2012 Australasian Safari - Prologue
The short Prologue was essentially a time trial and qualifier to determine the starting order for Leg 1, as well as providing competitors a chance to test out their vehicles on the course so they are competition-ready.
Competitors said they had a good day out on the course, which gave them a good taste of Western Australia's mid-west with the course ducking and diving through gates, along and between fences and across open paddocks. Many said they were playing it safe to get a reasonable position for tomorrow, not taking too many risks.
Geoff Olholm in the Cairns Coconut Racing Team Mitsubishi Pajero said they had fun on the course.
"It was really enjoyable and we had a consistent day, the car felt really good. Coconuts live again!"
Only 27 seconds off the auto lead was Safari win record holder John Hederics in the Holden Colorado.
International competitors fared well with Venezuelan driver Nunzio Coffaro in the modified Hilux finishing fourth fastest, 54 seconds behind Olholm.
For Leg 1, competitors will face a mix of terrain, starting the day along the surf with a sandy beach stage before heading inland for a rocky river crossing, farmland stages and a fast stage to finish before ending at the overnight stop at Kalbarri, 592km north of Perth.
For a full competitor list and more details visit www.australasiansafari.com.au.
Images: Keith Hedgeland, Sabine Albers, courtesy of Australasian Safari/Bright Communications