Preparations are at an advanced stage for the much anticipated spectacular Khawa Dune challenge and Cultural Festival scheduled to start today with Polka night.

In an interview, Motorsport Botswana spokesperson, Colonel Motlapele Majama promised a thrilling event on Saturday.

He said, “The weather is just perfect for the motorsport riders. We are back for Khawa Dune Challenge after a long time. We appreciate that the environment has been able to replenish itself and we are ready to roll. The rain has drizzled and the weather is good. This is an advantage for the riders. The dust will be compressed and the bikes will not get stuck in the dunes. The ride will be wonderful. It is a good time to ride”.

This year, he said the motorsport challenge has been upgraded, pegged to meet international standards.

“For years we have been doing Khawa Dune Challenge for fun and now we have upgraded it to another level. We have been racing 100 kms all along and now we have upgraded to long distance. The route is now 500 km for the quad bikes and the two wheelers,” he said.

He divulged that two routes that would be used, “The first route will be run on Saturday. Today (Friday) we are doing warm ups. We will be running on route A as our circuit race to build up the hype to bring the race to the people to see what will happen tomorrow.

He said on Saturday riders would race 250 Km and the final lap of 250 Km will be run on Sunday. Meanwhile 4x4 challenge motor relays have been introduced and would take place on a different route.

The motorsport representative said, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has taught them to devise innovative ways of playing the game, “Actually one can connect with other players internationally through digital motorsports and earn points. This year we have introduced digital motorsport where those who enjoy motorsport can play the game digitally using a computer. You can drive a car or get the feel of driving a car while seated in front of a computer. The machine will be connected at Khawa community hall,”he said.

Orapa Desert Rats riders club chairperson, Mr Tinaye Manyothwane said preparations were going well in their camp.

“We have a circuit race coming up today and we are checking the oils, suspensions, bolts to ensure that everything is intact. From there the riders will gear up, we hope for the best. It is going to be a beautiful event,” he promised.  

Ms Ursual steytler, Gaborone Sparkplug rider said preparations were also going well in her camp. “We are racing tomorrow. Today we got to check the bikes and make sure they are in a good position for competition, test the dunes and see if the bikes can handle the dunes well,” she said.

She said it was her first time in Khawa. “The terrain looks great. The fact that it is raining is good. It means that we are not going to get stuck. It gives the soil a nice compact. I am looking forward to enjoying to the cultural event tonight, the Polka night. I am looking forward to experiencing Kgalagadi culture and Khawa itself,” she said with a broad smile. ENDS