THE nation’s top off road prospects have arrived in Millicent ahead of the 2017 Pines Enduro 400.
Serving as Round 6 of the ARB Off Road Racing Series and Round 2 of the AORRA South Australian Off Road Racing Championship, the enduro will fire into action this evening with scrutiny from 5pm at Teagle’s Quarry.
Racing kicks into gear tomorrow from 10am with a prologue and short course racing, with drivers taking on the full 420km challenge on Sunday.
The Pines Enduro started in 1978 after Bruce Clayson successfully negotiated with the then Woods and Forests Department for the use of an area of the Tantanoola Forest Reserve for a competition ran by the Millicent Sand Buggy Club and the Naracoorte Car Club.
In that year, only 15 buggies competed over a 15km course, but in following years, the numbers steadily increased to between 60 and 70 vehicles, including many 4WDs, VW Bajas and sedans.
To cater for the increased numbers and to minimise damage to the forest, the track was increased in length to 35km.
In 1982, the Millicent Off-Road Car Club was formed to organise the event, and with the help of several local sponsors, the value of the trophies was increased to attract competitors from all over South Australia and Victoria.
In 1986, the event was run by the Millicent Sand Buggy Club, as the South Australian Off-Road Championship.
In 2003 the Pines Enduro was ran as part of the Australian Off-Road Championship, as well as still being a part of the SA Off-Road Championship.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event, a prologue to determine class starting positions was conducted at Teagles Quarry in 2002.
Upon being unsuccessful in securing rounds for the Australian Off-Road Championship in 2013, the ARB Off Road Racing Series was formed, with four events that were in the same predicament.
The event organisers along with some other key personnel and sponsors created the ARB Off Road Racing Series consisting of four well organised and supported events that all shared the ethos of the ARB Series Mission Statement that is “to promote a safe, fair and enjoyable family friendly series with a focus on a transparent, open and professional attitude to competitors”.
The Pines Enduro event is proud to part of a series that achieves good entry numbers and provides competitors with a lower cost and enjoyable off road racing.
