The final round of the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), the Renault KEC 400, is set to deliver high-octane racing action this weekend at the Legends Adventure Farm, Rhino Park, just 60 kilometres from Pretoria. The season-ending event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, 8 and 9 November, promises exciting action as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) aims to wrap up an exceptional season with a dominant performance.
While Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings have already secured the 2024 SARRC title following their recent victory at the Phakisa 400, the race for second place is still open. Currently, Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy hold the advantage in the standings, and with a strong finish, they are likely to secure the runner-up spot. However, Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk remain in contention, with a mathematical chance of moving up to second place. Regardless of the outcome, TGRSA has locked in an impressive 1-2-3 finish for the 2024 championship, underlining the team’s unparalleled success this season.
As the teams prepare to take on the Renault KEC 400, TGRSA’s fleet of Toyota Hilux IMT EVO vehicles will once again showcase their race-proven quality, durability, and reliability. The route, set in the picturesque yet challenging terrain surrounding Legends Adventure Farm, will offer a combination of fast, open sections and technical, rocky tracks, designed to test the mettle of both man and machine. With rain predicted on Friday and warm, cloudy conditions expected over both days, the crews can expect varied and potentially tricky conditions.
The Renault KEC 400 will be structured as a Super Event, starting with the 20-kilometre Castrol Qualifying Race on Friday morning at 10:15, which will set the stage for the starting positions in Stage One. This will be followed by an 85-kilometre stint at 13:15, giving teams a taste of the intense action ahead.
On Saturday, the competition heats up with Stages Two and Three, each covering a gruelling 175 kilometres. Stage Two will commence at 08:00, with teams navigating through fast-flowing sections, rocky mountainous terrain, river crossings, and cultivated fields. The route also takes competitors through a game farm, presenting open, flowing tracks that offer a mix of speed and technical challenges. Following a 30-minute service break at the Designated Service Park (DSP) at Legends Adventure Farm, teams will embark on Stage Three, battling for the final points of the season before the podium ceremonies back at the race headquarters.
With the Renault KEC 400 taking place so close to Gauteng, motorsport enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to witness top-level rally-raid action first-hand. Spectators are invited to enjoy the event from various excellent vantage points along the route or get an up-close experience at the DSP at Legends Adventure Farm, where food and refreshments will be available.
As the dust settles on the SARRC season, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa will shift its focus to the Dakar Rally, set to kick off in January 2025 in Saudi Arabia. With their proven performance in the South African championship, the team will be looking to carry their success onto the world stage and tackle one of the most challenging races on the planet.
