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South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale: A Story of Resilience and Determination

The South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale, Waterberg 400, saw Gareth Woolridge claim victory while TGRSA’s Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings faced setbacks but still managed to finish in second place. The event showcased the team’s spirit of teamwork, resilience, and determination to succeed against the odds. TGRSA is now preparing for the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia and the race stands as a testament to the relentless spirit of teamwork.

What is the South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale about?

The South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale, named Waterberg 400, was a thrilling event that saw Gareth Woolridge clinch the title after overcoming various challenges. The TGRSA team’s Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings faced setbacks with their Hilux T1+ but managed to finish in second place. The event showcased the relentless spirit of teamwork, resilience, and the unfaltering resolve to succeed despite the odds. The TGRSA team is now preparing for the esteemed Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in early January.

Kick-starting the Championships

All eyes were on Guy Botterill in the grand climax of the 2023 South African Rally-Raid Championship, aptly named the Waterberg 400. With the promise of the overall title hanging in the balance, a win was paramount. For this event, Botterill formed an alliance with Brett Cummings, and their campaign got off to a perfect start. They triumphed in the qualifying race on Friday, providing them the strategic edge to select their starting position in the main event.

The duo made a calculated decision to be the second car on the track, trailing their teammates Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy. Both teams operated the Toyota Hilux T1+, a fact that underlined the faith the team placed in this dependable vehicle. The game plan was straightforward — collaborate to ensure Botterill had the most optimal shot at victory. Glyn Hall, the Team Principal of TGRSA, expressed that the team’s imperative was to collaborate and provide Guy with the utmost chance to triumph over the race.

Overcoming the Hurdles

Nevertheless, the path to glory was not smooth. The strategy began to crumble when De Villiers and Murphy encountered a shut gate, bringing their progress to a halt. This predicament allowed Botterill and Cummings to bypass their teammates, compelling them to navigate the route. However, they momentarily lost their lead due to a navigational error, allowing De Villiers and Murphy to regain the front position.

As the race progressed, Botterill and Cummings found themselves dealing with a problematic turbo boost pipe on their Hilux T1+. The duo had to make a pit stop for repairs, sacrificing nearly seven crucial minutes. Even as they tried to rebound, issues with a steering ball joint compounded their problems. Hall conveyed his disappointment at these setbacks, acknowledging that despite their best efforts, they couldn’t clinch a victory.

Meanwhile, the young and energetic Saood Variawa and his French co-driver Francois Cazalet were making notable progress, consistently ranking in the top three. They appeared on track for a podium finish until a problem with their front brakes caused a collision. The subsequent damage forced them to withdraw from the race.

The Final Standings and Future Endeavours

Despite all these challenges, De Villiers and Murphy valiantly kept the TGRSA flag aloft. They managed to cross the finish line in fourth place, despite battling lost time and a tyre puncture during the second race loop.

In the end, the race and the title were clinched by Gareth Woolridge. Hall extended his congratulations to Neil Woolridge and his team, lauding their remarkable victory and well-earned title.

As the TGRSA team looks forward to the future, they are preparing for comprehensive testing in Namibia, an essential step in their training for the esteemed Dakar Rally. Scheduled to kick off in Saudi Arabia in early January, this race is set to be another thrilling addition to the exhilarating world of rally racing. The saga of TGRSA stands as a testament to the relentless spirit of teamwork, resilience, and the unfaltering resolve to succeed despite the odds.

1. What is the South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale about?

2. Who won the South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale?

Gareth Woolridge won the South African Rally-Raid Championship 2023 Finale, named Waterberg 400, after overcoming various challenges.

3. What challenges did the TGRSA team face during the Waterberg 400 race?

The TGRSA team’s Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings faced setbacks with their Hilux T1+ during the Waterberg 400 race. They momentarily lost their lead due to a navigational error and had to make a pit stop for repairs after encountering a problematic turbo boost pipe. Issues with a steering ball joint further compounded their problems.

4. Who else made notable progress during the Waterberg 400 race?

Saood Variawa and his French co-driver Francois Cazalet made notable progress during the Waterberg 400 race. They consistently ranked in the top three and appeared on track for a podium finish until a problem with their front brakes caused a collision, forcing them to withdraw from the race.

5. What is TGRSA’s plan for the future?

TGRSA is preparing for comprehensive testing in Namibia, an essential step in their training for the esteemed Dakar Rally. Scheduled to kick off in Saudi Arabia in early January, this race is set to be another thrilling addition to the exhilarating world of rally racing.