24 Jun 2013

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe is impressed by the Toyota 1000 Desert race which he says has grown bigger. 

“The effort put in organising the event and the behind the scenes activities is outstanding,” he said on the sidelines of the annual race. The VP was also impressed by the technology used to track the drivers as it had no room for cheating, plus how the medical rescue team worked in ensuring safety of drivers.

 “I never imagined you have this kind of back up,” he retorted. When touring the race headquarters in Kumakwane on June 22, Dr Kedikilwe also took time to congratulate local entrant  Keith Du Toit racing under the White Star banner in the special vehicle category.

He also hailed Batswana’s support for having thronged the event in multitudes and encouraged them for their continued support as they bring life to the event.

Botswana Tourism Chief (BTO) chief executive officer, Ms Myra Sekgororoane said the event had grown tremendously and Botswana Motor Sport organisation needed to take the lead in running the event. SA motor sport had been the only body providing technical support since the inception of the race in Botswana.

“They must be involved in the mechanics, rescue and GPS operation as well as other behind the scenes activities,” she said, adding that the move would relieve BTO from running the race and concentrate on marketing it.

The event accommodated 15 local engineering students from Botswana College of Engineering and Technology, giving them first hand experience working with racing teams. Ends