Photo Credit: Millie’s Media
August is shaping up to be one of the biggest months on the off road racing calendar, with action taking place across Australia every weekend. Whether you’re chasing championship points, tackling a new track, or planning a day out with family and friends, there’s an event for everyone. Here’s your guide to everything happening this August.
REM David Larter Memorial Day-Night Enduro – August 1 st
🏆 Round 5 Southern States Off Road Club Challenge
👤 Hosted by the Millicent Sand Buggy Club
📍226 Lake George Road, Beachport South Australia
Kicking off the month of August is one of the most unique events on the calendar – the Robe Earth Movers David Larter Memorial Day-Night Enduro, hosted by the Millicent Sand Buggy Club in the coastal town of Beachport, South Australia.
As Round 5 of the Southern States Off Road Club Challenge, competitors will be chasing valuable championship points. The event covers approximately 160 kilometres, with crews completing two 10-lap heats.
The action begins at 1:30pm, before the event takes on a whole new challenge when Section 2 gets underway at 5:30pm, with competitors racing into the darkness. The day-to-night format provides a spectacular experience for both competitors and spectators, with strategy, endurance and visibility all playing a key role in the final result.
For those making a weekend of it, toilets and showers are available on-site, with Saturday night camping offered for $10 per family. A communal BBQ is available for competitors and supporters, however attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks and fuel, as there will be no catering available at the venue.
Whether you’re chasing championship points or keen to witness the excitement of off road racing under lights, the REM David Larter Memorial Day-Night Enduro is a fantastic way to kick off an action-packed month of racing.
St Helen’s Winter Screamer – 1 st August
🏆 Round 4 of North West Off Road 2026 Tasmanian Off Road Championship
👤 Hosted by the Tasmanian Off Road Car Club Inc
📍Peron Dunes, St Helens
If you’re looking for one of the most unique off road racing events on the calendar, a trip to Tasmania’s picturesque East Coast is well worth it.
Hosted by the Tasmanian Off Road Car Club (TORCC), the club has a rich history dating back to 1971, with the first race held at Peron Dunes in 1973. More than 50 years later, the event continues to offer a style of racing unlike anywhere else in Australia.
The 5-kilometre circuit winds its way through the stunning sand dunes before competitors charge down the beach straight, creating a spectacular backdrop for both racing and spectators.
The event also forms part of the 2026 North West Off Road 4×4 Accessories State Championship, with valuable championship points up for grabs. While a smaller field is currently entered, the unique location and challenging terrain are sure to deliver plenty of exciting racing.
Action gets underway from 10:00am, with competitors tackling four heats throughout the day. Spectators are welcome with free entry, and the club kiosk will be serving food and drinks trackside, making it an easy and enjoyable day out for the whole family.
Following the day’s racing, competitors, officials, volunteers and supporters are invited to celebrate the event at the Presentation Dinner, with awards scheduled to be presented from 6:00pm on Saturday evening.
GUNDY 500 – 7 th – 9 th August
🏆 Round 3 of ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship
🏆 Round 7 of the ARB Mickey Thompson Tires AORRA Queensland Off Road Racing Championship
👤 Hosted by the Goondiwindi Motorsport Association
📍Private property approximately 30 km east of Goondiwindi, Queensland
One of the biggest events on the Australian off road racing calendar returns this August, with the ARB Goondiwindi 500 set to attract some of the country’s best competitors for an action-packed weekend of endurance racing.
Hosted by the Goondiwindi Motorsport Association, the event serves as Round 3 of the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship and Round 7 of the ARB Mickey Thompson Tires AORRA Queensland Off Road Racing Championship, making it a must-attend event for competitors chasing national and state championship success.
Held on private property approximately 30 kilometres east of Goondiwindi, the event is designed to test both driver skill and vehicle reliability across a demanding mix of terrain. Competitors will first tackle a 14-kilometre prologue before taking on the famous 85-kilometre course. National Championship crews will complete an incredible 500 kilometres across six laps, while Queensland Championship competitors will race 340 kilometres over four laps.
The weekend begins on Friday before the racing gets underway across Saturday and Sunday, with spectators able to witness some of Australia’s fastest off road race cars pushed to their limits over one of the country’s premier endurance events.
Full canteen facilities will be available at the Goondiwindi Showgrounds on Friday evening, before moving to the event headquarters on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring competitors, crews and spectators are well catered for throughout the weekend.
