The ARB Warn Outback 4x4 Challenge 2008 celebrated its 10th anniversary. This event has inspired a number of challenges around the globe, just: to name a few; the Outback Challenge Morocco, the Rainforest Challenge Malaysia, the AWA Venezuela, the Rhino Challenge Africa, and some others…
The ARB Warn Outback 4x4 Challenge is a highly popular 4wd event, which since its inception in 1999, has grown to be one of the toughest in the world. Each year in May more than 120 competitors from Australia and overseas put their highly modified four wheel drives through more than 25 special stages over 9 days competing in the Australian Outback. Sanctioned by the Cross Country Drivers Association (CCDA) there are two classes of vehicles; Challenge and Trophy. Challenge Class consists of highly modified vehicles whereas Trophy Class fits into a more modest budget but is still tackling the same courses and is more than capable of winning the event. Unlike other four wheel drive events in Australia, the special stages at the ARB Warn Outback 4x4 Challenge are extensive, creating a true test of endurance and skill for all teams, which have included international teams from: Malaysia, France, England, Scotland, New Zealand, The United States, Alaska, South Africa, and Venezuela.
Our team from Venezuela participated for the 1st time in the OBC ’08 and I am pleased to share with you a brief summary of our team’s experience in this competition:
Monday, May 12th, 2008:
Today Roberto and I (Alexis) arrived to Melbourne, Australia where we were picked up by John of Dynamic Tires. Then they reunited with the rest of the team members, Jeanette and Pedro, who arrived to Australia in advance to receive the shipment of JK Jeep from California and spent the last few days before the race doing final adjustments to the vehicle. Fortunately, the importation of the vehicle to Australia went extremely smooth due to the expertise of Chris Hummer (from Dynamics Tires) who volunteers to help all the international competitors with logistics, information, and in general, makes it possible for international teams to compete in this great event. After our arrival, we received some additional tips on how to make our winch more reliable due to the fact that there are a lot of winching stages in the race where traditional solenoids are not sufficient for the challenge. We proceeded to change the thickness of the cable going from our dual batteries and add a rack of 6 solenoids, 4 for pulling in and 2 for release. We drilled the Engaging knob and added a pin to ensure it would not slip out under load. We also added the LED lights to the roller for the night events. Last but not least, we added an in-cab winch controller.
We did a “pre-scrutineering” inspection under the CCDA of the vehicle and were told that the vehicle was okay with the exception of the fender flares and window nets. The inspector, Alan McMullen (owner of Pro Comp Australia) was kind enough to also provide us with the advice on how to resolve these two issues. He was also extremely generous in allowing our team to use his garage for these changes.
Jeanette and Alexis went to pick up the Britz rental car (fully 4X4 equipped Land Cruiser 100 series) which Roberto and I drove throughout the event as media. The rental rates were not outrageous but they really get you with the unique Aussie insurance policy, which doubled the cost of the rental from $2500 to $3800.
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
We packed the 2 cars all the way to the roof and drove to meet an Australian team - Johnnie Stavrou and Andrew Dyer, who also have a Jeep entered in the Challenge. Upon our arrival to Johnnie’s house, his mother invited us in for breakfast before heading out. We were amazed at the warm welcome and huge spread she prepared for us; far better than any resort hotel buffet! She also made Alex a special pot of Greek coffee “to go.” With our cars and stomachs full, we started our journey around 11:00AM. We made a few stops for fuel in the few small towns along the way and after passing Milldura around 10:00pm we were asked by Johnnie, to swap spots and have Alex and Roberto in the rental, to take the lead. The Britz Land Cruiser had an ARB bumper so it was safer for us to be in front with the abundance of kangaroos on the road. These nocturnal animals jump onto the road constantly and can create a dangerous situation that would cause severe damage to the vehicle. After 12 hours, we finally made it to Broken Hill near midnight. We separated from our Aussie friends and headed to the Darling West Hotel.
Friday, May 16th, 2008
We switched hotels to the Silver West Hotel because a number of our new Australian friends and competitor teams were staying there. Overlander Magazine contacted us the night before and they scheduled our team and Johnnie’s team for a photo shoot in Silver Town. This is the place where the movie “Mad Max” was filmed and some of the pictures taken that day portray a mock-up of the featured film car. We also took some action shots in a creek river bed near Silver Town where Jeanette and Pedro got a chance, for the first time, to off-road test their vehicle. After the photo shoot, we rushed to the OBC headquarters to complete the registration process and official “scrutineering.” Unfortunately, the registration was already closed and we were advised to come back the next day.
