With the 2023 TRACN4 National Rally less than a month away, the Emakhazeni community is counting down the days until this exciting and dramatic motorsport event is held in the small but vibrant town of Dullstroom and surrounds on 17 and 18 November.
To ensure that the rally is the roaring success it has become synonymous with, the organising committee, as well as TRAC, the main sponsor, and key corporate partners are hard at work putting all plans in place.
Mpumalanga’s favourite radio station, Rise FM, is the event’s official media partner, while Mahindra Nelspruit will again be sponsoring the safety vehicle convoy. This fleet will be made up of an array of the brand’s Next Generation vehicles and will be used by rally officials to ensure that the stages, competitors, teams and spectators are safe throughout the event.
Other 2023 National Rally Championship Partners include Ctrack (Tracking and Safety Notes), Electrothread (NRC Logistics Partner), Mibern (Medical Partner), MRF (Logistics Partner), Fixed Mobile Telecoms (ISP).
As per the past three rallies, most of this year’s stages will be contended on SAFCOL and S&N Boerdery plantations, which are known for their challenging, yet exciting terrain. And just as the 2022 event, the 2023 TRACN4 rally will start from Lakenvlei Heritage Site on Friday, November 17, and from the Oval in Dullstroom on Saturday.
This will be the fourth rally held by TRAC in Dullstroom, which falls within the ambit of TRAC’s corporate social investment portfolio. Apart from supporting South African motorsport, TRAC’s sponsorship of the event aims to enrich the Emakhazeni Municipal area in a variety of ways. These include bringing a direct financial benefit to the region, while supporting local beneficiaries, with the Dullstroom Epilepsy Centre benefitting the most.
Part of the groundwork for the 2023 TRACN4 Rally includes more refurbishments and renovations at the centre, which has been the rally’s main beneficiary since the motorsport event was first introduced to Dullstroom in 2020. Over the past three years, TRAC and local SMMEs have upgraded and renovated various areas of the facility, including the main entrance, sports field spectator area, lapa and the roof of the residence. This year, TRAC fully upgraded the centre’s hall, turning it into a fully-functional events venue aptly named Bluegum Barn. This will enable the facility to generate additional income.
According to centre director Rebecca Mashigo, TRAC’s assistance over the past years has been invaluable, not only to the centre, but also to the region. “As has been the case since 2020, we are all counting down to the start of the rally! We simply love it!” she says.
Many local businesses have echoed Mashigo’s sentiments, saying they are fully committed to supporting the event. Many will be offering great specials and discounts before and during the rally; while others have committed to getting actively involved in organising the event.
The two-day rally is also the final leg of the 2023 National Rally Championships and competing teams are already hard at work on their vehicles to ensure that they will be able to withstand the pressure of driving on privately managed local dirt roads.
This year’s event will include three spectator points, strategically placed to ensure petrolheads and motorsport fans have the best possible view and experience throughout the two-day rally. The location of the spectator points will be made available on TRAC’s social media pages closer to the time, as well as on the 2023 TRACN4 National Rally Programme which will be available both in print (one week before the event) and digital on the TRAC website.
Given that last year’s event attracted many fans, it’s expected that local accommodation spots will fill up fast for rally weekend. Those wishing to make a weekend out of spectating the event are urged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be done through the following organisations:
Dullstroom Reservations – https://www.dullstroomreservations.co.za Dullstroom Accommodation – https://dullstroom.co.za
Rally enthusiasts unable to attend the event can catch the fast, thrilling action on all the SARallying social media pages and RaceDay TV, which will also share the action on various social media platforms.
