PRETORIA, South Africa, 23 September 2025 – The South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) made a landmark return to the Western Cape this past weekend, with the Outeniqua 400 delivering a punishing test of skill, strategy, and endurance. For the Castrol NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team, it was a weekend to remember: a double podium, the Team of the Event award, and the coveted Constructors’ title firmly in their grasp.
After 14 years away, the Western Cape welcomed the championship with a course that challenged even the most seasoned crews. Based near Louvain Guest Farm, the Outeniqua 400 combined tight passes, high-speed narrow stretches, and jagged rocky sections that punished both man and machine. Dust clouds and steep drop-offs added to the difficulty, making punctures a constant threat and shaping the leaderboard across both days.
Woolridge and Dreyer Fight Back to Secure Second
Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer, second in the championship standings before the event, faced immediate adversity with a puncture in the 28 km Falken Wild Peak Qualifying Race, dropping them to 10th place and over two minutes behind the leaders. Undeterred, the pair opened the road in Friday’s Stage One and delivered a clean, composed drive to take the stage win.
Day Two tested them further, with two additional punctures costing precious minutes during the opening 178 km loop. Yet, the duo mounted an impressive recovery across the Langkloof and Kammanassie Mountains, ultimately finishing second overall, just 60 seconds behind Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy of TeamHilux RallyRaid Toyota DKR T1+. Reflecting on the challenge, Woolridge commented, “At times it felt like four completely different races in one, with terrain changing constantly. The rocky sections made avoiding punctures absolutely crucial, but Boyd’s navigation was fantastic, and we really enjoyed the technical sections. It was tough, but great fun to drive.”
Baumgart and Cincea Deliver Podium Finish
Team-mates Marcos Baumgart and Kleber Cincea also impressed, achieving their strongest result of the year with third place overall. Returning after Cincea missed the previous round, the pair navigated the rocky trails with ease, even running as high as second during parts of the event. Demonstrating true teamwork, they managed their pace to allow Woolridge and Dreyer to advance while maintaining a steady campaign themselves. Their efforts ensured that Castrol NWM Ford claimed two spots on the podium.
Challenges for Prinsloo, Vermeulen, and Championship Leaders
It was a more difficult weekend for Wors Prinsloo and André Vermeulen. A puncture in qualifying left them in dust-obscured 13th place, and mechanical issues on Day Two, including a driveshaft failure, ended their challenge prematurely.
Even the championship leaders were not immune to the punishing Western Cape terrain. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet suffered a slow-speed rollover on Day One, leaving their Hilux stranded on its roof. Despite rejoining the race and a strong recovery effort on Day Two, they finished fifth overall, well outside the podium fight.
A Tightening Championship Battle
The Outeniqua 400 represented the midpoint of the season and intensified the championship race. With the Castrol NWM Ford team’s double podium performance, Gareth Woolridge remains in close contention with De Villiers and Variawa. Only a handful of points separate the leading contenders, setting the stage for a dramatic finale across the remaining two rounds.
Team principal Neil Woolridge praised the squad’s efforts, stating, “To have two Ford Rangers on the podium is a fantastic result and a big reward for the whole team. After making improvements to both reliability and performance following the last round, the cars showed their capabilities this weekend. The drivers and co-drivers delivered under extremely difficult conditions. Securing the Team of the Event award as well as the Constructors’ title is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes.”
Looking Ahead to Vryheid
With the SARRC now headed to the fifth and penultimate round in Vryheid on 31 October and 1 November 2025, teams will turn their focus to preparation and strategy. After a weekend of intense competition and dramatic recoveries in the Western Cape, the championship battle has never been closer.
