Mbombela rallies behind York racing event
The annual York Rally, previously known as the Sasol Rally, took place last weekend, starting and finishing in Sabie. Mbombela supported the event with Ferreira Street being cordoned off early on Saturday morning around the spaghetti junction to serve as a race track.
The rally’s name changed when Sasol withdrew its sponsorship in January, but the event was no less spectacular than before as York Timbers stepped up as the new sponsor.
“A special thanks goes to MTO Forestry Lowveld and the businesses in Mbombela which showed true solidarity through their contribution and involvement in the York Rally,” said York Timbers CEO, Mr Pieter van Zyl.
Some supplied photos by FSTOP Studios (Warren Akerman, Brandon and Raymond Britz and Waldo Smit)
Businesses in the city all pitched in to sponsor the speed protection barriers to cordon off the Mbombela track. Out of the 31 vehicles that participated on the Ferreira Street track, four drivers and three navigators were women, proving the sport is not just for the men.
“We had 34 vehicles that came for the entire rally, six of which came from other African countries such as Zambia and Tanzania.
“This event is huge for Mbombela and the other towns involved, as it serves as an international platform for African regent-bound countries to participate,” said Ms Henriëtte Jooste, one of the event organisers.
“The rally was a huge success, considering the sponsor only came on board in January. They made tremendous efforts towards the banners, branding, arches, starting points and preparations of the rally.”
Were you there?
Supporters turned up for the thrilling event bright and early, with surrounding streets lined with parked vehicles. Spectators surrounded the makeshift track, some even resorting to posting chairs on the back of their bakkies to give them a better view.
Mbombelans proved to have a healthy crowd of car enthusiasts; families with small children and grandparents alike showing up to give their support. To read more, make sure you get a copy of the May 2 edition of the paper’s sister publication, Autodealer Lowveld.
