Mackay brothers James and Michael Mogford are making waves in the Transportable Shade Sheds SXS Championship, currently sitting in the number one spot with just one race remaining in the season. After finishing second in the 2023 Australian SXS Championship, they are determined to improve their standing at the upcoming Kalgoorlie Desert Race, taking place from October 24 to 27.
James takes the wheel while Michael navigates for the Moggy’s Racing team, which is also third overall in the Australian Offroad Championship. This position is particularly impressive, considering they’re competing against a range of sophisticated vehicles from other classes.
“It’s a huge deal for an SXS to be in third place, especially competing against Australia’s best driving cars,” James said.
The focus for the Mogfords is on their own class in the SXS Championship, even as they eye a potential outright win in the 2024 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC).
“Our concentration is to ensure that we survive the race,” James said.
“We want to put it in a good position and get a podium finish.
James’s journey into SXS racing began with a background in off-road motorbike racing and go-karting. “They said, ‘with age comes a cage!’” he laughed. He decided to enter the sport after purchasing a vehicle and racing for the first time in 2022.
The season is made up of five races, with the Finke Desert Race recognised as the toughest.
“The logistics are challenging—it’s in Alice Springs, and you have to camp down at the finish line and race back the next day,” James explained.
“The biggest challenge with off-road racing is simply surviving the race, given the punishment the car endures.”
He knows the risks firsthand, having broken his collarbone last year due to the forces involved in rolling the car.
As they prepare for the Kalgoorlie Desert Race, James is a mix of excited and cautious.
“If we win this weekend, it means we’re Australian champions. But we want to survive the race too.”
Competing in such a harsh environment poses unique challenges, but the team is well-prepared.
Training involves utilising a test track on their property, where they spend significant time preparing their vehicle. Each race requires around 50 to 60 man-hours for preparation, a task handled by James, Michael, and their pit crew chief, Perry Hunn.
Looking to the future, James mentioned, “We’re hoping to have a new car ready for next season, similar to the one we have now but a newer model.”
Before heading into the final race of the season, James took a moment to thank their sponsors, acknowledging their critical support in pursuing the Australian title. Platinum Sponsors: Transportable Shade Sheds Australia and Infrabuild Steel Centre Mackay – Duragal; Gold Sponsors: Metroll, Barrier Reef Pools, The Apex Group as well as silver and bronze sponsors.
Photo credit: Terry Hill Photography
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