Last weekend over 230 bikes and 89 cars hit the long dirt track around the Don River to compete in the 2024 Don River Dash.
Congratulations to Kent Battle for winning the car category, and to Liam Walsh for winning the overall event three years in a row, solidifying his title as ‘King of the River’.
Co-event organiser and Burdekin Offroaders president Michael Martson said the weekend went to plan and he is looking forward to next year.
“All the competitors were happy and next year is going to be massive,” said Michael.
“We have competitors’ country wide that couldn’t be with us this year, saying they will be here next year.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Colins said the 2024 Don River Dash was another huge success and the event had grown in leaps and bounds since the inaugural Dash in 2019.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said, “The Don River Dash is the pinnacle of off-road racing in our region and is now recognised as the best off-road race on the East Coast.”
“The event has grown in popularity since the inaugural event in 2019 and this year organisers have forecast 400 open competitor entries and crowds of over 5000 spectators.
“It is exciting that the 2024 event drew crowds of over 5000 spectators to watch the best off-road racing on the East Coast which is a real feather in the cap for the organisers and volunteers of this event and an amazing economic boost for our region over the event’s four days.
“Council’s Economic Development team have run the numbers through the economic benefit calculator and direct impact on the region’s economy is over $7 million.
“I am proud that Whitsunday Regional Council has been a financial supporter since day one and this year supported the event with $20,000 in-kind support to assist the organisers as they continue to expand and grow the event further.
“I am confident that this event will continue to become a hallmark event for our unique part of the world and add another bow to making the Whitsunday a great place to visit.”
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was great to see the Don River Dash growing in popularity each year.
“From what started as a small community event just six years ago, this is now a major driver for tourism in the region with people travelling from all over Australia,” said Leanne.
“Businesses in Bowen and throughout the entire region benefit from the influx of visitors with many checking out other parts of the Whitsundays during their stay.”
Photo credit: Show n Go Photography
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