In what will be the 24th annual Burdekin Enduro off-road racing event, racers and fans alike are in for another weekend full of fast cars, red dust, and roaring engines as Queensland’s toughest drivers take on the rugged terrain of the Ayer Rifle Range on the 24th and 25th of this month.
The weekend, organised by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory—a proportionately large number compared to the eight cars that competed in the inaugural 2001 edition of the event.
Michael Marson, President of the Burdekin Off-Roaders, attributes some of this growth to the inclusivity and increasing exposure of the sport.
“It’s a good sport in that there are different categories and different classes, so you’re not just racing against everyone,” Mr Marson said.
“We try to cater for everyone,” he added.
The event, supported by Rocks Farming Company, has been part of the Queensland Championship for the last eight years, and is set to feature its unique, expertly designed track again this year.
Unlike many off-road circuits that stick to one style of terrain, the track in Ayr has been designed to offer up to six different racing conditions in a single location—a feature that has made it a national standout.
Marson, a longstanding member of the 38-year-old club, has enjoyed a successful career as a racer, competing internationally—namely, in the United States, where he has drawn various elements that have made the Burdekin Off-Roaders one of the most well-equipped clubs in the country.
“The international stuff definitely helps to broaden the race in Ayr,” says Marson.
“Pretty much everything that we race on comes from America.”
Fellow group member Ian Baker added to this, saying: "The growth and advancements that’ve come with those relationships in the United States mean that the club here in the Burdekin is fairly luxurious when compared to some of the other clubs.”
It’s details like these that have slowly made the Enduro a local favourite, drawing hundreds of spectators each year.
“The popularity of the sport has grown a lot, and it’s a good local favourite—people come in and out for a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday for a look,” Marson said. “It’s a real adrenaline rush—even for spectators, it’s visually pretty cool.”
Whether you’re behind the wheel or just there for the spectacle, the Burdekin Enduro has long been one of the region’s most thrilling, welcoming, and community-driven events—and this year promises to be no different.
The event is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory. Photo credit: Show ‘n’ Go Photography
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