The South African National Rally Championship (NRC) is set to close another electrifying season with the much-anticipated 2024 TRACN4 Rally, taking place on November 15 and 16 in the scenic town of Dullstroom, Mpumalanga.
Known for its intense competition, rugged terrain, and vibrant local culture, the TRACN4 Rally promises to be an exhilarating finale for rally fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
A premier event in South African motorsport
The TRACN4 Rally has earned its place as a flagship event in the South African motorsport calendar. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Dullstroom, in the eMakhazeni region, hosts this thrilling motorsport event. Over the years, the rally has grown in stature, attracting top drivers, teams and fans from across the country, all eager to witness the final showdown of the 2024 NRC. Additionally, this year’s event is once again backed by esteemed sponsors, with the potential for more to join us in the coming weeks, making it a truly memorable occasion.
The oldest consecutive championship in South African motorsport
As the final leg of the NRC, the TRACN4 Rally holds a special place in South Africa’s motorsport history. The NRC is celebrated as the oldest consecutive championship in the country, showcasing the endurance and evolution of South African motorsport over the decades. This year’s championship, which kicked off in May, has seen fierce competition among teams, making the final leg in Dullstroom even more significant.
Going all out
The 2024 TRACN4 Rally theme is again ‘Going All Out’ and has remained unchanged as it perfectly reflects the high stakes and intense competition expected at this year’s final event. As teams push their vehicles
and skills to the limit, fans can expect a thrilling two days of action-packed racing. With Chris Coertse leading the drivers’ championship, the final rally promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
A two-day motorsport spectacle
The event is spread over two adrenaline-pumping days, with numerous exciting stages set to challenge drivers, navigators, and their cars. These stages cover roughly 160km of some of the most challenging terrain in the Mpumalanga forests, testing not only speed but also precision, endurance, and strategy. Dullstroom’s high-altitude location and unpredictable weather often add a layer of difficulty, ensuring that only the best will emerge victorious.
The role of the TRACN4 Rally in supporting the Emakhazeni community
Beyond the motorsport spectacle, the TRACN4 Rally has become a vital community event for the eMakhazeni region. Since 2020, the rally has been instrumental in uplifting local communities, particularly by supporting inter alia the Dullstroom Epilepsy Centre.
The centre, which serves as the Mpumalanga headquarters for Epilepsy SA, plays a crucial role in assisting individuals and families living with epilepsy across the province. Proceeds from the rally go directly to the centre, helping sustain its essential services in the region.
The rally also provides a much-needed economic boost to the towns of Dullstroom and Emakhazeni (Belfast), both of which rely heavily on tourism. The influx of visitors – many of whom stay for several days – injects substantial revenue into local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to craft stores and tour operators. The event also creates temporary jobs, further benefiting the local economy. Local businesses have praised the event for becoming a national highlight which has led to a boost in tourism and community upliftment.
Taking on the rugged forests
The 2024 rally will once again challenge teams on the rugged forest roads surrounding Dullstroom. These roads, made available and maintained by Safcol and S&N Boerdery, are famous for their technical demands, with tight corners, narrow passages, and varying surfaces. The forest stages are particularly challenging, requiring drivers to have not only excellent speed but also razor-sharp focus and precision to navigate the tricky terrain.
A treat for spectators
Fans attending the 2024 TRACN4 Rally are in for a treat. Spectator zones will be set up at strategic points along the course, providing excellent vantage points to watch the action unfold. These locations will be announced on TRAC’s and NRC’s social media channels, as well as in the official TRACN4 Rally Programme, which will be available a week before the event.
What’s New for 2024?
While the 2024 TRACN4 Rally will follow the familiar two-day format, fans can also expect some new features including the participation of the new NRC 1 VW Polos which was not seen in the 2023 championships. This year’s event will also focus on increasing fan engagement through more interactive social media coverage and enhanced spectator facilities, ensuring that rally-goers have a memorable experience.
A rally for the history books
With its combination of fierce competition, breathtaking landscapes, and strong community ties, the 2024 TRACN4 Rally is set to be a fitting finale to the South African National Rally Championship. As teams ‘go all out’ in their pursuit of victory, the fans, the region, and the motorsport world will again come together to celebrate the spirit of rally racing in South Africa.
