TZANEEN – Motor racing lovers will be pleased to learn that the eagerly awaited NTT Tzaneen Rally will take place from June 27-28. This is after it was postponed in May due to unprecedented rainfall, which made the stages too wet to proceed.

Theuns Joubert, who serves in an advisory role to the organising committee, explained that recent weather conditions forced the delay.

“The heavy rains in the area left most of the rally routes waterlogged. The ground is still saturated, making it impossible to use the heavy machinery needed to grade and prepare the roads,” he said.  Once the area dries out enough, we’ll repair the routes.”

Top drivers and co-drivers are set to compete in the stunning Merensky forests. The organising committee says that they are thrilled to see the event return this year, with organisers and sponsors working tirelessly to ensure a safe and successful rally.

“The rally is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Tzaneen’s motorsport heritage.”

According to the official NTT Tzaneen Rally Facebook page, the town first hosted a national rally in 1971.

However, records show the region had already experienced gravel racing as early as 1967, during the PMC Mountain Trial en route to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).

“The rugged forest roads of Tzaneen quickly earned a reputation as some of the toughest and most thrilling in the country,” the page states.

The town remained a staple in the National Rally Championship until 2005, when it took a 17-year hiatus.

Even during that break, Tzaneen hosted the rally for 20 consecutive years in the Northern Regions Rally Championship, a South African record.

With its return now just around the corner, fans can look forward to two days of high-speed excitement, showcasing the spirit, skill, and adrenaline that make rallying in Tzaneen so unique.

For updates and announcements, follow the official NTT Tzaneen Rally Facebook page. Don’t miss this thrilling event.