This month the SA Safari Rally will make history in South African motorsport as the who’s who in global and local rally raid prepare for the inaugural Round 3 of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) taking place 18 – 22 May in the North West Province in partnership with Toyota Gazoo.
South Africa is definitely preparing to put it’s best foot forward for this monumental moment for motorsport in Africa. But what does it take to bring an event of this magnitude to life?
We caught up with Archie Rutherford, CEO of the SA Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), who gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for this landmark event.
“This is no ordinary race,” says Rutherford. “To be included in the same championship series as Dakar is an achievement in itself – and something South Africans can be incredibly proud of.”
With more than half the field made up of South African-manufactured vehicles, the rally not only showcases world-class driving, but also the country’s engineering pedigree. “Most of the top-performing cars in the Dakar are built right here. This event puts our skills, innovation and manufacturing excellence firmly in the global spotlight,” he adds.
But the road to May has been anything but smooth. One of the biggest challenges, says Rutherford, has been finalising the route – a 1 200km stretch through farmlands, bushveld, savannah and dry riverbeds. “It took close on 100 people from the local community and our team to clear the routes, particularly to make it safe for the motorcycles. The support from landowners and local communities has been amazing. But with all the rain we’ve had, it’s taken a huge effort to get the course ready and we could not have done it without them,” he says
Logistics, too, have been massive. “We’ve got 100 competitors from 28 different countries, and the vehicles are arriving from all over the world – shipped in containers through Durban Harbour thanks do DNL. There are 34 containers in total – some of the cars are being flown in but the majority are coming through the ports,” says Rutherford. “They’re being transported to Sun City where the build-up begins from the 9 May. Teams will begin arriving from the 11th to start test driving the cars.”
Rutherford says staying connected with all parties will be key and SA Safari Rally are very happy to welcome Clear Access, a leading provider of reliable internet connectivity solutions in South Africa, as the event’s connectivity partner. “Clear Access will be part of the team to ensure seamless digital experiences for everyone involved – from the rally drivers and teams to fans worldwide. They are committed to providing a robust network that supports the seamless operation of this world-class event,” says Rutherford. Other key sponsors include Jonsson Workwear who will be the official clothing supplier and Ingco Tools who will be providing all the tools and washbay equipment.
The event is also under tight international safety regulations. “The FIA and FIM and Motorsport South Africa have given us stringent criteria to follow, especially when it comes to medical preparedness,” he explains. “We’ll have two air ambulances on standby at the start of every stage, plus around eight 4×4 ambulances and a fully-equipped medical centre in the bivouac, staffed with seven doctors and 16 paramedics. Safety is everything in a sport like this.”
Of course, all eyes will be on the incredible field of international stars descending on local soil. From reigning W2RC champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, to Dakar legend Giniel de Villiers, and Ross Branch, Botswana’s “Kalahari Ferrari”, the event promises high drama and world-class action.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our local drivers to go wheel-to-wheel with the world’s best, sharing the same bivouac and competing on home turf,” says Rutherford.
And what about the future? Could this event open the door to Formula 1 or MotoGP? “This is the biggest FIA-sanctioned motorsport event since the last F1 at Kyalami in 1993,” Rutherford notes. “Top FIA and FIM officials will be here, including the FIM President. If we put on a great show, which I know we will, there’s no reason why South Africa can’t attract even bigger events down the line.”
As the world gets ready to tune in, South Africa is poised to shine – both on and off the track and it’s a motorsport bonanza South Africans won’t want to miss. “Remember at each point we have free spectator points. The only days which will not be visible will be during the Marathon phase on Wednesday and Thursday.”
For any spectators wanting Pit tickets to meet the teams, tickets available at Ticket pro for R850 per adult and children under 12 half price.
