The inaugural round of the famed South African National and Northern Regions Rally Championship will take place at Fouriesburg, Eastern Free State. The organisers have meticulously designed an exhilarating lineup of stages to commemorate this historic occasion, with the assistance of a dedicated group of farmers. These stages are expected to challenge the abilities of drivers and satisfy the enjoyment of spectators.
Rally Route Revealed: Exploring Fouriesburg’s Hidden treasures
Organisers have adopted a strategic “North and South” approach, using Fouriesburg as the centre point, dividing the competition into two action-packed days. This format ensures that the event remains condensed and that supporters are able to remain in one location rather than travelling great distances to follow the rally.
Friday, 25 April: Southern Stages
Crews will tackle the challenging southern stages, showcasing their skills on the region’s scenic roads.
SS 1&4 – Broadlands – 14.70km
SS 2&5 – Vêr Genoeg – 14.13km
SS 3&6 – Carolina – 11.23km
Saturday, 26 April: Northern Stages
The rally shifts to the northern stages on Saturday morning, offering a fresh set of challenges and breathtaking vistas.
SS 7&10 – Sandvlei – 11.67km
SS 8&11 – De Breede Weg – 12.64km
SS 9&12 – Straight & Narrow – 9.54km
SS 13 – Broadlands Power Stage – 14.70km
Central Service Park – Opposite Die Plaasstoep
Conveniently located opposite Die Plaasstoep in Truter Street, the central service park will serve as the hub for crews to prepare, refuel, and strategise between stages. The official start time for Round 1 of the SA National Rally Championship is about 13:00 on Friday afternoon from the Fouriesburg service park.
Three thrilling stages await the teams, promising a spectacle for teams and fans alike. Stages 1, 4, and 13 of Broadlands (14.70 km) are expected to be popular, with a difficult and scenic route that will test drivers’ abilities. The organisers have unexpectedly selected the Broadlands stage as the Power Stage on Saturday afternoon, where drivers will challenge their limits to secure crucial championship points. Johan Scheepers, better known as Apla, meticulously chose the route through their farm.
SS 2 & 5, Vêr-Genoeg Awaits, in the Besters Valley area, a challenging stage that demands precision, skill, and physical endurance from drivers and co-drivers. Vêr-Genoeg will be a physical challenge, navigating tight twists, up and down downhill roads.
SS 3 & 6, Carolina, an 11.23 km stage on the farm of David Exley, is the shortest stage of the day. Definitely not to be underestimated. After tackling the first three stages, teams will return to the Service Park for a crucial 45-minute service, where they’ll fine-tune their vehicles for the remaining stages.
Checking out of the first service of the day, teams will embark on the same thrilling 3-stage loop, pushing their skills and machines to the limit. Teams’ stamina, machinery, and tactics will be put to the test over the first day’s 80.12 km of thrilling racing action, which includes liaisons, for a total of 135.68 km.
Day 2 – Saturday, 26 April – Leg 2: Northern Adventure Awaits
The Fouriesburg rally resumes on Day 2, starting from the Service Park at 8am sharp. Today, teams will tackle the northern stages, heading in the direction of Bethlehem.
Stage 7 & 10: Sandvlei (11.67km) A thrilling opener for Day 2, this stage promises to deliver with its tricky terrain and scenic route. Spectators can enjoy the action from a designated area under the shade of lush trees. Jan Scheepers, the proprietor of Sandvlei, has carefully picked this spot.
Stage 8 & 11: The De Breede Weg (12.64 km) presents an opportunity for teams to exceed their speed limits and gain valuable time. Brave drivers will have the opportunity to shave off precious seconds on this stage’s straight lines. Al Van Eeden, the stage’s owner and rally veteran, chose the name carefully.
Stage 9 & 12: The Straight & Narrow (9.54 km), the shortest stage of the day, will demand precision and focus. Teams must “walk the straight and narrow” to avoid costly mistakes and stay in contention. The northern stages promise to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the Fouriesburg rally. Will teams rise to the challenge and claim victory?
The rally will feature two 45-minute intervals between the loops, providing a respite for the teams.
The Grand Finale: SS 13 Power Stage
A repeat of SS 1 & 4, this stage will serve as the event closer. The Power Stage will offer the top 5 finishers a chance to earn crucial additional points towards the National Rally Championship. Don’t miss the suspenseful finale – it’s going to be an unforgettable conclusion to the Fouriesburg rally!
The racing total for day two is 84.20 km, which makes the total racing distance for the event 162.52 km.
Fouriesburg Rally Weekend: A Festival of Speed and Community Fun
Fouriesburg Tourism and the entire community have come together to create an unforgettable weekend experience. Rally fans can look forward to a bustling market offering various locally produced goods and cuisine. The event has generated excitement beyond Fouriesburg’s borders, attracting attention from neighbouring towns.