There were 55 teams which, for most of the race, were divided into 4 groups that would complete the 25 special stages (SS numbers) located in different properties. Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, all the teams compete in the same locations but in different SS#’s simultaneously and then swap SS#’s.
The following description of the events covered by us, is not necessarily in chronological order but rather in the order that the International Media caravan was covering the locations where different teams were competing in a Special Stage.
Before getting into the day-to-day competition description, I would like to set some terminology that you will need to get familiarized with:
SS#: Special Stages and their corresponding number
DNF: Did Not Finish
DNS: Did Not Start
The following is a list of the competitors and their corresponding car #’s divided into the 4 Groups; A, B, C, D:
Group A:
01 Todd Robards & Ivan Vella – Qld
05 Adrian Parker & Alan McGilvray – WA
19 Max Bearlocher & Cosmo – NSW
17 Greg Scanlon & Robbie Calvert – Vic
25 Alan McMullen & Shane Barkley – Vic
28 Terence Reinders & Jacques Viljoen - South Africa
35 Jeanette Garcia & Pedro Espinosa – Venezuela
52 Norm Walters & Clay Mongan – Qld – Trophy Class
23 Phil Swindale & Craig Hartin – NSW
26 Laurie Griffiths & Gary Osborne – NSW
41 Malcolm Graham & James Cary – NSW
48 David Davies & Darren Stephens – NSW
55 Simmo & Wayne Jackson – Broken Hill
Group B:
02 Kym Bolton & Robert Marks – Qld
06 Adam Bird & Kevin Nott – Vic
10 Paul Gambell & Guy Holt- NSW
15 Tim Margitich & Tom Margitich – SA
22 Celia & Eugene Barry – NSW – Trophy Class
24 Rohan Canavan & Wayne Smith – Vic
29 Warner Trimmer & Chris Ingram – South Africa
39 Troy Crimmin & Mike Bryant – Qld
32 Dave White & Pam White – United Kingdom
37 Arek Wigczak & Michael Ginter – Poland –Trophy
51 Steve Fowler & Rodney Hodge – Vic
47 Johnnie Stavrou & Andrew Dyer – Vic
Group C:
07 Neil Cooper & Chris Hummer – Vic
11 Allen Reynolds & Jason Davies – Qld
16 Bill Tsaousis & Wally Shorney – Vic
18 Nick Mannell & Torben Hansen – NSW
27 Barry Packer & Sue Packer – SA
30 Dennis Maytom & Dave Ratcliffe – South Africa
33 Neil Redpath & Ellis Fleming – United Kingdom
49 Gary Rayment & Paul Creten – SA- Trophy Class
36 Nuncio Coffaro & Arvid Peralta – Venezuela
21 Jeff Redman & Jason Forrsman – Vic
38 Peter Mihailoff & Andrew Cassar – Vic
40 Steven Quinn & Stephen Rose – NSW
Group D:
04 Darren Green & Steven Hudson – Vic
08 Brett Burns & James Simmons – Vic
12 Ian Paltridge & Heath Lawson – Qld
14 Peter & Jane Von Pein – Qld – Trophy Class
31 Peter Sherlock & Ted Separovic – South Africa – Trophy Class
34 Gary Smith & John Riley – United Kingdom
42 Tony Bright & John Clemens – Broken Hill
20 Alan Mai & Warren Cleland – Vic
43 Brett Chenowyth & Rob Barton– Vic
45 Anthony Kilner & Nathan Hastings – Vic
46 Michael Hingerty & Mike Burns – NSW
50 Shane Kilmurray & Jack Talbot – NSW
Saturday, May 17, 2008 Steven Creek SS1
We headed back to the OBC HQ, where we finalized our registration and “scrutineering” process, got our decals and official competitor number (#35). At 11:00AM, we went to the Show & Shine event at the Broken Hill Plaza (an outdoor mall) where spectators are able to check out competitor vehicles, talk to their favorite teams, and have a chance to take pictures before the carnage.
