Benjamin Habig and navigator Barry White were crowned the 2025 SA National Rally champions, ending the year with a double podium in the TRAC N4 Dullstroom Rally on October 31 and November 1 in the 4WD Volkswagen Polo.

Going into rounds 7 and 8 of the NRC Championship, Habig and White had a good points lead, but to finish first, you have to first finish. “Barry had calculated the various point scenarios, and we knew that even if Jono van Wyk and Nico Swartz won both days, we had to finish fourth on both rounds,” said Habig.

“It is still a calculated risk, and obviously when you keep focus on the bigger picture, the temptation to go just a little faster is always at the back of your mind, and concentration is of the essence. Lots of rain saw the roads being extremely slippery and muddy with big water puddles, so our goal on Friday in round 7 was to keep it tidy, stay on the road, finish the day,” he added.

With two stage wins the duo finished second overall at the TRAC N4 Dullstroom Rally a mere 1.5 seconds behind Van Wyk and Swartz, but maintained their lead in the championship.

Round 8, the final event of the year, started under blue skies and with different stages, the road surfaces were dry. Van Wyk and Swartz won stage one by 1.6 seconds, with Habig and White controlling the remainder of the event with six stage wins and overall victory, just over three minutes ahead of NRC2 Paul van Niekerk and Willemjan Human also in a VW Polo.

“Unfortunately Jono and Nico were forced to retire, and it has been a tremendous year of rallying. The championship lead changed hands a few times, but we are elated to be the 2025 SA Rally Champions,” said Habig.

“Barry has been the perfect navigator, I didn’t listen at first some four years ago, and after a crash in my first event, I can today just thank Barry for his meticulous, calm approach, valuable input and sticking by my side. We did it, thank you.”

“My sincerest appreciation to my dad, Jan Habig, for building a state-of-the-art car, giving us the best equipment to compete with. His passion for the sport started way back in 1982. After an illustrious career, with six SA National Rally Championship titles under the Volkswagen banner, he is putting back so much into the sport, and I can live my dream and know he supports my passion,” concluded Ben.

“Motorsport has always been a family affair and I can remember going on rallies from the tender age of three with my mom and sisters, following my dad from stage to stage.”

Ben is the youngest driver to clinch the SA Rally Championship driver since 1960.