By TC Media
Victorian Mark Foster has been pursuing his love for racing since 2013, starting out as a navigator for Peter Sibson in a Volkswagen beetle in a state round at Yea. Over the years, Mark’s love for racing has only grew stronger, competing as a driver for the first time in Sibson’s beetle alongside his daughter Taryn as his navigator at Avalon in 2016.
After Sibson’s upgrade to a trophy truck, Foster borrowed his great mates beetle for several races, before later purchasing his own trophy truck, a Chev powered Toyota Tecoma off Dean Miller, and the rest is history. Following significant modifications to the new Class 4 truck to suit his racing style, Foster took to the track in their first race at Rainbow in March 2021 in the midst of the covid pandemic.
While their primary goal is to finish races successfully, the proud Geelong Off Road Buggy Association and VORRA club member has faced numerous challenges since rebuilding the car, nonetheless, the support and camaraderie within the racing community has been outstanding, with everyone always willing to lend a helping hand.
In a remarkable feat to launch their 2022 season, Mark and daughter Taryn #411 competed in four events over five weekends, covering three different states. With smiles on their diles, the Fosters who are well revered within the Australian offroad fraternity launched their charge at the Rainbow Rises 240, before tackling the St George 399 in Southern QLD the following weekend.
Unfortunately for Foster, Gearbox gremlins at both events meant a trip to Gympie was required for transmission repairs before returning home to Victoria. An early exit at the ARB Big Desert 480 back at Rainbow, was succeeded by a confidence boosting third in Class at the Sea Lake Club ran Darrens Day Out, a significant reward for their gallant early season efforts.
Further appearances across 2022 at Mumbannar, Moyston (2nd in Class), Finke, Hillston, Nandaly 180 (3rd in Class), Rainbow Desert Enduro, Pines Enduro, and a spirited 5th in Class at the Kalgoorlie Desert Race, capped off an epic and memorable season for Foster and his crew.
Foster is the perfect epitome of a true off-roader, never fazed by the moments of disappointment, but revels in the positive ones that come his way. After enduring an incredibly jam packed schedule last season, Fosters plans are not as intense in 2023. With daughter Taryn set to move overseas, Foster’s focus will be on transitioning his wife Rachelle into the navigators seat post Hillston in July – the next chapter in a fascinating offroad tale.
At the completion of the 2022 season, the VORRA committee organised a memorial plaque in memory of Gerry Hoekstra & Ede Taric, presented by their wife’s Deb and Janita the award was proudly received by Foster himself for demonstrating determination and perseverance by attending 12 races in 8 months all around Australia, an honour the team will forever hold close to their heart. The Foster family also received the Geelong Offroad Buggy Association club ambassador award, which was in recognition of their amazing year on track.
So far in 2023, Mark and Taryn have contested the ARB Big Desert 480 in Rainbow where two flat tyres caused an early retirement, and Darrens Day Out at Sea Lake which was a strong result for team crossing 2nd in Class.
As the Foster duo head into their local Avalon Short Course event this weekend, Round 2 of the Victorian Offroad Club Shield, they also have their eyes set on competing at the remaining three ARB Australian Off Road Championship events, Mumbannar, along with their local shield events including Moyston, and the Nandaly 300.
Mark would like to first and foremost thank his wife Rachelle, who has been instrumental in supporting him in chasing his racing dreams, his daughter Taryn for all her help on and off the track, along with his friends Danny, Travis, Viv, and Peter for their tireless commitment and assistance in getting the truck ready for battle.
Finally, Foster’s offroad journey would not be possible without the generous support of his sponsors, Mark Foster Earthmoving, Samba Metal Works, GJ Drivelines, Warragul Machining and Mechanical Repairs, Phoenix Lubricants, and Evans Petroleum who all go above and beyond.
As the team looks forward to their upcoming races in 2023, Mark, Taryn, and Rachelle are excited to continue their racing adventures together, taking on new challenges and making memories that will last a lifetime
