The 2024 TRACN4 National Rally in Dullstroom lived up to its billing as one of South Africa’s most exhilarating motorsport events, once again proving a fitting conclusion to the SA National Rally Championship.

The rally proved to be the perfect mix of all the right weather conditions and rally stages that proved to be just challenging enough to be a test for even the most skilled rally drivers in the country. The drivers and their co-drivers catered for adrenaline-pumping performances, ensuring the two-day spectacle in Dullstroom brought the National Rally Championship season to a spectacular close.

The TRACN4 Rally debuted as the final round of the SA National Rally Championship for the first time in 2020, making this year the fifth time it has had the honour of wrapping up the season. Renowned for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, the TRACN4 Rally has become a fixture on the annual rally calendar that anyone and everyone looks forward to every year.

Held against the picturesque backdrop of Dullstroom, this year, 22 teams competed fiercely over two gruelling days, delivering exceptional performances in both the National and Northern Regions’ Regional Rally Championships.

The TRACN4 Rally was not only the season’s climax, but also the perfect stage for the crowning of the 2024 National Rally Champions. Competing in Rally Technic’s Mazda 2, Chris Coertse secured the driver’s championship title with a stellar performance.

A second place in the final round was enough for him to claim the title with a total of 303 points. Rounding out the driver standings, Anton Raaths finished second with 216 points in the Toyota RunX, while Benjamin Habig clinched third place.

Isabel Raaths, meanwhile, claimed the co-driver championship, showcasing her consistency and skill with a total of 216 points. Coertse’s co-driver, Carolyn Swan, claimed second place, followed by Rikus Fourie in third.

Reflecting on his championship triumph, Coertse expressed his pride. “The Rally Technic team poured hundreds of hours into this season, which has been both incredible and challenging,” he said.

“We gave it our all in every race and it feels amazing to walk away with the title again. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, families and fans.”

An emotional Isabel Raaths shared her joy, too. “This season demanded everything I had, and it’s an unbelievable feeling to achieve my ultimate goal of being crowned national co-driver champion. Thank you to everyone who stood by us through this journey.”

The results from the TRACN4 Rally were:

National Rally Round 8:
1. Benjamin Habig and Barry White
2. Chris Coertse and Carolyn Swan
3. Magriet Potgieter and Tommy du Toit
Northern Regions Round 4 (Friday):
1. Johan Strauss and co-driver Elzaan van der Schyff
2. Magriet Potgieter and Tommy du Toit
3. Bruce Swatton and Tommie Coetzee
Northern Regions Round 5 (Saturday):
1. JJ Potgieter and navigator Armand du Toit
2. Johan Strauss and navigator Elzaan van der Schyff
3. George Smalberger and navigator Matt Köhler.