoyne River. However, as the river rarely flows, the event has evolved to include cars and bikes instead.
Compared to the famous Finke Desert Race, the Gascoyne Dash is similar in its challenging nature and promotion of the unique Australian outback. The race covers a point-to-point course of over 400 km, traversing a varied landscape of natural desert and outback terrain. Over the course of two days, competitors face a tough and gruelling challenge, making it the ultimate test for both skill and endurance.
The Gascoyne Off Road Racing Club offers membership opportunities for those interested in being a part of the club that hosts the successful annual Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash. The club also actively engages with its members and followers through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, sharing race updates, images, and more.
The Gascoyne Off Road Racing Club recognises and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Yingarrda people. They pay their respects to the Elders past, present, and future, as well as to all Aboriginal people and their ongoing connexion to the Country.
For more information on the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash, interested individuals can contact Mel Frearson, the Sponsorship and Event Admin, via email at admin@gasdash. Com.
