The 2015 running of the Kickstarters Gascyone Dash has kicked off today with scrutineering held in the heart of town at the Carnarvon Civic Centre. A total of 46 teams (18 Auto and 28 Motos & Quads) were on hand for final event checks. With the race vehicles left on public display throughout the day, many interested holidaymakers and locals took the opportunity to view the race vehicles up close before a spectacular late afternoon parade along the main street of Carnarvon wrapped up today’s official proceedings.
Carnarvon put its best foot forward today, with near perfect weather conditions leaving the crews and spectators bathing in beautiful sunshine and showing Carnarvon at its best. The forecast for the remainder of the week is also ideal, which should result in great racing conditions.
The auto field is lead by previous race winner Shane Elphinstone in his #944 Holeshot Pro buggy. After taking the honours back in 2013, Elphinstone was on track for back to back victories in 2014 before striking trouble in the river section after coming across a herd of cows, so he is looking for some more luck this year in his quest to return to the top step of the podium. Making sure that he won’t have it all his own way will be the #968 Bat Racing Pro buggy of Brad Cooper and the #74 Jimco of Brett Renton.
After taking out second position in the 2014 bike section, Cody Upton is looking to take his #2 Honda CRF to the front of the field in 2015. With many experienced competitors in the field, Upton won’t have it all his own way. In the Quad section, previous class winner John Iuliano will be looking to take another class win on his KTM, however he will face stiff competition from the Honda of Richard Maxted and the Yamaha of Brad Smith.
Tomorrow sees the running of the 10 kilometre prologue course to determine the all-important starting positions for Saturday’s first loop of 201 kilometres. At the conclusion of prologue proceedings, teams will pack up and head for race headquarters near Gascoyne Junction to setup camp and ready their machines for the tough weekend ahead.
Stay up to date with the 2015 Gascoyne Dash via www.gasdash.com or on their facebook page here
Photo and Report by Sean McTigue for Dirtcomp
FINAL 2015 GASCOYNE DASH ENTRY LIST
