Secunda Motor Rally a first for town

SECUNDA – The Secunda Motor Rally will be hosted for the first time in Secunda and forms part of the third round of the 2015 South African National Rally Championships.

This national event will take place on 15 and 16 May and the rally covers a total distance of 316km that includes 12 special stages.

This race follows the successful Northern Regions regional rally held in the area last year.

Mr Willem du Plessis, clerk of the course, said: “Land owners have spent a lot of time and money on preparing a great route for this new national event and the event has the support of important stake holders, including local businesses and media.”

The Secunda Motor Rally will kick off at Graceland Casino at 1pm on Friday, 15 May, immediately followed by the opening gravel stage opposite Graceland Casino.

Competitors will then take on another five stages before the overnight stop at Lake Umuzi Waterfront complex on the southern outskirts of the town.

Lake Umuzi Waterfront development offers various accommodation options, good restaurants and great entertainment facilities for families and children, including a water park.

The rally headquarters and service park complex will also be situated at Lake Umuzi.

A short 3.7km stage next to the lake at the complex will be the final stage on Friday night, providing spectators with a perfect opportunity to see the cars and the service crews in action.

On Saturday crews will tackle another five stages before the event finishes at Lake Umuzi with the final 3.7km stage next to the lake in the afternoon.

Mr Du Plessis described the stages and route for the event as an interesting mix.

“While some of the special stages will run through mealie fields, it will also consist of flowing sections through quarries and other areas with different road surfaces, ensuring a greater

variety,” he said.

The service park at Lake Umuzi will be open for team setup from Thursday and scrutineering will take place at Secunda Toyota from 6pm.

This will include an autograph session, providing another opportunity for rally followers to meet the top rally crews in the country.

For more information, visit the SA Rally Champs page on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or contact Mr Johan Potgieter at 082 414 5589.

Local competitor AC Potgieter will also take part in the rally.

He finished 11th overall at the Sasol Rally Championships held in Witrivier on 17 and 18 April and fourth in his category in the NRC2 category.

In the Northern Regions Championships, Potgieter was first in his category and second overall.

For free breaking and community news, visit our websites:

Ridge Times, Standerton Advertiser & Highvelder

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

BBM – 29C64351

WhatsApp – 082-611-3867