TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) had a spectacular weekend at the INGCO Parys 400 and INGCO Vaal 400, rounds four and five of the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC). The team showcased their tenacity and skill across two challenging days of racing, securing top positions and demonstrating their dominance in the championship.
Round 4: INGCO Parys 400
Friday’s INGCO Parys 400 was a fast and furious affair that tested the teams’ ability to navigate treacherous terrain and unpredictable conditions. The day began in extreme cold, with crisp temperatures at -6°C, but conditions warmed up into the mid-twenties as the day progressed. Despite the improved temperatures, the nearly windless day meant that the dust kicked up by competitors lingered, making visibility difficult for crews further down the order.
Despite a tough start, where they had to claw their way back after hitting a rock in the Castrol Qualifying Race, Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy achieved their first victory of the season. Starting 19th, they fought through the dust and the field to claim the top spot with a total time of 05:04:08, showcasing their tenacity.
Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings also had an impressive run, finishing just 118 seconds behind their teammates in second place. Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk rounded out the all-TGRSA podium, finishing only 21 seconds behind Lategan/Cummings in third place. This clean sweep of the podium underlined the strength of the TGRSA team in this tough event.
Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet, who have been working to find their rhythm this season, managed to secure fifth place, a strong finish that hints at better results to come.
Round 5: INGCO Vaal 400
On Saturday, the teams faced an even more technical and dusty route at the INGCO Vaal 400. The day started cool, though not as cold as Friday, with temperatures quickly climbing into the high twenties. Once again, the nearly windless conditions allowed dust to hang in the air, further complicating the task for competitors. While the route became faster as it became more defined further back, those starting later had to contend with significantly more dust.
Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings came back strong, winning the event after a day of intense battles and mere seconds separating the top competitors. With a final time of 05:39:17, Lategan and Cummings demonstrated their mastery of the tricky conditions, despite opening the road and dealing with the pressure of being chased by some of the best teams in the series.
Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy continued their excellent form, finishing in second place just 78 seconds behind the winners. Lance Woolridge and Kenneth Gilbert of Neil Woolridge Motorsport rounded out the podium, finishing a mere one second behind Botterill and Murphy. Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet secured another fifth-place finish, showing consistent improvement, while Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk had to settle for sixth after a challenging day.
The back-to-back victories at the INGCO Parys 400 and INGCO Vaal 400 have reinforced TGRSA’s dominance in the championship. Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings have further solidified their lead in the standings, while Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy’s strong performances have boosted their position, making them serious contenders as the season progresses. The quality, durability, and reliability of the four GR Hilux T1+ cars were evident as all of them ran like clockwork throughout the weekend, contributing to the team’s success.
Shameer Variawa, TGRSA Team Principal, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder of our team this weekend. Winning both rounds in such challenging conditions speaks volumes about the tenacity and teamwork of our crews. Henk and Brett, as well as Guy and Dennis, showed exactly why they are among the best in the business. We’re in a strong position heading into the final rounds, and I’m confident we’ll continue to deliver top results.”
As the SARRC heads into the final stages of the season, TGRSA looks forward to the next event, the Free State 400, scheduled for 13-14 September. The team is eager to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of the championship title.
