12 May 2017

The off-road division of the Gaborone Motor Club (GMC) in collaboration with Mantshwabisi Village Development Committee (VDC) will hold a first ever quads and bikes race at the village tomorrow (May 13).

The Race Coordinator and Off-road Captain, Adrian Scherer said that the race, known as the Mantshwabisi 400 is based on the legend of the Toyota 1000 Desert race that was historically held at the small village in Kweneng District.

Scherer said the race, which is expected to start at 8am will consist of 8 loops of 50 km each, totalling 400 km.

“We estimate the last bike or quad to complete the race at 4pm, and the prize giving will follow at around 5pm. We are expecting approximately 50 bikes and 20 quads,” he said.

He said the race is open to everyone over the age of 16 who hold a Botswana Motor Sport license or a South African racing license.

Scherer said the race is part of the Botswana Motor Sports National Championship series, and that they are also expecting it to attract international riders from neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

He said Botswana currently has two riders that are both top of their class in the South Africa, as well as Vincent Crosbie who completed the Dakar race in 2016.

“The race is also a valuable opportunity for our local riders to get exposure to both local and international sponsors, which would be invaluable to their development,” he said.

Scherer said since the Mantshwabisi 400 will be in its maiden year they are not expecting to have any prize monies this year due to limited sponsorship, and that their intention is to make the race an annual premiere sporting event in Botswana, providing valuable revenue and tourism to the people of Mantshwabisi area.

He said the funds raised from the race will go towards the Mantshwabisi VDC which has already identified a number of projects that will better the lives of the people, while small businesses in the area such as shops are also expected to benefit from the weekend activity.

He said some of the projects that GMC has been requested to assist on by Mantshwabisi VDC include water connection in less privileged homes, electricity connection to VDC houses, repairing the VDC community hall, buying children school uniform, supplying the school with photocopying machine and marimba instruments, building three two and half houses as well as building two shelters at Mantshwabisi and Matlagatse villages.

Scherer however, said that they will be working along the VDC on these projects on a long term basis.  He said the event will be free to spectators while there will be a small fees for campers whose proceeds will also go towards the VDC.

Some of the notable faces who have already confirmed participation are Vincent Crosbie and Lepsy Mosope as well as Dart Lobjoit who was first in the 250 class last year in South Africa.

Scherer encouraged spectators to come out in large numbers to enjoy the maiden race and make it a success. ENDS