The Queensland town of Charters Towers will be home to Australia’s best off-road competitors this weekend when the Markwell Group Gold City 450 returns for its second year on the Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) calendar.

Moving from series-opener to the fourth round in 2024, the 450-kilometre Queensland challenge could prove pivotal in the championship standings ahead of the final round in Kalgoorlie.

Competitors will return to the Millchester Motorsport Facility this year, the varied course located an hour and a half outside of Townsville in Charters Towers.

Drivers will face a redefined track layout offering a unique backdrop for the AORC, promising an exciting mix of high-speed sections and technical segments designed to challenge this year’s entrants.

With a view to improve the course, 15km of additional track has been added for this year’s event – increasing the total length of a lap to 55km.

In addition to the extended track length, organisers have opted for the widening and removal of last year’s tightest corners as well as completed upgrades to service roads around the course.

The event’s 450 competitive kilometres will comprise of a 10km Transportable Shade Sheds Prologue, two sections of 165km each and one 110km section – the sections representing three and two laps of the course respectively.

Headlining the entry list for the weekend’s proceedings are current AORC title leaders Beau Robinson and Shane Hutt, eager to chase down their first championship crown with a strong showing in Charters Towers.

Mel Brandle will also make his way to Queensland in hopes of chasing down the 312-point deficit from Robinson.

“It’s fantastic to see this event back on the calendar for its second year, we can’t wait to get this one started,” said Adrian Coppin, Motorsport Australia Manager Motorsport & Events.

“We’re getting to the pointy end of the championship, so Gold City could very well shape the final podium in 2024.

“We can’t wait to get the event started and welcome competitors and spectators to Charters Towers.”

The 2024 Markwell Group Gold City 450 takes place on 30 August – 2 September at Charters Towers, Queensland.