The Robe Earthmovers David Larter Day Night Enduro attracted a great field off for the recent off-road race at Buggy Park by the Millicent Sand Buggy Club.
A total of 22 drivers tackled the 20km track, which included sandhills and winding tracks of the park in beautiful weather conditions.
But from the outset it was apparent the event was not going to be smooth sailing for some, as Cory Haworth’s vehicle was towed through the last part of the reconnaissance lap after encountering electrical issues, while Jake Douglass also peeled off to the pit area with a leak- ing exhaust.
Fortunately, both drivers rectified their problems, which ensured a full field greeted the starter’s green flag.
There was plenty of traffic and overtaking for some while the field sorted itself out in the opening stages of the four-lap heat.
Aaron Haby relished the conditions in his twin turbo buggy during the day, gliding across the sand and after starting from the second row.
He took control at the front to earn a big lead in the hour-long heat, while Andy Murdock was never too far behind in his V8.
Toby Wateley was spectacular in the trophy truck as he thundered up the side of the dunes on his way to third position heading into the break.
With the opportunity to check over vehicles and make repairs as necessary all-but two of the entrants were able to start the second heat with Matthew Salt and Dean Carter the casualties.
As the sun started to set and headlights ablaze, the battle returned to the dunes to see if anyone could catch Haby.
Wateley was on a mission, but Haby was in a class of his own at the front of the field and greeted the chequered flag to take outright and class honours.
Murdock maintained his speed during the night and used his local knowledge to secure the outright runner-up trophy over Wateley, who endured a misfire in the latter stages.
Adam Briel battled hard to fourth, while Rodyn Bailey had a consistent run in the Can Am in fifth and
local Dean Russ finished ahead of Chris Johnson to take sixth place.
