South Australian Polaris Outlaw ATV enthusiast John Maragozidis has won the inaugural Australasian Safari ATV rally.

After more than 4000 kilometers and 7 torturous days, Maragozidis crossed the line in 31hr 42m, almost 2 hours ahead of his next rival. 

With over 2500km of competitive stages on some of WA’s most punishing desert terrain, the Safari covers both private and public trails through remote areas such as Kalgoorlie, Sandstone, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Geraldton, before finishing in Perth.

The Australasian Safari is a rally style event where competitors race at set intervals and compete against the clock. Cars, Motorbikes and ATVs all complete the same competitive sections.

The introduction of the quad class this year has added another dimension to the 21 year history of one of world motorsport’s most grueling events.

Maragozids said “the Outlaw 525 IRS handled the terrain brilliantly. I wouldn’t attempt this race on a quad without an independent rear end.”

“When you’re belting across rocky terrain and bull dust at 100kmph, traction and handling are everything. The stock-standard suspension on the Outlaw just ate it up.”

Maragozidis was also full of praise for his loyal team and Adelaide Polaris Dealer, Scootaround, for their support over several years.

This Australasian Safari is the latest highlight in a stellar year for Polaris racers globally. Other 2008 trophies for Polaris include the Dakar Series Central Europe Rally, with 6 of the top 11 finishers riding Outlaws. Back in Polaris’ USA homeland, Polaris ATVs and Side by Sides are have secured countless podiums in a myriad of racing classes across North America, most notably the new Polaris Ranger RZR winning the recent Baja 500.

Back in Australia, Polaris Racing is having a stellar 2008, winning the Australian ATV Tri State Series, the Queensland ATV MX Championship, and a solid lead in the ongoing Victorian ATV MX Series.

For more information visit www.polarisindustries.com.au or Toll Free 1300 654 142

About Polaris
With annual 2007 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, one of the largest manufacturers of all terrain recreational, utility and side-by-side vehicles (ATVs) in the world, and rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser and touring marketplace under the Victory® brand. The Victory motorcycle division was established in 1998 representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years.