Corona, CA: AUSTRALASIAN RALLY READIES

Corona, CA: Alexander Smith, Pike’s Peak veteran and aspiring rally racer, was among the first American entrants for this year’s Australasian Safari in Western Australia. Billed as the “Australian Dakar” the 26th running of the action-packed competition starts on September 23rd. The Safari is set to run seven straight days with motorcycles, ATVs and 4x4s going head-to-head until the race finishes on the 30th.

Son of the legendary Malcolm Smith, first man to win the Baja 1000, Alexander is a chip off the old block, working in the family motorcycle dealership when not racing events on any Sunday, such as the Tecate Enduro in Mexico or the Catalina Grand Prix. “It is great that someone with Alexander’s proven ability and lineage has decided to come race the Safari with us,” says U.S. Team Manager Justin Maley. “His enthusiasm is contagious and the whole team can benefit from his expertise, not to mention Malcolm’s invaluable input!”

In fact, there has even been some talk of Malcolm racing as well (after all, he is a former Roof Of Africa Rally winner as well as winning the Atlas Rallye in Morocco in an off-road buggy). Malcolm is on a ride in Baja and unavailable to confirm his participation at this point, however Alexander says he is in for sure! “I have heard my Dad’s stories about doing big rallys and I am really looking forward to doing it myself,” he adds with the famous family grin.

The U.S. Navy has also been in discussions about the possibility of sending a team of Navy SEALS to compete in the Safari. “With interest in Team U.S.A.’s participation in the event continuing to grow, there is a possibility that we will able to send three teams,” Maley claims. “An A team lead by Alexander, a B team and a SEAL team would be awesome!”

In addition to Alexander Smith, KLeN Laundry has also confirmed its participation and support of Team U.S.A. They are donating a portion of all sales generated between now and the Safari, using coupon code “USA”, to the team. Check out their website at www.klenlaundry.com for details of their innovative products and commitment to the Australasian Safari effort.

The 2011 Australasian Safari is routed through some of Western Australia’s most remote and unforgiving landscape. “It will be spectacular,” Maley says. “Every moment of the Safari is set to a backdrop of the vast, picture perfect Outback.” To that end, Tourism Western Australia has also ramped up its support of the Safari through its major events division, Eventscorp. Click on www.australiansafari.com.au for more details.”

Australasian Safari Dates: September 23-30, 2011 – Western Australia