New look for St. George 399 AORC round
Heavy rain in the Balonne Shire and surrounding areas of southeastern Queensland have forced a change to the programme for this year’s Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399, the opening round of the 2022 BF Goodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC).
St George is normally dry at this time of year, but large amounts of rain have fallen in recent months, which means that the big dams that form part of the St George 399 competition course and house the paddock are full of water.
This is the first time in the history of the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 that these dams have been full, leading to a change in the course for the 2022 race, which is scheduled for 18-20 March.
However, Kym Barber, of event organisers, the Southeast Queensland Off Road Racing Association (SEQORRA), says that the changes will be minimal.
“We always knew this sort of thing could happen and it was a matter of when, not if, so we are in the process of moving parts of the course, headquarters and the paddock around to make sure we steer clear of the dams,” Barber said.
“The track will look quite different in areas and the start/finish line will have to be moved, however the area looks spectacular and it’s very green.”
In addition to the course adjustments, other changes to the popular event include a new schedule.
Last year, Prologue took place on the Friday afternoon, with the Top 10 Shootout immediately after. In 2022, Friday will see scrutineering and the Prologue only, with the Top 10 Shootout rescheduled to Saturday morning.
Crews entering the AORC component of the event will complete four sections throughout the weekend - one on Saturday and the remaining three on Sunday. Crews running solely in the state championship will race three sections.
“It’s exciting to start the season off as it always is and even though we have had a few hiccups, it’s all coming together due to a really good crew who have once again put in a wonderful effort,” Barber added.
The 2022 Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 is scheduled for 18-20 March. For updates and more details, go to: aorc.com.au
