Competing in the Australasian Safari as a warm up event for the 2011 Dakar Rally, Swedish rider Annie Seel is crossing her fingers for a top 10 finish in Western Australia.
"The event is fast, well organised and I'm hoping this year to get a Top 10 finish. If I have phenomenal luck, then maybe a Top 5."
Seel will once again ride for the Husaberg team and says she was impressed at the level of competition in 2009. What she wasn't so impressed with was the dust...
"I was pleasantly surprised last year with how competitive the race was, there were many good riders!" added the Swedish rider.
Some of her competitors will include the top off-road racer from Brazil, Ze Helio, while Jacob Smith and Todd Smith who finished first and second last year will also be strong contendors.
At the time of writing, organisers of the Australasian Safari said they are expect around 100 competitors across the three categories – Auto, Moto and Quad bikes. Entries close on Friday August 13 for interested parties.
The event covers some 3600km of off-road racing, beginning at Hillarys Boat Harbour on September 17 and running for eight days. The race finishes on September 25 in Esperance on the southern coast of Western Australia.
For more details on the Australasian Safari, check out Australasiansafari.com.au. The race can also be followed the on Twitter - @AustSafari or on Facebook.