With championship battles intensifying, Australia’s best drivers on the entry list, and hundreds of kilometres of endurance racing ahead, the ARB Goondiwindi 500 is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the 2026 season. Whether you’re competing, supporting a team, or making the trip to spectate, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Entries close 4th August.
Janice Woods Moyston Race Day – 15 th August
👤 Hosted by Geelong Off Road Buggy Association
📍Geelong Off Road Moyston Circuit, Greenacres Rd Moyston.
Set amongst the spectacular bushland surrounding Moyston, just outside Ararat, the Janice Woods Moyston Race Day is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend of racing for competitors and spectators alike.
Adding an extra challenge this year, competitors will tackle the circuit in the reverse direction, offering a fresh test for returning drivers and making for exciting racing throughout the day. With more than 20 entries already locked in and several weeks still to go, the field is continuing to build.
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with scrutineering at the track, giving spectators the chance to get up close to the race cars, meet the teams, and see the preparations before racing begins.
On Saturday, racing gets underway from 9:00am, with competitors taking on the unique Moyston circuit in what promises to be a competitive day of off road action. Spectators can enjoy free entry to the track, making it an ideal day out for all motorsport fans and families.
Camping is available at the track from Friday night, and once the racing wraps up on Saturday, everyone is invited to relax around the bonfire and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that GORBA events are known for.
Keep an eye on the GORBA Facebook page in the lead-up to the event, with exciting cash and prize giveaways to be announced throughout the weekend. Whether you’re racing, camping, or simply coming along to watch, this is another August event worth adding to your calendar.
Entries close 14th August.
The Springs 240 – 22 nd August
👤 Hosted by Griffith Off Road Club
📍 Private Property Melbergen, The Springs Road, 29km West of Rankin’s Springs
The Springs 240 returns for its second year, with the Griffith Offroad Club once again welcoming competitors and spectators to the unique countryside surrounding Rankins Springs.
Located on “Melbergen”, approximately 22 kilometres from Rankins Springs, the track has an interesting history, originally built as a test loop for the Melbergen Racing team of Dale and Rhett Standen. Today, it provides competitors with a challenging course that continues to grow in popularity.
Last year’s inaugural event saw local pairing Bowie Graham and navigator Maddie Graham claim victory, and with another strong field expected, competitors will be looking to write their own name into the event’s history.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with scrutineering at the iconic Conapaira Hotel, offering a great opportunity for spectators to meet the teams and see the race cars before they head to the track. Competitors will camp nearby at the local football oval, while the hotel will be serving food and refreshments throughout the evening.
All racing takes place on Saturday, with easy access to the venue via a fully sealed road. Spectators are welcome with free entry, while a canteen and coffee van will be on-site to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.
Whether you’re competing for the win or looking for a relaxed day of off road racing, the Springs 240 is another great addition to an action-packed August calendar.
Entries close Thursday 20th August.
Rainbow Rises 240 – Friday 28 th – Sunday 30 th August
👤 Hosted by VORRA – Victorian Off Road Racing Association
📍Rainbow Rises Event Complex, Rainbow Victoria
Returning for its eighth year, this popular event also plays a major role in the 2026 season as Round 5 of the VORRA Club Championship and Round 6 of the Southern States Off Road Challenge. With valuable championship points on offer, competitors will be looking to make every lap count.
The weekend begins on Friday at the Rainbow Recreation Reserve with vehicle scrutiny, giving spectators the opportunity to get up close to the race cars before they hit the track. Meet the competitors, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before the racing begins.
On Saturday, the action moves to the Rainbow Rises Events Complex, where competitors will tackle the prologue to determine the starting order before taking on three heats of nine laps each.
The competition continues on Sunday with the final two nine-lap sections, where consistency, reliability, and speed will decide who stands on the top step of the podium.
With live commentary throughout the weekend, great food available on-site, and entry by a gold coin donation, the Rainbow Rises 240 offers an affordable weekend of off road racing for competitors, fans, and families alike.
Whether you’re chasing championship points or looking for a great day out, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Quality Metal Solutions, Goldacres, Warragul Machining, Ballarat Polaris, DirtGPS, PMD Race Products and Cam Aitken
Photo Credit: Millie’s Media
With so much action packed into one month, there’s never been a better time to be part of Australian off road racing. Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the spectator area, every event promises incredible competition, unforgettable moments, and a welcoming community.
Don’t be the one hearing about it afterwards – be there to experience it. We’ll see you trackside this August!
Amelia Chasemore
AORRA Publicity Officer
