Blignaut brothers shine in rally at Rhino Park
They showcased their exceptional skills by dominating day one, clinching victory in the challenging castle qualifier and following that success with a commanding performance in stage one.
The thrilling conclusion of the 2024 SA Rally Raid Championship with the highly anticipated Renault KEC 400, the seventh and final event of the season, took place at Rhino Park, Rayton, on November 9.
The atmosphere was electric as fans and competitors turned their attention to the Brothers Blignaut, who had emerged as formidable contenders throughout the championship.
They showcased their exceptional skills by dominating day one, clinching victory in the challenging castle qualifier and following that success with a commanding performance in stage one. Their determination was evident as they prepared to face the subsequent stages of the race.
In an introspective moment, Fouche and Bertus Blignaut acknowledged the challenge: “It is an unfamiliar position for us going to open up the road from 80km onwards, so we are looking forward to it, and we will keep pushing.”
The resolve to finish the season on a high note was palpable, as they aimed to carry this momentum into next year. However, the competition was fierce, with many skilled participants vying for the top spot.
The notable performances of competitors like Lance Woolridge and Kenneth Gilbert kept the pressure on the Blignauts throughout the day. Ultimately, the champions-elect, Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings stole the show.
“What a race. Brett was perfect on the road. The car was faultless, so we could push, make up time, and manage to catch them to gain a bit of a lead,” Lategan stated, expressing their satisfaction with the weekend’s outcome.
In the adventurer class, Philip Botha emerged as the standout competitor, securing the top position, while Ruperd Fourie delivered an impressive performance in SSV that showcased the spirit of adventure and competition that defines the SA Rally Raid Championship.
As the dust settled on the Renault KEC 400, the season ended not just with winners but with stories of perseverance, triumph, and camaraderie among the participants, promising an exciting future for the rally raid community.
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