Exciting start to the Rally-Raid season in Malalane
It was a thrilling kick-off to the Rally-Raid season in Malalane, with Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk clinching the victory in style. Read more about the excitement here.
Giniel de Villiers and new navigator Elvéne Vonk showcased their prowess at the onset of the 2024 SA Rally-Raid Championship. The dynamic duo secured the overall triumph at the #TeamHiluxRally-Raid Nkomazi event held in Malalane, Mpumalanga, on April 19 and 20.
Competing in FIA Ultimate T1+, De Villiers and Vonk commenced the second day from eighth position. Despite trailing leaders and teammates Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, they surged ahead, seizing victory amid stiff competition and unforeseen challenges.
The duo faced navigational system issues but powered through to clock a total time of 06:21:12, narrowly edging out Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy in the TGR Hilux IMT EVO. Despite setbacks including flat tyres, the runners-up contributed to Toyota Gazoo Racing’s impressive 1-2 finish.
Meanwhile, young talents Jayden Els and Henry Köhne impressed with their podium debut, showcasing the new King Price Xtreme SVR. The competition heated up as #TeamHiluxRally-Raid siblings Johan and Werner Horn, alongside Fouché and Bertus Blignaut, battled for top positions despite some challenges.
Notable performances included Chris Visser and Albertus Venter’s sixth-place finish for Red-Lined Motorsport and Daniel Schröder and Ryan Bland’s victory in the Adventurer T1 Class with the Nissan Navara VK50.
However, the event saw disappointments, with reigning champions Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer retiring due to a water pump failure, and Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert facing setbacks with a broken rear driveshaft.
Nevertheless, the #TeamHiluxRally-Raid Nkomazi garnered praise for its impeccable organisation and challenging yet enjoyable route, setting the stage for the upcoming Vryheid 400 on May 24 and 25.
Source: Charmaine Fortune – SACCA / Photos: Dave Ledbitter
