Cougar Racing’s Craig and Megan Barnett #68 have compiled one of the more remarkable records in recent times; however the husband and wife duo are well aware of the challenge this weekend’s ARB Tyrepower Griffith The Gap 440 presents.
“We always love heading out to Hillston, I’m definitely hoping it’s not as wet as last year. Our strategy will be to just stay calm and get to the end, shes a tough event; we just want to stay consistent,” said Barnett.
After a brilliant 8th outright, 4th in class start to their 2024 ARB Australian Off Road Championship campaign at Rainbow, Barnett in his Chev powered Southern Cross Mark 6 will be looking to improve on his best result at Hillston from 12 months ago.
“Rainbow was a great start to our season, it was bloody rough again out the back in the sand dune country, but we were stoked to finish 8th in a strong field,” said Barnett.
“After a full rebuild of the car in the off season, it is a real testament to my crew on how well the Southern Cross pulled up from round one, they do an amazing job; I can’t thank my guys enough.
Post Hillston, Barnett is scheduled to continue his 2024 ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship crusade at Goondiwindi, before the final round at Millicent in September. The proud Queenslander is also eying off the Mac1000 in December, with the possibility of racing a NSW event in the team’s new Towers Motorsport buggy in the coming months.
“Our main goal for 2024 is to chase three consecutive ARB Australian Off Road Racing Ultimate Championships, and it would be a huge bonus to sneak into the top three outright, definitely easier said then done. I also plan to give the Mac1000 another crack, and we hope to bring the new car out soon, exciting times ahead.
Barnett would like to acknowledge the entire Cougar Racing crew for their continued dedication, and the team’s major sponsors Cougar Mining Group, and CH4 Drilling for their support towards the team’s 2024 Australian Off Road Racing campaign.
The ARB Tyrepower Griffith The Gap 440 takes place this weekend in Hillston, New South Wales, over the 5th-7th of July.
Pictures courtesy of Ratchet Off Road Racing Photography
