Darren Mott, a stalwart in Australian off road racing embarked on a new chapter in 2024 with the acquisition of a Micklefab trophy truck #435; with the proud Victorian primed for another outing at this weekend’s ARB Tyrepower Griffith The Gap 440 at Hillston.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Mott’s journey is a testament to his passion and love for the sport; Mott not only competes, he is the current Sea Lake Club president, and Victorian AORRA representative.
“My family and I just love racing, from the early days I have raced alongside my daughters, and made lifelong memories. Fortunately, we entered the sport in the good old days of the Mallee Rally, so it only felt right for me to give back to our great club,” said Mott.
Mott’s journey began in 2005 with the purchase of an ex-Burrows Trekka from Stuart Crowe at Sea Lake. Despite early challenges, including a memorable flat tyre on debut at Bagshot where his determination shone through borrowing wheels to finish the race, Mott’s always had the sport in his best interests.
In 2014, Mott switched to a Class 1 Chenowth, a move that was met with adversity; a serious crash during his second race in Wynarka resulted in burns to both he and his youngest daughter, leaving them sidelined for some time.
Displaying resilience and courage, a hallmark of his career to date, Mott purchased a Bennett truck in 2015, which quickly became a reliable companion that finished countless races.
“We have supported the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship since its inception, twice finishing third in Class 4 in 2017 and 2018. My proudest moment so far though would be claiming the prestigious 2018 and 2022 SLORC Club Championship.
Since debuting the team’s ex-Mingay Chev powered Micklefab truck in March, Mott has strung together a solid run of results. Second in class at the ARB Big Desert 480, was followed by a victory at Darren’s Day Out, before finishing second and first in the team’s Bennett truck at Moyston and Mumbannar respectively.
Now, with all eyes on this weekend’s The Gap 440 at Hillston, Round 2 of the 2024 ARB Australian Championship, Mott and navigator Daniel Floyd are returning to the Micklefab truck hoping to make an impact.
“Our aim is always to have fun, but hopefully we have a clean run at Hillston, and bank some good points towards the Class 4 ARB Championship where we currently sit in second place at the moment. It’s definitely a challenging event, so we will play it lap by lap.
Mott would like to acknowledge his wife Sandra and family, the entire Mott Racing crew, along with the team’s sponsors including Fury Automotive Swan Hill, Monk Fabrication, Darsan Farms, Force Fabrication, Racer Imports, Mickey Thompson Tyres, and his 2024 major sponsor Chris from Camels Lake Tyrell Fishing Charters for committing to his 2024 Australian Off Road Racing campaign.
Post Hillston, Mott plans to enter the Rainbow Rises 240, and the Pines Enduro in Millicent, with the possibility of a return to the Don River Dash in early September also on the radar.
The 2024 ARB Tyrepower Griffith The Gap 440 takes place in Hillston, New South Wales this weekend, the 5th-7th of July.
By TC Media
Pics courtesy of Show ‘n’ Go Photography
