The Hattah Desert Race will see the Motul Pirelli Sherco Team launch a double 500 campaign with Andy Wilksch and Nathan Trigg. The Team riders will take on the premiere Over 450cc Class with each rider racing a Motul Pirelli Sherco Team 500 SEF Factory model.
Trigg remains a sentimental local favourite despite a recent crash at the Finke Desert Race near Alice Springs. Trigg was forced to withdraw from Finke with severe bruising to his lower back at shoulder. However, the Ouyen farmer is optimistic about his Hattah chances.
“I’m still sore from the crash at Finke but I’m back on the bike and it feels nice to be riding again,” said Trigg. “I had my best-ever Hattah result last year on the Sherco 450 with fifth place outright and this year the new Sherco 500 is such a great bike I want to give it my best. The bike is awesome with tonnes of power but its easy to ride. I’m not 100 percent physically ready but I’m backing myself to give the competition a red-hot run for their money.”
Trigg will be joined on the track by Andy Wilksch who dominated the 251cc and Over Class in 2018. Wilksch is stepping up in Class to join Trigg on a Sherco 500 SEF Factory edition which he claims will be not only suited to his own riding style but also the demanding Hattah race.
“I’m really looking forward to racing the 500 Sherco at Hattah,” stated Wilksch. “Last year was a lot of fun racing the 300cc two-stroke and winning the Class was rewarding for myself and for the Sherco Team. But this year I’m looking to climb the outright results and give myself the best possible chance of a podium place in the big-bore four-stroke class. I’ve been racing the 500 in the Australian Off-Road Championship and South Australian Off-Road Championship this year and it’s going well. The big four-stroke seems to suit my riding style and I’m honestly feeling faster and fitter than ever before. I’m more prepared than I ever have been.”
The Hattah Desert Race commences this Friday, July 5 with a massive carnival atmosphere at the official scrutineering at Quandong Park Recreation Reserve Red Cliffs between 3pm – 7pm. Race qualifying will take place Saturday July 6th at 9.00am at Boonoonar Road Colignan The main race will being at 9.00am Sunday July 7th at Boonoonar Road Colignan.
More information can be found at www.hattahdesertrace.com.au