Ballito rally driver Guy Botterill clinched the 2026 SA Rally-Raid Championship with his third consecutive round win in Vryheid last weekend.

Competing alongside navigator Henry Köhne for Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, Botterill overcame a strong test from an experienced field and demanding conditions.

The duo started the weekend well, winning Friday’s opening stage in their Hilux IMT EVO. That result meant they had to take on the difficult task of opening the road for Saturday’s two remaining stages through the Vryheid plantations.

An early puncture cost them valuable time, allowing Toyota Gazoo teammates Saood Variawa and Charan Moore to win the second stage. Botterill and Köhne regrouped after a quick service and refuelling stop, then pushed hard to win the third and final stage. They won the overall event in a time of 5:26:14, which earned them enough points to secure the championship title.

“I am absolutely elated to have clinched the drivers’ championship, having been runner up in 2024 and fourth in 2025,” said Botterill.

“Henry only joined the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa team in the second round, so the navigators’ championship is still on the line. We need a good result in the final round in Thabazimbi.”

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