Western Australian Off Road Racing Association (WAORRA) held its annual Charity Ride Day in Harvey, in the South West of WA, on the 21st February 2016. Similar to events held in previous years, children from various charities and their families were treated to a ride in a race car in a controlled and safe manner, around a 5km short course off-road track. They had an overwhelming response from various charities wanting to get involved and reached capacity with 85 families participating.
The Western Australian off-road racing community showed its support with 16 race cars taking part, including off road buggies, trophy trucks and production 4WDs. The variety of race cars allowed for children of all ages and disabilities to have a ride. Unfortunately not all cars finished the event though – gearbox, oil pump, electrical and general gremlins forced some cars to retire early. Leigh Cooper even managed to run out of fuel on the 5km short course but quickly got it going again. On the plus side, it was a good opportunity for drivers to iron out some teething problems before the season opener at Perenjori in two weeks.
Members of WAORRA, other WA off-road racing clubs and local businesses provided their time, food, drinks and services to make sure the day ran smoothly. The families enjoyed a lunchtime sausage sizzle, drink, lamington and lolly bag, and fuelled by sugar, they lined up again for another ride.
WAORRA president, Kim Yaxley, said “The smiles on the kids’ faces as they enjoyed a thrill ride in an off-road racing car were priceless, and this is what makes the event such a pleasure to put on”.
WAORRA would like to thank the following organisations for sponsoring the event:
- Shire of Harvey
- Jeep Owners Club
- Alcoa
- Psycho Moose Racing
- Pinjarra Engineering
- Coates Hire Waroona
- Southern Custom Fabrication
- Bunbury 4×4
- Opposite Lock Bunbury
- Bunbury Muffler Tyre and 4WD
- Discount Auto Parts Australind
- Pinjarra Coles
- Pinjarra Bakery
- Pinjarra Meat Supply
- Pete’s Chop Shop
- Bunbury Farmers Market
- Harvey FreshCoca Cola
- St Johns Ambulance Harvey
- Harvey Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade
- CAMS
WAORRA would also like to thank everyone that helped to make this event a success for another year, in particular Event Organisers Blake Pugh and Gary Howe with the help of Kim Howard and James Kenniessen; Clerk of Course Danielle Joyce; Scrutineer Alan Joyce; Photographer/Videographer Emma Scott; and the drivers who towed their race cars down to Harvey for the day.
Kim said “We are thankful for the volunteers who support the club so we can run this event for the community each year”.
Photos and video thanks to Emma Scott