South Australian Andrew Caldecott dominated the first day of the Australian Safari’s Motorcycle division yesterday on a KTM 660cc Rallye, establishing a massive lead of 15 minutes, 53 seconds. The 36-year-old led every stage and had an overall time of two hours, 59minutes, 23 seconds. His result was a repeat of his victory on the opening day of the 1999 Safari, which he was eventually forced to withdraw from after suffering a shoulder injury.
American Casey McCoy made an impressive debut in the rally-like event by finishing second on a Honda XR400, and was followed by South Australian Tony Tervoert on a Husqvarna and West Australian Rob Pollard on a KTM.
“The course was fast and fun,” said McCoy. “We possibly lacked a little speed on the first part while I was getting used to the conditions, but I felt better when the terrain was rocky because that’s what I’m more used to.”
The leading Northern Territory rider was Daniel Auricht on a Yamaha TTR250 in fifth place, one position ahead of former 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz. Despite injuring his ankle in practice, the 35-year-old Texan had a steady cross country rally debut with a time of three hours, 36 minutes, 24 seconds, finishing 46-secs clear of 17-year-old Darwin rider Anthony Roberts on a Honda XR400.
On Monday, the Safari continues with three stages of competitive racing over 290 miles from Alice Springs to Curtin Springs. The Safari is promoted by Octagon Motorsport and is backed by the Northern Territory Government.
RESULTS – SUNDAY, AUGUST 20:
1. A. Caldecott (SA) KTM 660 Rallye 2:59.23
2. C. McCoy (U.S.) Honda XR400 3:15.16
3. T. Tervoert (SA) Husqvarna TE610E 3:17.45
4. R. Pollard (WA) KTM 640 Adventure 3:20.07
5. D. Auricht (NT) Yamaha TTR250 3:23.22
6. K. Schwantz (U.S.) Suzuki DR-Z400 3:26.34
7. A. Roberts (NT) Honda XR400 3:27.20
8. S. Blackney (GB) KTM 660 Rallye 3:27.50
9. T. Kirby (NSW) Suzuki DR-Z400 3:31.05
10. K. Iwasaki (Japan) Honda XR650 3:34.41
