- Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer win the gruelling Vryheid 400 to take the overall championship lead
- Team’s strategic preparation and fast service work prove decisive in an event marked by rain, mud, and mechanical strain
- The Northam Platinum Bushveld 400 takes place on 21 and 22 November.
The penultimate round of the 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship, the Vryheid 400, proved to be one of the toughest events on the calendar with a demanding test of endurance, teamwork and precision driving for the Castrol NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team.
To add to the drama, heavy rainfall in the area resulted in long grass covering the tracks and making the ground slippery. GPS signals were often ineffective in the forest sections, forcing navigators to rely entirely on their own notes and instincts. The combination of fast open sections and tight, technical forest trails made this a true all-round challenge. The relentless jumps and rough terrain as well as dehydration added to the challenge, physically and mentally exhausting for both drivers and navigators.
“We knew this was going to be a tough race, but it was one we were also looking forward to, said Neil Woolridge, NWM Ford Team Principal. “Gareth and the Castrol NWM Ford thrive in this technical type of terrain and the car performed exactly as expected. We barely had to make any setup changes or mechanical repairs across the entire weekend. We knew it would be hard on brakes so we did a precautionary change during the 30-minute service interval, which really shows the team’s cohesion and skill.
Strong Team Performance Delivers Valuable Points
Pietermaritzburg duo Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer were in exceptional form throughout the demanding two-day event Entering the race just four points adrift of the championship leaders, they set the tone early by winning the 17-kilometre Falken Wild Peak Prologue on Friday. They maintained that momentum in Stage One to end the first day in the lead
Saturday brought a much tougher challenge. As the leading crew, Woolridge and Dreyer were tasked with opening the road over two long and technically demanding racing sections, totalling around 350 kilometres of racing action.
To add to the challenge, a massive rainstorm struck during the final stage, prompting organisers to halt the race after 133 kilometres due to worsening conditions. Despite suffering a puncture, Woolridge and Dreyer were among the few crews to reach the finish before the stoppage, clinching their second win, just 53 seconds clear of their nearest rivals Saood Variawa/Francois Cazalet (Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux) who chased hard after starting the race on Saturday from sixth place. Woolridge and Dreyer now hold a 3-point lead over Saood Variawa/Francois Cazalet heading into the final race of the year with everything to play for.
“This was probably the most difficult race I’ve ever done,” Woolridge admitted. “The navigation was extremely tricky, and the physical toll was huge. It was hot, slippery and we were dehydrated by the end. But to win on home soil and take the championship lead makes it all worth it. As a team we did our homework and it paid off.”
It was a solid weekend all around for Castrol NWM Ford, with three crews finishing inside the top six despite the extreme conditions. Brazilian pairing Marcos Baumgart and Kleber Cincea delivered another strong performance, finishing fifth overall after fighting back from 12th place on the first day. Teammates Wors Prinsloo and André Vermeulen also impressed, bouncing back from a tough previous round to finish sixth overall. In a display of true sportsmanship, they stopped mid-stage to help recover the Blignaut brothers after their car became stranded off the route.
Teamwork Under Pressure
Between stages, each NWM Ford Ranger returns to the service area for an intense 30-minute window where every second counts. Each vehicle has its own dedicated crew who know their roles inside out, capable of replacing almost any mechanical component in under half an hour. Feedback from the drivers is relayed immediately to the technicians, who spring into action with precision and efficiency.
On Gareth Woolridge’s car, the team managed to change all four brakes during the short service interval – a testament to their expertise and cohesion under pressure. This rapid turnaround not only ensured the Ranger remained in peak condition but also reinforced the trust and synergy between drivers, engineers, and mechanics that define the NWM operation.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
With just one round remaining, the team now turns its focus to the Northam Platinum Bushveld 400, taking place on 21 and 22 November.
Back at the Pietermaritzburg headquarters, the three Castrol NWM Fords will be stripped and inspected for signs of wear while telemetry data is analysed to identify opportunities for improvement. The NWM Ford engineers are also preparing a series of upgrades designed to enhance performance and speed. As the championship fight reaches its climax, the team is determined to leave nothing on the table – throwing everything they have at the final race in pursuit of the title.
