Fourth Podium for Woolridge and Dreyer

The South African Rally Raid Championship (SARRC) showcased its intensity as the racing action unfolded in the picturesque town of Parys over a scorching weekend. The two back-to-back races of rounds four and five on the 2023 SARRC calendar brought together the best off-road teams to test their mettle against each other and the rugged terrains of the Free State.

In a dynamic and demanding event that spanned two days, competitors found themselves grappling with nearly 750 kilometers of unforgiving terrain characterized by dry and dusty winter conditions. The stage was set for a showdown that would challenge both drivers and vehicles to their limits, and it certainly did not disappoint.

The Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) team had their eyes firmly set on success, and the drivers delivered an unforgettable performance that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer, piloting the #277 Ford Castrol T1+ Ranger, embarked on a mission to maximize their points haul and solidify their championship lead. The duo’s journey kicked off with an electrifying qualifying sprint, setting the tone for the high-stakes races to come.

However, the road to glory was not without its obstacles. The main race on Friday proved to be a test of resilience, with mechanical setbacks temporarily sidelining Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert in the #234 Ford Ranger. Meanwhile, Gareth and Boyd battled a rear CV joint failure that forced them to race with only two-wheel drive, defying the odds to claim a commendable third overall finish.

As the dust settled and Saturday dawned, the stage was set for redemption. Gareth and Boyd, unfazed by their previous challenges, stormed back with a vengeance, securing the third-fastest time in the 18km qualifying stage. Their prowess was mirrored by their teammates, Lance and Kenny, who valiantly returned to action. Despite facing a sensor issue that hampered their power output, the team’s spirit remained unbroken.

The main race on Saturday unfolded in an exhilarating display of skill and determination. With two 170km loops ahead, the crews engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy, exchanging positions in a relentless pursuit of victory. Gareth and Boyd’s performance was nothing short of impressive, as they battled adversity to secure a well-deserved third-place finish. This podium secured their fourth top-three finish of the 2023 season and bolstered their position in both the Production Vehicle and class T1+ championships.

Gareth Woolridge summed up the weekend’s challenges and triumphs, saying, “We had two very fast and tough races this weekend, and it was difficult to find any advantage without taking a lot of risk. We weren’t as strong as we had hoped to be, and this kind of terrain definitely seemed to suit our rivals better. However, a fourth and third keeps the championship battle alive, and I’m sure it will go right down to the wire.”

Lance and Kenny showcased their unwavering spirit by overcoming reduced power and technical challenges to secure a commendable sixth-place finish. The NWM-supported privateer Ranger team of Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen demonstrated their grit by overcoming adversity to secure seventh and eighth-place finishes in class T1+.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Neil Woolridge, the team principal, commented, “Overall I think we can be satisfied with our results today considering some of the challenges we’ve had this weekend, and it’s great to still have Gareth and Boyd in contention for the championship. The tighter and more technical terrain definitely seems to suit our car better, but we will go back and see where we can improve for these fast open races and come back stronger.”

The thrilling action in Parys sets the stage for the next challenge on the horizon – the 2024 Dakar Rally. Ford Performance, in collaboration with M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport, is gearing up for a monumental expedition in Saudi Arabia. The purpose-built Ford Ranger, designed for the demands of the Rally Raid T1+ class, will pit itself against some of the most treacherous terrains and competition the world has to offer. As anticipation builds for the January 2024 event, the motorsports world is set to witness a legendary clash of skill and determination that only the Dakar Rally can deliver.

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