This weekend’s 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash held in the idyllic Whitsundays township of Bowen is an event that keeps on giving, with 86 car crews and 232 bike competitors primed for battle.
Proudly hosted by the Burdekin Offroaders Inc, this year’s edition plays host to Round 7 of the ARB Mickey Thompson Queensland Championship and is spearheaded by defending champion Kent Battle #31 in his V8 Element Prodigy, after the team’s breakthrough victory twelve months ago.
The popular North Queensland event will again showcase some of Australia’s biggest names; with two-time Don River winner Talbot Cox #16, back-to-back Gundy victor Clayton Chapman #15, and Western Australian Brent Smoothy #847 all expected to challenge for the King of the River crown.
Other crews ready to contend for the silverware include last year’s overnight leader Nick Commins #479 in his Westlime Brenthel, Drew Callander #32 in his Ford powered Racer, Trent Callander #99 in the team’s V8 Razorback, and fellow North Queensland young gun Kye Camilleri #34.
Recent Burdekin Enduro champion James Sant #50, Matthew Lawless #71, offroad newcomer Seeton Battle #28, Brett Comiskey #834, Dave Muir #433, Tyler Youman #427, and former runner up Tony Fehlhaber #138 are also expected to be in the mix.
Amongst the class battles, Kevy Nott #78, Cooper Western #61, Rohan Williams #29, Aaron Phillis #40, David Loughnan #104, Darren Angel #160, and David Mendham #170 are notable Ultimate and Class 1 crews. Whilst Michael Ranson #507, Josh Pile #762, Anna Phillis #624s, and Katelyn Long #6626 headline their respective fields.
Defending Class 6 champion Dan Dunn #614 will front the 24 strong class line up, with Zac Marsh #6140, Brent Storey #682, Conroy Devine #606, Justin Rider #627, Jason Sait #670, and Luke Brandon #613 other standout crews.
Michael Marson #1032 will again take to the mighty Don in his Class 10 Racer alongside the inform Jason Keane #1013, Brett Baker #1026, and Darren Orr #1015, with Jamie Knight #439, Rob Wearing #440, Jack Mildwaters #449, and Steven Kildey #484 set for battle in Class 4.
John Madderom #1111, Tom Jack #1118, and Brandon Beckers #1147 are the leading Class 11 chances, whilst Chris Weiden #833, Luke Peterson #878, and Justin Renew #808 join Smoothy #847 and Comiskey #834 in Class 8.
The Queensland Off Road Championship would like to thank their major sponsors ARB and Mickey Thompson Tyres, along with Link ECU, Comiskey Mining Services, JSW Powersports, Best WesternPlus Hotel North Lakes, Farm and Garden Polaris and Premium Soil Conditioners & Fertilisers for their support in 2025.
The 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash would not be possible without the support of naming right sponsor, Custom Lithium; plus, livestream sponsors RGM maintenance and Mercedes Benz Trucks.
In addition, a massive thank you must go to the events Gold Sponsors, including Whitsunday Ag Service, Tourism & Events QLD, Rocks Farming, Pat McDonnell Earthmoving, Grand View Hotel, Bowen Rail, and Abbot Point Operations, along with all the other incredible sponsors who have assisted in many ways.
The 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash takes place in Bowen this weekend, the 5th-7th of September. For more info check out the Don River Dash Facebook page and website at www.donriverdash.com.au.
By TC Media
Pics courtesy of Show ‘n’ Go Media