The Outback Challenge began tonight. The Special Stage # SS1 took place in Stephens Creek (approx. ½ hr away from Broken Hill). This stage was named Perilya the Prologue. This was a circuit with tight turns around trees located in the water-filled creek. A combination of high speed and highly technical driving skills were required. Hundreds of people lined the banks of the creek and started small fire pits to defeat the cold night as the competitors let loose all the adrenalin that had been building up over the past year. As the 1st competitor went through the circuit and set the DNF time to 3:59:99 seconds, our team, even with the lack of power due to the stock engine (3.8 V6) made it in 3:59.47 seconds. Only 5 of the 55 teams made it in less than 3 minutes. Most of these competitors have spent at least 1 year preparing their vehicles and this was their big chance. There were no incidents and the competitors finished before 11:00PM.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 Broking Hill Quarry SS2 & SS3
SS2 & SS3: All 55 teams were set up to compete in the same 2 courses SS2 & SS3 which were set up at the Quarry and were the most challenging yet. The course was composed of a number of obstacles that challenged driving skills, suspensions, waterproofing engine techniques, and winching skills. Plenty of synthetic winch ropes were broken and there were even 2 rollovers in the water section. The race was supposed to finish around 4PM but the last 2 competitors finished just before dark. After SS2, 5 vehicles requested assistance from HQ and by early Sunday night, 9 vehicles had requested assistance.
Our team was doing well in SS3, with good speed through the course and no problem in the water crossing. However, they didn’t choose the right line at the metal cylinder obstacle (winching stage). This resulted in some damage to the front steering link and breaking of the winch line 3 times. This was probably a result of the stress and lack of familiarity with the course. They spent more than 10 minutes and got a DNF. Then in SS2, they went relatively slow. Their strategy was to cross the water hole on the right side, avoiding the left, where 2 rollovers had taken place. They also approached the metal cylinder in an angle allowing the winch to work smoothly. They crossed the finish line first even though they let the competing vehicle cross the water hole first! This was a 180-degree improvement over the SS3 performance. The crowd was extremely pleased and cheered them on.
Monday, May 19, 2008: Nundooka SS9, SS10 & SS11
Our race team #35 (Jeanette and Pedro) was sent to Viewmont where the mud stages are held. At the same time, Roberto and I went with the Press caravan to cover the action at Nundooka, where three Special Stages were held. Nundooka was entertaining because competitors had to go up some very steep rocky terrain. Then the competitors headed at high speed through a sandy and rocky creek to a full stop, where they were told to change their spare tires and then continue to a cliff wall winching stage. This took some teams by surprise! Rocks were flying and the co-drivers made all the difference to finish within the shortest times.
We were told that our team did fine in the mud stages but got penalized in Special Stage 1 because the co-pilot, Pedro, didn’t have his seatbelt fully engaged as he was helping Jeanette with the transfer case shifter that was stuck. NOTE: the rules are very strict about vehicles moving without the co-driver having the seat belt completely locked in place. Also, they are very specific in winching safety protocols. If you would like more information on this, you can refer to the CCDA regulations.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008:Viewmont (SS12Night run, SS13 & SS14)
Roberto and I headed out to Viewmont (SS12Nigth run, SS13 & SS14) with the press caravan, led by Leon, to cover the 3 separate stages that include mud crossings. We covered the rally stage and navigation stage during the day, then the night stage later on. This stage was approximately 3 hours away from Broken Hill, which included billabong (small lake) crossings. This was extremely challenging for all competitors regardless of how well suited your engine and suspension were. Vehicles just sank and winches became their best friends. At this stage, we were impressed when our Aussie friends, Johnnie and Andrew - blue Jeep (#47), broke their front axle at the entry of the 2nd billabong and Andrew immediately, got out of the car and started running with the winch line across the muddy water to begin winching. They finished the race in 2-wheel drive, which was already a huge challenge with 4-wheel drive and being fully locked. Great job #47!!!
Note: Billabong is an
Australian English word meaning a smallish lake, and specifically an
oxbow lake, a stagnant pool of
water attached to a waterway
[1]. Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a
creek or
river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end
The same day, our team #35, was competing at the sand dunes of Denian, where they made good times and finished all the stages with no problem.
