26 Jun 2014

Motor racing enthusiasts will be treated to high octane action of engine power in undoubtedly the longest and toughest race in the off road calendar over the weekend.

The much acclaimed Toyota Desert Race dubbed Mantshwabisi by local motoring zealots is expected to start on June 27 with an intriguing 100km prologue or qualifying race.

What will be even more exciting for the Saturday and Sunday loops is that competitors will venture into the unknown peripheries of the mining town of Jwaneng where the route has been described as bushy with thick sands of the Kalahari Desert.

The closely contested Production Vehicle category is set to provide yet another great spectacle with the Toyota Castrol team of the crowd’s favourites, Anthony Taylor and his co-driver, Dennis Murphy in their V8 powered Hilux, expected to produce their usual form behind the wheel.

The duo will face stiff competition from the Atlas Copco Ford Ranger racing team of Manfred Schroder and veteran Japie Badenhorst.

The Toyota team will be buoyed by the presence of another new team on the block the Brazilian pair of Reinaldo Varela and Gustavo Gugelmin who are said to bring an international scent to the race.

Other interesting runners to the title are the veteran driver, Terrance Marsh and co-driver, Stefan Terblanche in their old time favourite Nissan Navara pairing with Mike Whitehouse and his navigator, George Myburgh in their Regent Racing Nissan.

The much fancied sand masters or Special Production vehicles will also be in serious contention to have a fair share of proceedings.

Among those who will be looking to come out tops will be reigning champs, Evan Hutchison and his co-driver, Danie Stassen on their fire breathing Motorite BAT Viper.

The other contenders will be the father son pair of former South African champions, Quintin and Kallie Sullwald in their Elegant Fuel Venom.

Botswana’s hopes in the Class A category will be pinned on Keith Du Toit in the White Star racing BAT and Mogrey Mabille partnered by South African lady navigator Zelda Niemandt. The two will be making their maiden outing of the season. ENDS