Winter Storm creates “Muddy” challenge for Ultra4
Wow! What a weekend Black Duck Valley 4x4 had for us. The Ultra4 Australia racing season is now in full swing as The Locker Valley played host to the much-anticipated QIC Stampede – Round 2.
From July 25th to 26th, the off-roading die-hard’s gathered for a weekend packed with adrenaline, rugged terrain, and fierce competition.
Nestled in the hills of East Haldon, Gatton, Queensland, BDV provided the perfect backdrop for this high-octane stampede event. With its back and forth tracks, wombat climbs, unpredictable switch backs and those flowing moto cross tracks, the park tested the endurance and skill of every driver.
Spectators were treated to surges of racing battles, an increase of racing rigs from round 1, with cars being released in groups of 5 at a time. Showcasing the power and durability of all the rigs at Ultra4 the racing was on for young and old.
Race 1 was quick to show that even the most reliable of cars can come unstuck on the unforgiving terrain but it was the All Metal Magic Team 1162 who would take the Unlimited Class win completing 6 laps. Team 1909 M & R Auto Care Motorsports would win Limited Class completing 6 laps and Team 4512 For512 Racing took Mod Class victory also completing 6 laps. In a mammoth effort, JKS Racing Team 642 took UTV Class victory completing a mighty 7 laps in a time of 1:53:58.
The event suffered from a massive storm right before race 2 was due to kick off, with a quick game plan change, and the help of several marshals, a short 1.5km track affectionately named “Mudfest’ was formed, thus allowing the weekend to continue in a safe but sideways manner.
The new challenges presented by ‘Mudfest’ led to drastically different results. Team 118 Torque It Up Motorsports won Unlimited Class completing three laps in a little over 15 minutes with Race 1 winners Team 1162 falling to third. Limited Class saw Team 1909 M&R Autocare retain the lead with another win. Mod Class would be won by Built By Eye Team 265 while the previous race winners fell to 7th. Finally, the UTV class saw the DRK – Dad & Kids Racing Team 444 take the win.
A huge congratulations to all the class winners who showcased incredible skill and determination throughout the event. Your performances set the bar high for the rest of the season!
These events are not possible without the generous support of the Ultra4 sponsors, their commitment to the off-road community keeps this sport thriving, and we extend our deepest gratitude to them for making Round 2 a huge success.
It's not just about the racing, however, the event hosts a strong community as one big racing family. Fans along with the teams camped out under the stars, sharing stories fixing broken rigs and celebrating the sport. Attendees embraced the full experience, making it a weekend to remember.
With Round 1 and 2 in the bank, we look to Round 3 as excitement is already building for the next Ultra4 Australia event. See you on October 10-12, 2025, for more action!
Images: Tim Williams
