After a successful running of the Can-Am Loveday 400 in 2020, event organisers are already hard at work to make sure the event gets even better for this year’s edition.
As one of just two BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) rounds to run last year, the South Australian event proved a massive hit to both competitors and fans around the country watching via the live stream.
Running as the Motorsport Australia Off Road Central East Cup, the enduro saw predominantly South Australian drivers tackle 400 kilometres across five sets of two 40km laps and Aaron Haby ultimately come out on top.
In 2021, the format is likely to stay the same with event organiser Tony Whateley confident the race would be a hit again after what proved a successful edition last year.
“Competition wise, there isn’t anything very new to be added at this point of time, but we are throwing some new ideas around,” Whateley said.
“We were fortunate enough to run last year, so competitors would have seen what the event could offer. The feedback was brilliant and the people that hadn’t been here before loved the fact that the track was an equaliser and a drivers track.
“We will have a look at both St George and Finke in terms of entries before we make a decision on changing the event. If we get around 100 entries, we will focus solely on trying to put on the race, but if we get less, we will look at some extra activations.”
“As for the race itself, crews will be doing 80kms sections before coming back to the paddock and go over their cars to make any necessary repairs. We want to see as many vehicles as possible finish and the more time they get between laps to service their car, the better it is for them.”
Last year, Loveday was scheduled to be the third round of the new-look AORC calendar before moving to October as a result of COVID-19. In 2021, it is once again locked to be the midway point of what is shaping up as a huge season for the championship.
The event will run in the same format as it did in October, starting with prologue on Saturday morning before crews complete the first two sets on Saturday afternoon and the remaining laps on Sunday.
With the live stream also on the cards in 2021 and showcase the event to more fans around the country, Whateley was optimistic about what this year could do for the championship.
“I really can’t wait for the 2021 season to begin,” Whateley said.
“I personally think this will be the biggest year in the national championship in the history of off road. I think we’re going to see record numbers this year – especially Finke if they can allow it.”
The Can-Am Loveday 400 takes place at Loveday 4x4 Adventure Park in South Australia on 23-25 July.