Motorsport athlete Scott Britnell is chasing a lifelong ambition.
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Britnell has been accepted into the 2018 Dakar Rally in January, and has many more hours of hard work ahead of him.
The rally is significant for members of the motorsport community, as next year is the 40th anniversary of the competition.
The race is run over 14 continuous days of competition, and covers 9500 kilometres.
The course will commence at sea level in Lima Peru, and will travel through Bolivia to a height of 4700 metres above sea level.
The race will end in Cordoba, Argentina.
While the training will be tough, Britnell has the experience to finish the competition.
In 2016 Britnell travelled to the Middle East, where he competed in two international cross country races.
He finished a credible 17th in the Abu Dhabi Dessert Challenge, and 6th in the Qatar Sealines Rally.
In preparation for the competition, Britnell has increased his ride time to a few times a week, as well as his focus on general fitness and endurance training.
He has also focused on the mental aspect of the race, and has spoken to several previous competitors that finished and failed to finish. “It’s a mental game as much as it is a physical game,” Britnell said. “I’ve spent over 100 hours getting my bike ready, so that’s good mental preparation.” Britnell will be the only privately-funded Australian entrant and one of three to Australian entrants in the rally.
He is seeking support from the community to get him across the starting line.
It’s a mental game as much as it is a physical game.
- Motorsport athlete Scott Britnell
Britnell will host a fundraiser at Peppers Resort Craigieburn on Saturday, October 21 at 8.30pm.
He encouraged members of the community to come for a good night out. “It’s by no means a motor-central event. It’s an opportunity to have a good night and a good meal,” Britnell said.
Tickets are selling fast and there are about 50 tickets left.
The cost is $175 per person or $1600 for a table of ten, which includes a three-course meal, drinks and entertainment. Email scottybrits@hotmail.com to purchase a ticket. Members of the community have donated items for an auction to help raise funds. Visit www.myminiauction.com/rallyfordakar for details of the auction.
