The annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.
It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.
Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.
In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat.
His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the 2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.
“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.
“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.
“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”
The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone.
And everyone gets involves.
“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.
“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”
Engines tested, and expectations exceeded, the 2023 Queensland Mud Trials was a massive success. Photos by Nell
