TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa’s (TGRSA) National Rally Championship (NRC) staff showcased their potential in the course of the latest Billy te Water Memorial Rally, the opening spherical of the extremely anticipated 2023 NRC season. The staff’s two crews, Jono van Wyk and Nico Swartz, in addition to Mandla Mdakane and Kes Naidoo, demonstrated talent, dedication, and resilience of their Toyota Starlet rally automobiles, to place the primary factors on the board for the staff.
Billy te Water Memorial Rally weekend
Jono van Wyk, popularly generally known as the Swazi Cowboy, and navigator Nico Swartz, now competing below the TGRSA banner, delivered a formidable efficiency of their maiden race with the brand new Toyota Starlet. Despite the challenges of adapting to the left-hand-drive configuration and negotiating the rally’s narrower sections, they exhibited wonderful driving abilities, securing stage wins and displaying their aggressive spirit.
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Although a puncture on the second day price them a while, they managed to safe third place on each days, consolidating their place within the championship.
Mandla Mdakane, one other proficient member of the TGRSA NRC staff, confronted mechanical challenges all through the weekend. Despite beginning sturdy, a damaged engine mount led to power-steering pump points, impacting his efficiency throughout Stage 1 and finally forcing him to retire throughout Stage 2.
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The TGRSA technical crew labored tirelessly in a single day to restore the automobile, however unexpected issues arising from the damaged engine mount led to additional difficulties. The crew’s progress was additional sophisticated by an overheating downside attributable to checks on the anti-lag system of the turbo. Despite these setbacks, Mdakane and Naidoo’s tempo all through the weekend highlighted their potential as formidable opponents in future races.
Reflecting on the staff’s efficiency, Guy Botterill, Team Manager of TGRSA, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the course of the Billy te Water Memorial Rally. Botterill said:
“Jono did an amazing job, securing valuable points for the team. Mandla’s challenges didn’t truly reflect his pace throughout the weekend, and we are confident that he will emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the future.”
Guy Botterill, Team Manager of TGRSA
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With the primary spherical behind them, the TGRSA NRC staff now turns its focus to the upcoming Algoa Rally, scheduled to happen in Jeffreys Bay on July 7-8, 2023. The staff stays decided and keen to construct on their early successes, striving for additional achievements within the championship.
Published by Toyota South Africa on MotorPress
For extra previews and opinions of the 2023 National Rally Championship, observe our motorsport web page.
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