Christine Webster, Murray Pioneer

The ARB Waikerie Hotel Riverland Enduro attracted 61 entrants from across Australia on Saturday and Sunday.

Waikerie Riverland Off-road Association president James Lochert said the event at New Well Station, south of Waikerie, was becoming popular on the national racing circuit.

“Everyone said it was a great event and well run,” he said.

“The only thing we could have improved upon was more rain in the lead up to the race, but that is outside of our control as event organisers.”

Mr Lochert said weather conditions were ideal on Saturday with the July sunshine.

“Sunday was more breezy and dusty for spectators, but the breeze was good for the competitors as it blows the dust away,” he said.

Mr Lochert thanked Waikerie Hotel Motel and Sutton Ford Waikerie for their support of the event and all the local businesses that also provided support.

Winner of the Riverland Enduro was Toddy Lehmann from Robe who achieved his first win of the event.

Runner-up was Greg Gartner from Naracoorte and in third place was Aaron Haby from Nildottie, south of Swan Reach.

The scrutineering for the enduro was held at the Waikerie Football oval, on Friday, and the vehicles were also on display to the public.

Loxton Waikerie Mayor Trevor Norton officially opened the event and also judged a children’s colouring in competition, where entrants had to colour in some off-road buggies.

Mr Norton congratulated Mr Lochert, the WRORA and volunteers on the work the members had carried out in preparing the New Well track for the event.

“It is a fantastic job, their resilience after Covid-19 to come back and build the track and after this year, all they have to do is maintain it.”

Mr Lochert thanked Mr Norton and the District Council of Loxton Waikerie for assisting them in developing the racing track and providing funding to ensure the septic system was working for the toilets at the site.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 16 July 2025.