Arctic Cat’s class leading Wildcat X is set to tackle the ultimate off-road challenge when it takes on the iconic Australasian Safari cross-country rally next week.
With sponsorship and technical support from Arctic Cat Australia, Arctic Cat Perth and Quadparts.com.au, Team Arctic Cat G2 Rallye Racing has entered a 2014 Wildcat X in the Australasian Safari, which takes place in Western Australia from 19-27 September.
This will be the first time an Arctic Cat SXS has officially entered in the Safari, which is considered to be one of the most demanding off-road endurance rallies in the world. The Safari is often referred to as the “Dakar Down-under” and is a part of the formal Dakar Rally Challenge series.
Experienced driver Garry Connell has raced SXS extensively the last 2 years, both nationally and internationally including the 2014 Dakar rally and the 2013 FIA World Cup round in Morocco. The 2014 Safari will be the 9th occasion he has competed in the event, experience that will come to the fore when he puts the Wildcat through its paces during the eight-day outback event.
The Wildcat X will compete in FIA class T3 Light for SXS vehicles, a category based on that raced at the infamous Dakar rally and the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup rallies.
Team Arctic Cat G2 Rallye Racing chief mechanic Rob Webber said the Australasian Safari is a challenging event that demands stamina and endurance from competitors and vehicles alike.
“The team has have been very focussed building and racing the Wildcat in numerous rally and off-road events since the start of 2013, all with a view to having the first Arctic Cat SXS ready to compete in the Australasian Safari,” he said.
“The Wildcat showcases the latest Arctic Cat chassis, suspension and four-wheel drive technology, making it an ideal platform for an entry in the Australasian Safari. From our experience working with Arctic Cat products, the quality of engineering and technology is class leading in the SXS category of motorsport, and we’re looking forward to proving the Wildcat’s durability and technology in the extreme off-road conditions seen on the Safari rally.”
To help it withstand the punishing Safari conditions, the Wildcat will have extra underbody and frontal protection, reinforced suspension arms and long range fuel tank along with competition rally tyres and King Off-road Racing shock absorbers for added strength and durability.
Perth based Platinum Automotives will support the Team Arctic Cat G2 Rallye Racing Safari entry by supplying two rally racing specialist mechanics for technical assistance during the gruelling eight day event, which will cover more than 2,500 competitive kilometres through sand, salt plains, dry river beds and rugged desert tracks.
The 2014 Australasian Safari concludes in Kalbarri – 600 kilometres north of Perth – on Saturday 27 September.