20 Jun 2019

Multitudes of motorsport fans are expected to beat this weekend’s forecasted biting morning breeze and travel to the copper mining town of Selebi Phikwe for the annual flagship event, the Toyota Desert Race.

Once again Mantshwabisi, as the grueling 1 000km race into the wilderness is fondly called, is expected to draw capacity crowds to its spectator viewpoints provided by among other villages with scenic views, Mmadinare, Serule, Maokatumo and Sefhope.

This season race organisers have taken drivers into a completely new territory after moving the race from the sandy terrains of Jwaneng to a rockier route starting in Selebi Phikwe .

The qualifying race to determine grid or starting position will start June 21 .

Undoubtedly a new route will provide extra pressure for the drivers and more entertainment for the spectators.

All eyes will be on the fire breathing cars in the much fancied FIA class.

The pair of Toyota Gazoo Racing team of defending champion, Giniel de Villiers and Shameer Variawa has the Dakar Rally experience and are expected to dish out the much needed energy behind the wheels.

To add more aroma to this year’s race, the Horn brothers, Johan and Werner will be provided an opportunity to prove that their podium finish in Jwaneng last year was no fluke.

They arrived behind Giniel for a second spot after an impressive run over the first day.

Once again, Giniel and his Toyota team, which has made five entries into the FIA category this year, will be on high confidence after a solid performance at the desert race since 2012.

Over the years, Toyota has performed extremely well in Botswana.

In early days of cross country racing it was Land Cruiser bakkies that set the pace with a number of consecutive victories since the race moved to Botswana in 1991.

In more recent years, the former crowd favourite, Duncan Vos stamped his authority with four wins while Anthony Taylor boasts three wins so far.

Toyota were last beaten in the iconic race in 2011 when Chris Visser and co-driver, Japie Badenhorst won a dramatic race for Ford.

Henk Lategan, who comes across as a closed book, will also fancy his chances after an impressive season in the off road.

He drives a second Toyota Hilux from Gazoo team.

The Red-Lined Motorsport pair of Enerst Robert and Jaco van Dyk driving the once popular Nissan Navara will try their luck in their first desert race outing, which might prove to be more than just an adventure to Botswana.

Another interesting driver to look forward to is Lance Woolridge in his Ford Ranger.

In the crowd’s favourite class A, fondly known as sandmasters, local interest will come from the experienced Keith du Toit in his usual speedy BAT viper.

He will face tough opposition from the likes of Rayhaan Bodhanya and Sandra Labuscagne-Jonck amongst others.

Race headquarters, start and finish and the designated service point will all be located at the Sam Sono Stadium in Selebi Phikwe.

Entry into these points is restricted while entry is free at the scenic spectator points. ENDS