Leg Three at the Australasian Safari was heaven and hell for Australasian Safari competitors, with the first stage being easy to navigate, and the second stage being an extreme navigational challenge.

The first stage was a fast 237 kilometres of sandy disused mill runs. The second stage was 165kms of, what many competitors described as, one of the toughest navigational stages they’ve ever experienced. If the navigational challenge wasn’t enough, the local wildlife on the track also made life difficult for competitors.

Auto

Steve Riley retained top outright auto position, and were fastest in Stage One. “First stage had great smooth tracks. Really high throttle stuff. We actually got a chance to use all the power of the thing!” said Riley.

“We came across a big mob of camels sleeping in the middle of the track. They ended up running down the middle of the track alongside us. We also came across a dingo drinking at a windmill. Don’t get many motorsport competitions where you can say you see things like this.”

“We’ve been pushing really hard. We’re running out of tyres, we’re running out of parts and we’re probably running out of luck … well, I hope not.

“I’ve won this event three times previously and I know better than to speculate on a win at this point. Winning this event is like winning the lottery.”

John Purshouse recovered well from yesterday’s differential problems of their Ford Ranger, and managed to clinch a stage win. Problems still remain with their clutch. “We worked until 2:30am this morning, rebuilding the differential. We ran all day without a clutch though. I think it’s an achievement to do 400 kilometres without a clutch,” said Purshouse.

“There were very big rocks on Stage Two, and sometimes it felt like we were skating. We went off track a few times, and are very lucky not to have damaged the car.

“We’re really happy with today, and hope the good days keep coming. We’re in a good position and have a steady pace. Hopefully there’s a new clutch waiting for us in Exmouth tomorrow.”

Greg Scanlon had another consistent day in their Nissan Patrol, still holding onto second outright.

Strong podium contenders, Bruce Garland and Harry Suzuki, had troubles when their Isuzu D-Max came to a halt on the track. They were unable to get the vehicle going, but are hoping tonight’s diagnostic check of the vehicle will reveal the issue.

SxS

It was a good day for Garry Connell who took both stage wins, and reduced the lead that Simon Clifford (AUS) has to just half an hour.

“It became apparent on the first day that we had a problem with the vehicle, and it affected us seriously yesterday. We only figured out what was draining our battery power yesterday afternoon and fixed it,” said Connell.

“I think we’ve made up quite a bit of time today. Our strategy is now to just keep being consistent.”

Moto

Rodney Faggotter is still leading the moto competition and didn’t experience the navigational errors the rest of the riders had.

“The first stage was basic, wide, fast and open. It was good fun,” said Faggotter.

“The second stage was very tricky navigation wise, and the hardest stage so far. The ground was very rocky so there were no tracks. The only time I had trouble was at a windmill which had a lot of cattle around it. They had chopped up the track.

“I’m just riding and having fun. Still got Quinn Cody chasing me. I just need to make sure he doesn’t get a stage win.”

Ian Blythe (USA) has extended his lead of the Dakar Challenge to just over two hours, and has moved up to fourth spot in the overall rankings. “It’s my first rally, so I’m really just trying to not do anything stupid. The terrain isn’t bothering me. I’m trying to not get into race mode. I want to keep a safe pace,” said Blythe.

“I really wanted to beat Quinn on a stage today. There’s two chairs at the end of each stage, it’s always Rodney and Quinn that get them, and I just miss out. I wanted that chair today!”

Quad

Heath Young remains in top position in the quad category, extending his lead over John Maragozidis. “John left a couple of minutes ahead of me today, so my challenge was to catch up to him. At the 150 kilometre mark he was pulled up with a couple of flat tyres. I think that put him out of contention, and extended my lead. This year my goal was to have a bigger time gap between John and I than last year,” said Maragozidis.

“Navigationally, what the route missed in the first stage, it certainly made up for in the second stage!”

The event moves to Exmouth tomorrow where competitors will race through some breath taking countryside which includes gorges, picturesque mill crossings and sandy creek beds.

VIDEO: Leg 3 wrap