TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA is all set for a spectacular showdown within the Kalahari Desert this weekend, once they tackle the mighty TGRSA Kalahari Botswana 1,000 Desert Race. The upcoming occasion is Round 3 of the 2023 South African Cross-Country Series (SARRC), and it is the longest and hardest occasion on the native calendar.
TGRSA Kalahari Botswana 1,000 Desert Race
For 2023, the race has moved again to the world surrounding the city of Jwaneng in Botswana, which has hosted the race a number of instances previously. The space is recognized for its tight sandy tracks, and with a complete race distance of 1,000 km, it is the one marathon occasion to characteristic as a part of the SARRC.
TGRSA might be fielding a four-car workforce this 12 months, with championship leaders Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings spearheading the Toyota Hilux T1+ assault. They might be saved sincere by defending SARRC champions Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy, who received right here in 2017 and 2018. De Villiers and Murphy additionally received the Desert Race in Upington final 12 months, with their long-distance expertise honed on the Dakar Rally.
ALSO READ: NWM Ford Castrol Team assured as SARRC returns to Botswana
Guy Botterill and co-driver Simon Vacy-Lyle may also return to motion within the desert. The pair has proven important tempo previously, and should nicely show a pressure to be reckoned with as soon as the flag drops in Botswana.
The closing pairing for TGRSA will characteristic rally-raid rookie Saood Variawa, partnered with the skilled Danie Stassen as co-driver. Variawa is at present main the Global Touring Cars championship for TGRSA, and whereas he has competed in regional cross-country races within the current previous, the Desert Race might be his first foray on the nationwide circuit.
ALSO READ: Restored 1967 Ford Mustang is going to public sale for charity
As ever, the workforce might be utilising the chance to proceed testing and growing the Dakar-winning GR DKR Hilux T1+. As such, there might be new suspension settings and elements in use on sure automobiles, providing invaluable perception in preparation for future Dakar rallies. One of the automobiles may also be trialling some new power-steering elements, as a part of an ongoing check.
“The Desert Race is one of the iconic races on the calendar. It is critical for us to perform well here, as there are big points on offer, and it is very important from a championship point of view. At the same time, the long distances offer exceptional opportunities for testing in tough terrain, and we are looking forward to making the most of this.”
TGRSA Team Principal, Glyn Hall
ALSO READ: Saood Variawa extends his GTC Championship lead in Gqeberha
This weekend’s motion will get beneath means with a Qualifying Race, scheduled for 12:30 on Friday. The qualifying route includes solely 61 km of sandy tracks, and might be used to find out the beginning positions for Saturday’s begin. Competitors will then full two loops of 200 km every on Saturday, with the outcomes of these loops figuring out the beginning positions for the ultimate day of racing, on Sunday. Two completely different loops – this time to the west of Jwaneng – will check the crews on Sunday.
The occasion’s HQ and Designated Service Park (DSP) might be primarily based on the Jwaneng Sports Complex, the place entry might be strictly managed. However, followers can view the motion from a number of factors alongside the route, and likewise observe the motion on the RallyProtected app, which is accessible freed from cost on each Apple and Android units.
ALSO READ: Report reveals SA’s WORST drivers by province
Published by Toyota South Africa on Motorpress
For extra information in regards to the 2023 South African Cross-Country Series (SARRC), observe our motorsport web page.
Source link
