Rally drivers head to Malelane for Nkomazi 450

The fifth round of the Donaldson Cross Country Motor Racing Championships will be decided over a new route this year starting at Riverview Prep School on August 26 and 27.

According to race director Adri Roets, about 60 per cent of the route will traverse RCL Food’s property and mainly comprises of sugar-cane fields and natural bushveld. This year the race will not include the difficult mountain section.

From Riverview Prep, drivers will cross the N4 via a passage tunnel underneath the motorway, traverse the Radley and Malalane Estates and head to Jeppes Reef. From there, competitors will take on the area around Malelane Bricks and the rocky outcrop to Kaalrug.

The route crosses into the hills in the Stentor and Lebuyle regions and traverses the sugar-cane fields towards Kaapsehoop. It then zigzags back towards Malalane and the finish at Riverview Prep.

Roets states that the route is technical and will be a good test of skills and reliability.

There will also be plenty of spectator points along the way, fed off the N4.

The new route means that RCL Foods has come on board as a sponsor, together with Malalane Toyota.

The Nkomazi 450 injects over R2,5 million into the local community as teams, family members and cross- country enthusiasts snap up all available accommodation. Local businesses such as restaurants and filling stations, will also benefit from the extra feet in the area.

“RCL Foods shares the view that the Nkomazi 450 plays a vital role in the economic well-being of the community in Malalane and surrounding areas,” said Malelane Toyota chief executive officer Johan Horn, who was the driving force behind the first event in 2013. “Small- business entrepreneurs benefit from the surge in spending power,” Horn added. “You also need to consider that Malalane is a gateway to the Kruger National Park and there is a spin-off in terms of tourist trade, with team members and enthusiasts coming back to the region for a visit.”

The race headquarters, start/finish and designated service park will all be located at Riverview Prep. Public access to these areas and spectator points along the route will be free of charge.

The event will be run in conjunction with the sixth round of the Northern Regions Cross Country Championship. The qualifying race to determine grid positions will start at 11:30 on August 26 and the race at 08:30 the following day.

A wide variety of entertainment and refreshments will be on offer at the race headquarters, with spectator guides available at the venue and at Malelane Toyota.