By TC Media
Pics courtesy of Show ‘n’ Go Photography and JS Motorsport Photography
With a passion for adventure and a strong family bond, the Jorgensen family, now proud members of the Geelong Off Road Buggy Association, discovered their new calling during the 2018 offroad season.
It was in June the same year, where Brett and Christy Jorgensen embarked on a trip to the Finke Desert Race, their maiden venture to the iconic Red Centre. The experience captivated them, launching their love for off-road racing, and from that moment on, they knew it was to be an integral part of their lives.
Commencing their new journey, Brett Jorgensen took to the driver’s seat of the team’s first car, a Can Am X3 #625, with his wife Christy Jorgensen navigating at most races. On debut at Moyston in June 2019, the husband and wife duo finished a terrific seventh outright, at a track that holds a special place in their hearts. Occasionally, long time neighbour Pete Grills has stepped in as the navigator, and along with his partner Del, they have became an integral part of the Jorgensen crew.
As their love of the sport grew, the Jorgensen’s expanded their fleet, acquiring a Class 2 Southern Cross buggy #271. Son, Daniel Jorgensen, stepped into the offroad scene at this moment, alongside his sister Jodie as the navigator.
However, the competitive spirit within the family led to the purchase of another Can Am #615 in January 2022, leading to a friendly rivalry between Daniel, and father Brett in Class 6. To ensure their Class 2 buggy remained active, Pete Grills and his son Adam swarmed at the opportunity to race it, adding another dynamic to the team.
The Jorgensen’s proudest moment came in 2019 when Brett and Christy unexpectedly claimed the GORBA Club Championship trophy after their first year of racing – a moment of pure joy and unexpected triumph for the family. Another highlight for the Jorgensens’ came at last years Moyston race, where Daniel and Jodie #615 claimed a magnificent outright victory – a result that meant so much to all involved.
So far throughout 2023, the Jorgensen family have competed in various races across Victoria, including two local GORBA events. At Avalon in April, Brett and Christy #625 secured a first in class, Pete and Adam Grills #271 claimed third in class, with Daniel and Jodie #615 unfortunately succumbing to mechanical dramas.
Making up for lost time, Daniel and Jodie #615 emerged victorious in Class 6 at Moyston in May, with Brett and Christy #625 finishing in second, alongside the Grills combination #271 who themselves crossed in second to round out a memorable weekend.
Away from the racing, the local Moyston race in May was proudly sponsored by the family business, B & C Excavations Vic, which was a significant moment for the team at their favourite event.
Daniel’s young family has presented challenges in travelling to other races this year, nevertheless Brett and Christy #625 have soldiered on, a dominant Class 6 win on debut at Mumbannar and a spirited second at the Nandaly 300 their latest results to date.
With the wait nearly over for the teams newly acquired Class 4 Trophy Truck to be possibly unleashed at the Pines Enduro in September, the Jorgensen’s are eager to finish their season on a high with further club events at Moyston and Avalon on the schedule.
Team Jorgensen would like to acknowledge the family business B & C Excavations Vic for their continued support, along with their ever-changing race crew, consisting primarily of friends and family, with special recognition given to their neighbours, Pete and Del, who have been there from the beginning.
Based in Morrison, Victoria, the Jorgensen family unanimously agree that relishing a cold beer as a team after a race and loading the cars onto the trailer in one piece, is what offroad racing is all about!
The Jorgensens’ are another perfect example of a family that races together, stays together – and there is no stopping them now.
