A Classic Rally for classic cars
The 2020 K'A'RCHER Classic Car Rally, a derivative of the legendary Pretoria-LM and later the Total Rally, has a history that reaches back as far as 1952.
There is also a strong connection with the Southern Sun Hotel in Mozambique. Because of Covid-19 lockdown regulations, the organisers had to condense and keep the rally within SA borders.
Be that as it may, it did not prevent them from treating competitors to a competitive, well-organised and thoroughly enjoyable rally experience.
The rally offered competitors entry into the Classic category (cars older than 25 years) and the Touring class (cars younger than 25 years) and started at the Pretoria Old Motor Club on September 24.
Forty one entries, including 12 entries from the Lowveld, many first timers, competed under regularity rules, stop watches and calculators as standard requirements. Regularity rallies require competitors to be at specific predetermined locations at specific times.
Failing this, they are penalised. So being on time at the right place dictated precise speed, time and distance calculations. With so many contact points to focus on, everybody was bound to miss at least some. This proved utterly frustrating for some, while for others it was all part of the fun of competition.
The first day brought competitors to Ingwenyama Conference and Sports Resort via Dullstroom and Lydenburg, where they stayed overnight. On the second day the rally took a round trip to Sabie/Pilgrim’s Rest. The third day presented a trip to the Kruger Park – lunch at Skukuza and then a fun evening and prize-giving event at Abeega in Mbombela.
The oldest car competing was a 1940 Chevrolet in a sleeper outfit. The youngest a 2018 Ford Ranger.
For first timers and father and son team, Stefan and Tristen Wintershoven, winning was the last thing on their mind, especially after having to repair a seriously leaking water pump. “We enjoyed the experience and the bonding time was just sheer enjoyment,” they said.
Members of the LOWC in Mbombela found inspiration and the 2021 event will certainly see more local entries. “It was well organised, accommodation, food and entertainment were outstanding valued against the entry fee,” said Ken Grossmith. “The chatter, teasing and competitiveness among all the competitors made for an enriching experience.”
Winners Classic Car Category:
1st – Stefan and Tristen Wintershoven – Chev Camaro
2nd – Schalk and Susan van Niekerk – SAAB 9-3
3rd – Gideon Scheepers and Terma Kussman – Toyota Supra
LOWC Club Competition:
1st – Ken Grossmith and Allan Blair – Triumph Spitfire MK3
2nd – Ferdie and Gaye Lourens – Datsun 280S
3rd – Mark and Shirley Gouws – Ford Capri
Touring Category:
1st – Rui Dos Santos and Jean Badenhorst – Mercedes Benz SLK200
2nd – Tiago Veloso and Catarina Barreiro – BMW M4
3rd – Dirk Fourie and Mariette Theunnisen – Ford Ranger
