The WA Buggy Hire SXS Spring Shootout concluded at Carco.com.au Raceway in Neerabup with a gripping final race. Terrence Flynn-Dowell and Ella Martin claimed victory, overcoming fierce competition from Craig Moss and Bryan McGann. Both teams faced the challenge of racing with flat tyres, adding to the tension of the event. John Hodgson and Corne De Wit secured third place, narrowly defeating Chris and Jess Della Pollina in their final-heat showdown.
As the event wraps up, organizers at Off Road Racing WA are gearing up for the upcoming 2026 season. The final round of both the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Australian Off Road Racing Championship and the Motorsport Australia Western Australian Off Road Racing Championship, known as the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race, is scheduled to take place from October 23-26, 2026.
The festivities will commence with a street party at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club on October 23, allowing spectators the chance to interact with the vehicles up close. The racing will occur at Mt Vetters Station, located approximately 20 km north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Notably, on October 24, a Dash for Cash event will feature ten of the fastest teams competing on a shortened 3 km course, with a prize pool of $5,000 available.
The main racing schedule includes a single lap of the 121 km course on Saturday, followed by two laps on Sunday. This year’s event attracted an impressive 102 entries from across Australia, along with one entry from New Zealand, making it one of the largest off-road gatherings in the country. Some of the purpose-built desert racing machines participating in the event are valued at over $1.5 million.
In addition to the SXS competitors, various other classes of off-road vehicles will take part, including production-based 2WD and 4WD vehicles, as well as purpose-built pro buggies and trophy trucks. Furthermore, 175 motorbikes will compete in their own separate event.
The combination of intense competition, significant prize money, and the variety of vehicles showcased makes the upcoming Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race a thrilling prospect for motorsport enthusiasts. With preparations well underway, the excitement surrounding the event is palpable.
