Pilbara quad bikers head to Darwin to compete in the ATV Nationals

A group of elite Pilbara ATV drivers are headed to Darwin to take part in the Quad Bike Racing National Championship. Five juniors and two seniors from Port Hedland, as well as one junior from Karratha from the Pilbara Quad Racers Club, will compete to be crowned Australia’s best quad bike racer on September 9 and 10. The annual national event attracts quad bike racers from across the country and this year team WA has sent 26 athletes to the tournament. Despite the strong Pilbara representation in the group, Pilbara Quad Racers promoter Charli Delaney said it had been a long journey to build the sport of quad bike racing in Port Hedland. “We are part of Port Hedland Motorcycle Club, so it has been predominantly two wheels for many years,” she said. “In 2019 we started a group because we knew there was plenty of us around but didn’t have a full team. “But now we have a full team and are headed to the nationals.” Ms Delaney, whose daughter will also compete in the tournament, said the group was incredibly excited to take part in such a big event. “The kids are absolutely excited and my daughter is pumped,” she said. “They all get out, wash their bikes, and put a lot of effort into this, so they are all jumping out of their skin.” Ms Delaney said some of the group had a great shot at placing highly in the tournament as well. “Jaxon Duscher was just riding his bike behind the Shell Service station and we saw him and told him he should join the Pilbara Quad Racers,” she said. “He will hopefully do really well in the open division because he’s only just turned 18 but he is really good.” The senior racers compete for 10 minutes plus an additional lap and the juniors compete for five laps. The tournament starts with two qualifying races on Saturday and then the finals are held on Sunday. The group will also stay in Darwin to compete in the Northern Territory titles the following weekend.