TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is gearing up for the penultimate round of the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), the Phakisa 400, scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 September at the Phakisa Raceway outside Welkom in the Free State. As the championship heads into its final stages, TGRSA’s crews are poised to extend their lead and reinforce their positions in the standings, driving the race-proven Toyota Hilux IMT EVO vehicles.
TGRSA’s Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings continue to lead the championship standings with a commanding total of 128 points, thanks to three victories this season, including a win at the recent INGCO Vaal 400. They will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure another victory in Welkom, a route that brings back mixed memories as they rolled their vehicle here last year, sidelining Lategan from the title battle due to a shoulder injury.
Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy, fresh off their first win of the season at the INGCO Parys 400, are currently in second place in the standings with 104 points. They have been in stellar form, showcasing the tenacity required to challenge for the top spots, and will be aiming to build on their recent success to close the gap to their leading teammates.
Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk are third in the standings with 87 points. After experiencing some ups and downs, they are determined to fight for another podium finish in the penultimate round. The pair’s consistency and experience have kept them in the championship hunt, and they will be aiming for a strong performance at Phakisa.
The young duo of Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet have shown remarkable improvement, climbing from 17th to seventh in the standings with 38 points after consistent top-five finishes in Parys. At just 19 years old, Variawa and his French navigator are proving to be formidable competitors, and they are eager to continue their upward trajectory with another strong showing at the Phakisa 400.
The Toyota Hilux IMT EVO vehicles, renowned for their quality, durability, and reliability, have consistently proven their race-winning capabilities this season. TGRSA has clinched every event so far, and all four Hilux T1+ cars have performed flawlessly, further solidifying Toyota’s lead in the Manufacturer’s standings with 542 points. This robust performance has given TGRSA a comfortable cushion over their nearest competitors.
The Phakisa 400, set to be a so-called Super Event, will kick off with the 14-kilometre Castrol Qualifying Race at 10:15 on Friday, 13 September, determining the starting order for Stage One, a 143-kilometre race commencing at 13:15. The race will challenge teams with a mix of technical and fast-flowing sections around the mine dumps and sandy tracks in the Wesselsbron and Bultfontein areas. On Saturday, 14 September, competitors will take on two more stages, each 181 kilometres long, starting from Phakisa at 08:00. The stages will test the teams with new routes featuring both technical challenges and high-speed sections, with the action culminating at Phakisa Raceway where the podium ceremonies will take place.
Race Headquarters, the Start/Finish, and the Designated Service Point (DSP) will all be located at Phakisa Raceway, providing a central hub for teams and spectators alike. Fans are invited to experience the thrill of the event from various vantage points along the route. Route maps will be available on the SA Rally-Raid Championship Facebook page, and the race can also be followed live on the RallySafe app, available as a free download from Google PlayStore and the iStore.
As the SARRC enters the final stages of the season, TGRSA remains focused on maintaining their lead and finishing the season on a high note. The Phakisa 400 promises to be a crucial event for all competitors, and TGRSA is ready to rise to the challenge.
