Rod Faggotter wins 2013 Australasian Safari

70 brave and battle-weary competitors made it through to the finish line of the 2013 Australasian Safari in Geraldton on Friday, 3200 kilometres and seven days after 100 racers started in Jurien Bay, Western Australia one week prior.

Queensland Yamaha dealer, Rod Faggotter, scored a convincing moto win, not only for himself but also for Yamaha. The last win by Yamaha at the Safari was by Alan Cunningham back in 1986.

Faggotter said after six attempts, it felt great to make it to first place. “I’m really happy, it took a while to get here and it feels surreal at the moment,” he explained. “I didn’t really do anything spectacular this week, I had a dream run with no real mechanical issues. It was great to finally bring it home again for Yamaha too, they’ve been a great support.”

Matt Fish on board a KTM 500EXC has also overcome the disappointment experienced at previous Safaris to finally have a podium finish – placing second. “I’m feeling really good,” said Fish. “I’ve been disappointed to have not made it to the finish in the last couple of years. Just finishing the Safari feels fantastic, let alone making it to the podium. Today’s stages were short but quite tricky. I didn’t take any risks, I just wanted to get to the finish line.”

Shane Diener is another who has finally achieved an enormous goal and also set a record by putting two Yamaha riders on the podium – the first time in the history of Safari. He said he was so glad to finish. “I’m really happy and really relieved, I’ve had six starts in seven years and this is the first time I’ve finished it,” said Diener. “In previous years it’s always been a mechanical issue or I’ve been broken.”

Diener also said he was really happy to win the Dakar Challenge. “I’m actively looking for sponsors if anyone out there is interested!” he continued. “I’ll now be getting a budget together and starting to source a bike.”

Other notable mentions in the moto category include Lee Stephens, who has managed to achieve a fourth place finish in his first Safari, coming into the event with a motocross background. He won a free entry into Australasian Safari from the Safari Challenge at the Condo 750. Rally champion, Alister McRae, had a huge week finishing fifth also in his first Safari and one of his first moto events. KTM was a stand out manufacturer with seven out of the top ten moto competitors on its bikes.

Vern Strange said although it was a very difficult time, it was fantastic to see all the riders paying a moving tribute to Ivan Erceg. “We’re all devastated, and I was really proud to ride with his number and carry his card in.”

For more information on the 2013 Australian Safari, click here.