Gussenhoven Pumped for King of the Dunes

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February 7, 2025
3:12 pm

Robert Gussenhoven has come a long way since first competing in the 2018 Dewalt SXS Championship, and next weekend he will continue his love for offroad racing at the Midfield King of the Dunes.

Campaigning his LS1 powered 1996 Ford F150 which he acquired off Queenslander Myles Newborn early last year, Gussenhoven is looking forward to hitting the Portland Dunes for the first time.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved with our truck so far. We had a huge six months finishing the truck after picking it up, and to see it racing and winning was the best feeling,” said Gussenhoven.

After finishing 2nd in class at the first round of the 2018 SXS Championship in Adelaide, Gussenhoven quickly moved into a Can-Am X3, venturing into offroad racing alongside navigator and close friend Wayne Donnelly.

The proud Victorian’s greatest achievement to date on track was winning the 2021 David Larter Memorial at Beachport, a moment that was surpassed last season by having his daughter and son take turns in the navigator’s seat; a moment he will cherish forever.

Claiming class honours in four of the six races he contested in 2024, Gussenhoven has his sights set on a strong finish next weekend, with the truck primed for an assault on the new season

“Our expectations heading into The King of the Dunes is to just to take it as it comes, the event has a really impressive line-up so it should be a cracking day, honestly, we would love just to finish.

Looking ahead, Gussenhoven sees positive signs for the grassroots level of offroad racing with the introduction of the Southern States Off-Road Challenge, one that he is glad to be apart of.

“The new Southern States Challenge has been getting some great feedback and seeing the King of the Dunes entries fill up in just three days is a good sign for the rest of the season.

“It’s a fantastic way to bring affordable racing back to smaller events, and it’s great to see the off-road community getting behind it.

Gussenhoven would like to acknowledge his sponsors BlackBear Tyres Australia, Maverick Campers Australia, Crow Cams Australia, BA Road Services, P&K Mechanical Services, Empire Signs, Salt Shift, PMD Race Products, Design Fab and SmithTech Motorsport for making the 2025 racing season possible.

“I’d also like to thank my entire family, Wayne, and everyone who helps with the race prep and at the events. Without their support, none of this would be possible.

The opening round of the inaugural Southern States Off Road Club Challenge, the Midfield King of the Dunes will be held on Saturday the 22nd of February.

by TC Media

courtesy of Turn 8 Photography, Show ‘n’ Go Photography & Lehmann Motorsport Photography, Off-Road Racing Pics

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