Penrite Hattah Desert Race (05-07-2024 - 07-07-2024)

In 1997 at a North West Victorian Motorcycle Club General Meeting it was raised that the club should start something big for Enduro’s. “Let’s bring back Hattah” was the consensus. Since the early 70’s the BP Desert Race was racing off-road bikes, buggies and cars, until 1979 when the conservationists got their way and the race was disbanded for destroying the natural habitat. Club members wanted their Desert Race back. A lack of land, the biggest barrier. A volunteer committee formed including Des and Colin Woodberry to organise a Hattah Desert Enduro. Lenny Crowen owned land which he made available to utilise. Due to the unknown risk as to the amount of entries, the format of a Pony Express was run with one day licences. Finally in 1998, the Hattah Desert Enduro was back! The volunteer team prepared the land, marking the track, pits, spectator areas, under the watchful eyes of Des, Colin, John Budd and Ken Reed. President Ray Tegart and wife Marg were heavily involved in the organisational side of club events and Marg became Race Secretary in 1998, ultimately also becoming Event Coordinator, holding these roles for 14 years. In 2007, Ray Tegart took over from Les Gates as Steward, Geoff Gunn took over from Les Banbury as Clerk of Course, and Ray and Geoff worked together on Hattah for ten years, with Geoff still in his role today. In 1998 The Hattah Desert Enduro saw 70 riders take part with Craig Rutherford securing the honours. Scrutineering and prologue were held at Jamberoo Park, the North West Victorian Club complex, on the Saturday morning. Riders then headed to the track where they camped with food and live music on offer until well into the night. The Enduro then raced on Sunday with Iron Man classes and Pony Express. The initial two years were club based races, however organisers wanted the Enduro to become an Open Event and expand the field. This would require riders to hold a national licence, so after negotiations with club riders the race became