Alex and Roberto continued with the Press caravan back to HQ by and nightfall and we were able to enjoy a fantastic dinner with the rest of the international press and some of the Marshals. Anthony (Macca) and Karen McDonald of Red Desert Tours & Catering were taking care of the Press throughout the event and were constantly delighting us with fantastic gourmet dishes and finger-licking desserts.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008: SS20, SS21 & SS22
Our press caravan took off at 7:30AM to Poolamacca, which was about 3 hours away from Broken Hill. We were moving at 120km/hr regardless if it was on-road or off-road! Aussies don’t slow down even when crossing from pavement to gravel roads! In this stage, all the teams were united, so we had a chance to meet with our team #35 again. On this date, there were also 3 Special Stages. The 55 teams were separated into 3 different groups that would compete simultaneously in the 3 different stages: One was a high-speed circuit, another was a navigation course with way points and the third was a very technical circuit through a rocky terrain that resembles the surface of the red planet of Mars. There was plenty of action from all the teams, and many vehicles with mechanical failures, including our team #35! We had steering problems due to a steering pump malfunction which led them to lose control on the navigation course. They hit a rock with the left front tire, which opened the rim as if it was an aluminum can! This day, our team was forced to take the 100-point penalty and head back to HQ to repair the vehicle.
Thursday, May 22, 2008:
We (Roberto and Alex) were scheduled to cover the Denian sand dunes with the rest of the international press but instead twe stayed with the team #35 to help resolve the steering issues. We were able to resolve them with the great help of Silver City Four Wheel Drive. For a few hours, we thought that we wouldn’t make it back in to the race but after further inspection, the steering box was found in tact and only the steering pump needed replacing. We happened to have a spare, and returned to the competition the following day.
Friday, May 23, 2008: Poolamacca
Roberto and Alex returned to the press caravan to cover a winch challenge of a true vertical rock wall where the safety of the teams and their vehicles depended 100% on the winching equipment. The Warn 8274-M50 was the winch of choice and with several modifications to give it the competitive edge; it became the best winch in the competition! Some of the modifications included dual motors, multiple solenoids, and thicker cabling.
Saturday, May 24th, 2008: SS23, SS24 & SS25
All the competitors were challenged again at the same location of Poolamacca but with a different circuit course for the final race. By this time, we had many teams retire from the competition and only X number of teams remained. This had been an extraordinary event, full of extremely challenging stages, combined with sleep deprivation, which tested the endurance of teams and their machines. There were a high number of mechanical failures in which the teams were working all night to fix and get back to race the following morning. Some teams were more fortunate than others for example, one of the South African teams, # 29 Warner Trimmer and Chris Ingram, blew their engine and were able to get a replacement from Sydney, with the help of Silver City 4WD in Broken Hill. They worked all night to replace the engine, returned to the race and made it to the finish! Other teams simply couldn’t fix their problems, as was the case with one of the favorites, Kym Bolton and Robert Marks (team #2). There were also a number of rollovers and thanks to the strict regulations regarding roll cage requirements; there were no human losses or injuries.
That night there was the grand finale dinner at the Headquarters, with presentation, prizes and speeches. For this event, all the teams were able to take their first shower, dress up, have a warm, descent meal, enjoy a live band, and share stories with family, friends, and other teams! There were also the traditional goodbyes or “See you next year OBC ’09 departures”.
The following is a list of the OBC ’08 winners:
Challenge Class:
1st Place for # 5 Adrian Parker & Alan McGilvray Nissan Patrol GQ - 2079 Points
2nd Place for # 1 Todd Robards & Ivan Vella Nissan Patrol-1902 Points
3rd Place for # 7 Neil Cooper & Chris Hummer Toyota Hilux-1898 Points
Trophy Class:
1st Place for #14 Peter Von Pein & Jane Von Pein Nissan GQ- 1417 Points
2nd Place for # 30 Dennis Maytom & Dave Ratcliffe Nissan GQ-1262 Points
3rd Place #42 Tony Bright & John Clemens Nissan GQ -999 Points
We feel strongly that the experience of participating in the Outback Challenge 2008 has taught us invaluable lessons. Our team was able to learn how to better equip the vehicle and improve our personal skill-set to compete again for a better chance at winning. All in all, this was an incredible experience, with an extremely diverse and challenging group of competitors. It allowed us the unique opportunity to realize the generous, warm hospitality of Australians, which among my world travels are unmatched. The Aussies are awesome people and I feel very fortunate to have made friends for a lifetime.
