TGRSA Dominates SARRC Rounds

In a world where racing is as intense as a caffeine addict searching for their morning brew, the 2023 South African Rally-Raid Championships (SARRC) proved once again that when it comes to motorsports, unpredictability is the name of the game. As the engines roared and the dust settled, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s (TGRSA) Hilux T1+ crews snatched victory from the jaws of dusty adversity at the Parys 400.

The weekend kicked off like a sprinter on espresso, with Round 4 on a Friday that promised more excitement than a cat discovering a laser pointer. Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings blazed the trail in the qualifying race, leaving competitors in their dust – metaphorically and literally. Their lead was larger than a line at a donut truck, 48 seconds to be exact. And speaking of dust, the dry and dusty terrain of Free State played host to a racing spectacle that had the cars looking like desert mirages.

When it was time for the main event, Lategan/Cummings continued their power play, securing a victory so smooth it was like butter on hot toast. But not everyone had the Midas touch – Saood Variawa and Danie Stassen were foiled by a water crossing that proved as slippery as a politician’s promises. Meanwhile, Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy seized the opportunity like a kid in a candy store, snatching second place and giving Toyota the Manufacturers’ Award. TGRSA had the track record to envy, and even though the dust hadn’t fully settled, the champagne corks definitely had.

Saturday dawned as crisp as a bag of potato chips, and it was clear the competition was as fierce as a rivalry between two superheroes. Lategan/Cummings proved they weren’t one-hit wonders, nailing another qualifying race win – the margin so slim it could fit in your pocket. Variawa/Stassen had a less-than-ideal morning, battling GPS gremlins and popping a tire hotter than a summer romance.

In the main race, Lategan/Cummings faced a penalty as surprising as a surprise party thrown by introverts. The transmission sensor had a tantrum, causing the pair to depart the service park late. But like an action hero defusing a bomb, they battled back to fourth place. De Villiers/Murphy, not ones to be outshone, scored another second-place finish, showcasing consistency like a perfectly timed dad joke.

Yet, the hero of the day was none other than Guy Botterill, joined by co-driver Zaheer Bodhanya, who managed to clinch victory by a mere hair’s breadth – nine seconds to be precise. It was a triumph that felt sweeter than dessert after a week of kale salads. For Saood Variawa and Danie Stassen, adversity continued its relentless pursuit, throwing GPS chaos and a scorching tire their way, ultimately landing them a fifth-place finish. They might not have claimed the podium, but they sure left a trail of dust and determination in their wake.

“We’re ecstatic about the results,” declared TGRSA Team Principal Glyn Hall. “Henk and Brett almost had the Midas touch on both days, but we’re thrilled for Guy who’s popped his winning cherry. Giniel and Dennis? Consistency kings, of course. Saood and Danie? They’ve got a promising future of tire-melting pace ahead!”

With engines revving and rubber burning, the SARRC’s next stop is Welkom, where the racing action promises more twists and turns than a telenovela on steroids. So buckle up, dear race fans, because in this wild world of motorsport, anything can happen – and probably will!

Images : © iShootStories

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