SIXTEEN tenacious women are all set to go for Australia’s biggest motorcycle race that gears-up this weekend – the 2016 Penrite Hattah Desert Race at Mildura’s Northwest Victorian Motorcycle Club from July 1-3.
18-year-old Breanna Simpson is relishing to take part in her fourth Hattah race. “In 2013, I competed in the juniors in my first year and went into the seniors in 2014,” Breanna, who will be one of sixteen women competing in the Tenacious Women of Hattah class on Sunday, said.
“Hattah is just such a good event. All the people there are fantastic, especially the race itself. I love the ride of course. I love going into the pit-stops and seeing everyone there. I love every single minute of it, even when I’m riding,” she added.
Breanna, of the Diamond Valley Motorcycle Club, recently competed in the 2016 Tatts Finke Desert Race earlier in June where she finished 180th outright and was the fifth fastest woman. “I was just happy to finish that race,” Breanna added.
The Tenacious Women of Hattah class will consist of a gruelling four 38 kilometre laps. “The Women’s class is four laps but I’m going to keep going and try and get an outright position because I thought I may as well ride for as long as I can,” she continued.
The Girls 12 to under 16 class and the Girls 7 to under 12 class will also consist of 17 junior riders.
Motorcycling Victoria’s Committees & Inclusion Manager Peta Thomas said it was fantastic to see so many women and girls give one of the most gruelling and challenging motorcycle races in the country a go this weekend.
“It’ll be incredible to see so many women and girls out there at Hattah this weekend,” Peta said.
“The Northwest Victorian Motorcycle Club has been really supportive since it introduced the Tenacious Women of Hattah class since 2012 and it’s fantastic to see that continue,” she added.
Breanna would like to thank the following supporters: “I’d really like the Simford Race Team as they’ve helped me so much throughout all of this. My parents, my Dad especially, they’ve just been so supportive,” Breanna said.
The Tenacious Women of Hattah class gets underway on Sunday, July 3 at 9.00am. Scrutineering for the 2016 Penrite Hattah Desert Race takes place between 4-8pm on Friday night at Quandong Park Sports Reserve at Red Cliffs.
For further information on the 2016 Hattah Desert Race please visit: www.northwestvicmcc.com.au/hattah.