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Cash Prizes for Outback Stage Winners

The 2008 ARB Warn Outback Challenge is not only the 10th anniversary of the event, it is also the first year that cash rewards will be given for special stage winners.

Lengthy discussions with competitors and others involved in the sport has highlighted that this is the trend in this motorsport. Rather than just award cash to the overall winners, by spreading it through to all stage winners, second and third placegetters there is a greater chance of participants being part of the prize pool. Obviously if you win heaps of stages, you will not only be in the top 10 overall but bring home a cash prize kitty as well.

Special Stages are still in the planning but there should be 26 in total.

1st place $200
2nd place $150
3rd place $100

That's a total of cash prizes equalling $11,700

Add to this the discount voucher for the top 3 overall at $1500 each = $4500. Plus prizes for top 10 overall of value in excess of $10,000.

Prize pool in excess of $26,000 - that's more than $1000 per stage.

Looking at past results of the event it's likely that the top placegetters will tally up a good cash prize pool on top of the prizes they will take away.

It's not guaranteed but the overall winner and second place could come away with more than $2000, third and fourth overall could get $1000 or more plus prizes. It's possible that the other overall competitors in the top 10 will receive more than $500 plus prizes.

The great thing about special stage prizes is that you only have to come in the top 3 of any of the 26 stages and you get not only your medallions but a cash prize.

Don't forget the plaques too. When you enter either the ARB Warn Outback 4x4 Challenge or the Alpine 4x4 Challenge you will get a plaque to put on your wall and a DVD of the event. You don't have to be a competitor to get this, marshals get a plaque every year too.

But the prize everyone wants is the awesome first place trophy which is considered the ultimate 4x4 Competitors aim worldwide.

Rule Change for 2008 Event

With teams competing from all over the world and tighter safety regulations by the CCDA in force, vehicle classification has been address for future Challenge events.

Following on from feedback from the 2008 event, a change has been made to the vehicle classification of the event’s supplementary rules which covers a situation where an overseas team which has not previously held a logbook or been part of an Australian scrutineering process can partake in the event after scrutineering if there are non safety vehicle issues.

We anticipate that given the situation where a vehicle is not complying to regulations, the participants will, with help from the organisers and others at the event, get their vehicle to a compliant state and compete fully. It is a step forward for both Australian and overseas teams.

It must also be noted that in 2008 window nets are compulsory.

The rules can be found on this website but the relevant rule can be found below.

8.1. VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION

Vehicles defined in the Vehicle Regulations as Trophy and Challenge Class are eligible to compete.

Trophies will be awarded for Overall position and Trophy Class. A review will be made each year on the two classes and their representation in the event to ensure appropriate prizes and trophies are awarded.

Subject to this eligibility the Event is open to all four wheel drive vehicle types, providing the vehicle is currently sold, or has been previously sold to the general public by the manufacturer. Prototype vehicles are not allowed. Compensation may be made for international vehicles and their eligibility at the discretion of the Event Director.

Participants must apply in writing to the Competition Manager prior to the Event for consideration of eligibility if their vehicle does not comply with the Trophy or Challenge Class. The Competition Manager may allow a non-conforming vehicle to compete if, in his sole discretion, the vehicle has no unfair advantage over other participants on account of its non-compliance.

If in the event an international team’s vehicle is deemed non compliant by the scrutineer and the team is unwilling to undertake modifications to comply, the Competition Manager and scrutineer may allow the vehicle, if it deemed to be safe, to participate in the event. However the vehicle and it’s crew will not be eligible for stage placings, overall placings or prizes. The vehicle will still be timed on the special stages and performance records kept for the teams information, but the score will be recorded as zero to reflect the non-compliance.

It is the sole responsibility of the Crew to ensure that their vehicle, as modified, complies with Vehicle Registration requirements for use on public roads.