Record entries as the 2015 Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro draws closer with eight days until Australia toughest rider’s off-road riders will line up to claim class and outright
wins. With Englishman Graham Jarvis making a late withdrawal from the event, this has sparked the Pro class riders to push even harder to be crowned the outright winner of this epic event.
Although the Pro class has the largest money on offer, it is the Clubman classes that make up the largest amount of the field with over forty-five riders that are divided into two groups - a under 35-year-old and over 35-year-old. This is what also makes the Extreme enduro such a great ride as every class is on the track at the same time with many of the track used by every rider. It truly will be a battle in every class with riders all so very close in ability.
For those new to the event, the Prologue fires into action at 9am and is a highlight of the day as riders push as hard as they can on the short track to get at the front of the pack for the main three hour 11.5km Extreme race.
Key area’s to watch would be Honda Horse power Hill, The KTM Switch back, Sherco Rock Stair case, Husqvarna Fender Bender and the well-known Beta Rock Garden that has a Pro only line that even NZ Extreme rider Chris Birch said was “slightly crazy” when he visited earlier this year.
We asked the question to returning riders – “What are you looking forward to returning for 2015”?
Daniel Sanders (Motorex KTM Off-Road Race Team): “I can't wait to get out and challenge myself in Australia's hardest enduro race. The event is a good way to test you physically and mentally on the demanding course. It's a great achievement to finish it, and this year the field opens up with Jarvis out so it's anyone's race. I think it's going to be a really close race and very entertaining with the new section put in up the last gnarly hill.”
Mitcham Harper (2010 Winner): “I'm looking forward to the tough gruelling challenge and the atmosphere that the spectators give.”
Ben Hemingway (UK Factory Beta): “I had so much fun at last year’s event and I can't wait to come back and race. I want the hill climb win as I missed out by only seconds last year, but I know everyone will be up for a fight.”
Jess Gardiner (Balllard’s Motorex Off-Road Team Sherco): “I am looking forward to heading down to Wildwood again in 2015. I not only love the ambience of the event and the great structure, but it is a very challenging and rewarding race! I look forward to representing the girls and showing that we can get through this stuff too!”
Steve Braszell (Event Owner): “I’m looking forward to getting out on the bike for a lap or two and seeing just how much noise the spectators can make to cheer every rider on. I will also have a few special prize tickets on me for those that stand out the most during the day.”
Entries are still open and can be done via the event website – www.wildwoodrockextrme.com
Spectators cost’s – Adults $20, Kids 16yrs to 10yrs $10 and Kids under ten are free. With food stalls, displays from sponsors and local business it will be an event not to miss out on.
Please make note that the race is run in any weather condition so don’t be put off if it rains as it will only show case the rider’s skills even more.
Wildwood Rock 2015 is supported by these great sponsors – Gibson Tyres, Two Stroke Performance, Honda Australia, Sherco Australia, KTM Australia, Husqvarna Australia, Beta Australia, Force Accessories, Ringmaster images, Terror Off-road Tours, InsureMyRide, Global Racing Oils, PBI Sprocket Australia, Sunbury Bakers Delight, Slipstream Motorcycle Sunbury, Raceline Motorcycle Ballarat and USWE Hydration systems, Trials Experience, Melton Toyota.
Photo Credit: Lee Popowski
Rider: Chris Perry