Pinaroo based Dan Schiller and son Angus #1028 are gearing up for this weekends Waikerie Hotel Motel Riverland Enduro, the proud South Australian is hunting his first race finish of 2024, after suffering drive issues at both Sea Lake events to date.
Schiller’s racing career began in 1994 with a Class 2 Mallee Master, since then there has been a share of highs and lows, including memorable wins and setbacks. Nowadays, Schiller and son Angus are loving their time together on track, a bond that carries across generations.
“I first raced at Alawoona in 1994, unfortunately we didn’t finish that event with a broken VW Beetle Box. After more then ten years away, I returned to the sport in the mid 2000s where we campaigned the Mallee Master, and an old Cobra, whilst I also navigated for Simon Peters in a Class 7 Pajero – we had loads of fun,” expressed Schiller.
Schiller purchased his current Southern Cross Mark 5 off Roger Cox in 2013, marking a pivotal shift in his career. After a decade of running in Class 2 with a SR16 and a Renault box, Schiller made the leap to Class 10 during the offseason, and is now powered by a Honda K24 engine.
“We have been so fortunate with our Southern Cross, I must acknowledge Roger Cox for his incredible setup of the car, it was superb. We have had a few drive issues at both Darren’s Day Out and Nandaly this season, but we are confident they are behind us, and look forward to a clean run.
Reminiscing about his past, Schiller recalls finishing first in Class 2 among 29 crews with good friend Synon Peers at the 2014 Sea Lake Mallee Rally, and rolling his buggy during a Waikerie prologue, landing on the wheels and finishing strongly as two standout memories.
Schiller would like to extend a massive thankyou to his son Angus, who is not only an integral part of the team as navigator and a burgeoning talent in his own right, he is also Schiller’s motivation, and driving force behind car prep for each race.
“Angus’s dedication, my wife Lelle for her behind the scenes support, our major sponsor Jandora Farming, and the ever helpful Jing Jenzen have all been instrumental, their support fuels my drive for success.
“We are both very keen to test our mettle again on the new Waikerie track in perfect conditions after its recent enhancements, and for us it’s always about having fun and enjoying every moment.
The 2024 Waikerie Hotel Motel Riverland Enduro is held in South Australia this weekend, over the 12th-14th of July.
By TC Media
Pics courtesy of Ratchet Off Road Racing Photography, Show N Go Photography and Bob Taylor.
