Hosted by the Goondiwindi Motorsport Association, this weekend’s iconic ARB Gundy 500, Round 3 of the 2024 ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship, and Round 7 of the ARB Mickey Thompson Queensland Championship has the makings of an all-time classic.
Headlined by championship leaders Clayton Chapman #15, and Beau Robinson #1113 after their outright victories at Hillston and Rainbow respectively, the spectacular 100 strong field is littered with contenders and past Gundy champions including current ARB title-holder Brent Martin #1, Danny Brown #4, and Aaron James #93.
Fresh off an emotional 2023 Gundy 500 victory, and last month’s Hillston triumph, defending champion Clayton Chapman #15 will deservedly carry the favourites tag, with last year’s podium sitter Dale Martin #5, North Queenslander Talbot Cox #16, and former runner up Jason Richards #119 all chasing Goondiwindi Gold.
Current third place sitters in the ARB championship Matthew Burrows #3 and Simon Tucker #110, Drew Callander #99, Andy Brown #1142, Michael Zacka #1151, multiple time Australian champion Mark Burrows #21, Anthony Fehlhaber #138, Steven Graham #1065, and Michael Dolan #455 are others with a genuine shot at Gundy glory.
Queensland championship leader David Loughnan #104 will make a spirited return to the track after a heavy rollover at Hillston, joining his nearest rivals Jan Kraaij #1140, Talbot Cox #16, last year’s Gundy runner up Michael Marson #1032, and Drew Callander #99 in the battle for QLD’s highest honour.
In the class previews, Craig Barnett #68 who sits fifth outright in the ARB Australian championship race, Craig Krog #23, Kye Camilleri #34, and Jourdain Patterson #44 are ones to watch in the Ultimate Class, so too Trent Callander #127, Brett Baker #124, and Stephen O’Toole #111 in Class 1.
Joining Graham #1065 and Marson #1032 in arguably the strongest ever Class 10 line up on Australian soil is several potential victors, including Brayden Mifsud #1026, Stuart Chapman #1015, Russell Hartnett #1012, Dean Meginley #1087, and Sam Bentley #1018; with a mix of experience and youth, its headed for an epic conclusion.
Jamie O’Toole #615s and Anna Phillis #624s are set to duel for Class 6s honours, whilst Brendan Forssman #202, Michael Ranson #507, and Ross Newman #6681 are anticipated to head their respective classes.
Current Australian Class 7 champion Heath Weedon #701 and Hank Parker #798 reignite their rivalry at Gundy, whilst club president Jamie Knight #401, Steven Kildey #412, and Steven Von Pein #422 the likely Class 4 front runners.
Recent Dalby victor Christian Trusz #816, Owen Ward #801, Steven Ash #862, and Guy Shoemark #882 will like their chances in Class 8, likewise local legend Joey Bulmer #1136, Kye Floyd #1141 who will unveil his new Tatum, and James Sant #1144 in a star-studded Class 11 line up.
Justin Rider #627 will lead the hotly contested Class 6 contingent, with Jeff McNiven #604, Richard Tassin #691, Lochie Waters #699, Jackson Evans #636, Kane Prechelt #694, and Lachlan Campbell #607 all capable of deep runs at Goondiwindi.
The 2024 ARB Gundy 500 would not be possible without the support of championship partners ARB 4X4 Accessories, Mickey Thompson Tyres, Raceline Wheels Australia, and Dynamic Wheel Co, along with the Top Ten Shootout sponsor Goondiwindi Tyre Service, and live stream sponsors Mikes Shock Shop, Marson Race Transmissions, Comiskey Mining Services and Chapman’s Auto.
In addition, a massive thank you must go to the 2024 Gundy Gold Sponsors, including Ambrose Haulage, T&T Motorcycles, Greg Campbell Motorsport, and Future Ag, plus to all the other amazing sponsors either small, large, or in-kind who have once again all assisted in so many ways.
The AORRA QLD Off Road Racing Championship would also like to thank their major sponsors ARB & Mickey Thompson Tyres, and championship sponsors Premium Soil Conditioners & Fertilisers, Lucas Papaw Remedies, Comiskey Mining Services, Link Engine Management, Farm & Garden Polaris, North Lakes Best Western Hotel & JSW Powersports for their support.
There are many scripts that could be written at ‘Torridon’ this weekend, as the next instalment of the 2024 ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship unfolds, with crews chasing one of the country’s most prestigious titles.
The 2024 ARB Gundy 500 takes place at ‘Torridon’ in Goondiwindi, Queensland this weekend, the 9th-11th of August.
By TC Media
Pics courtesy of Show ‘N’ Go Photography
