Campbell Returns to Offroad Racing

Experienced off-road racer Ron Campbell will be making his return to the sport this weekend at the Mainland Challenge, round 4 of the Asset Finance National Off-road Racing Championship. Campbell hasn't raced since the 2008 series where he won his second consecutive class 2 championship. AFWE class 2 is for production trucks and features all sorts of vehicles, from little Suzuki Escudos to the big Dodge Ram of Anthony Hewitt. Campbell will be running the same Suzuki Escudo that took made him the first and only South Islander to win back-to-back Pro Truck titles.
Campbell’s toughest competition will come from fellow Suzuki driver Steven Boyd. Boyd will also be racing an Escudo and has consistently punched above his weight and beaten vehicles with plenty more horsepower. The Isuzu brothers, Tod Johnson and Ian Simcox will be close on their heals. Johnson pedals a Diesel Isuzu Mu, while Simcox has the much heavier Isuzu Bighorn. Both these drivers have proven them selves to be very competitive; Johnson even took second in the championship last season.
Despite not having championship points to worry about, Campbell has claimed he will be taking it easy and is just out to have fun. But like all race drivers, once the helmet comes down any plans of taking it easy that he might have had will be gone. The only question will be how much difference the time out of the sport will have made to his performance.
The Mainland Challenge is held at The Rock FM Off-road Raceway, Weedons Ross Rd, West Melton. Racing starts at 11.30am and entry is only $10 with under 12s free.