Desert Racing Tropical Style with Grabbo's GASGAS VIP Experience at DON RIVER DASH
Who wouldn’t want to race in tropical Queensland right?! Now in its 6th year, the Don River Dash held in Bowen, North Queensland is definitely not your usual desert race location. This race offers a unique twist to traditional desert racing, combining the beauty of a tropical setting with the excitement of off-road competition. Racers travel 25 kilometres upstream along the sandy southern bed of Bowen’s Don River, returning along the northern side of the river bed, completing the 50 kilometre loop 3 times each day.
Grabbo’s VIP Race Experience team was a 14-strong field this year, led by legendary Ben ‘Grabbo’ Grabham. Ben finished an impressive P6 outright and claimed P1 in the Veterans Class (35 years - u45 years), while two team members achieved first place in their respective classes. A last-minute VIP Racer, Ben Bertinazzi nearly pipped Grabbo at the line on race day 2, with less than a second between them. Better luck next time Ben!
The track wasn’t without its challenges this year. 'This was the fastest Don River track I have ever experienced. It was very dry and challenging. You really had to be smart with line selection. The track was more like a desert race, while other years’ it has been a mix between motocross and desert conditions. All these desert races are easier and harder than each other in their own unique way. My GASGAS EC500F was amazing and I was more than happy with my result.’ says Ben.
‘We had a lot of guys from Queensland on the team this year, a few from Victoria, and even the Northern Territory. Shows anyone can join, whether you want to test your skills, are a motocross enthusiast or just want to have some racing fun - you can fly in, race on of our bikes and then spend the rest of the week kicking back.’
Grabbo offers what comes second nature for him due to the course of his career, but now anyone can easily experience the same thrills of desert racing, without the hassle of the logistics. You just need to bring your gear and leave the rest to Grabbo and the VIP crew. Get tips, tricks, VIP coaching, bike set-up, so you can have a safe and fun desert race experience.
Check out some of the VIP racers highlights and testimonials:
- Ben Bertinazzi P7, 1st in Expert Class
- Nathan Elliot P10, 2nd in Expert Class
- Beau Dargel P15, 10th in Pro Class
- Brodie Crane P16, 11th in Pro Class
- Greg Jackson P20, 1st in Masters Class
‘Thanks Ben crew for everything this weekend. Glad to have finished but also improve on Saturday’s race and do your coaching and bike set-up.’ Nathan Bennett, VIC
‘Absolutely pumped with my result, the bike was unreal. If I could take it on the plane with me, it’s coming home!’ Nathan Elliott, VIC
‘The bike didn’t miss a beat. Can’t complain getting in top 10 without having a bike at all earlier in the week.’ Ben Bertinazzi, QLD
Want to get on Grabbo's VIP Race Experience team? Get on Grabbo's website and request a VIP Pack.
Upcoming desert races: Kalgoorlie Desert Race, WA 22-24 October, Jamalka 360, SA March 2025,
Finke Desert Race June 2025 (Very limited spots left)