PRETORIA, South Africa, 11 August 2025 – With a commanding start to the 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) behind them, the Castrol NWM Ford Team arrives in the Free State confident and focused as they prepare to tackle rounds two and three — the Ingco Parys 400 and Ingco Vaal 400. Scheduled for 15 and 16 August, these back-to-back one-day events promise approximately 800 kilometres of demanding, high-speed racing, offering a pivotal moment in the season for the championship leaders.
Dominant Opening Round Sets the Tone
The season’s curtain-raiser, the Renault KEC 400 in Bronkhorstspruit, proved a spectacular showcase for the Castrol NWM Ford Team’s prowess. Champions Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer mastered the challenging course in their NWM Evo Plus, clinching victory by nearly three minutes ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet. This emphatic win earned the duo 30 points and positioned them with a comfortable seven-point lead atop the fiercely contested Ultimate T1+ FIA Class standings.
Beyond this top performance, the team is energized by the return of Wors Prinsloo, who is eager to resume competition after recovering from injury. Meanwhile, Lance Woolridge steps back into his vital support role after standing in as a driver at the season opener. The international flair brought by Brazilian rally-raid champions Marcos Baumgart and Kleber Cincea—who finished a respectable seventh overall in Bronkhorstspruit—adds further depth and momentum to the squad. Fresh from their Rally Dos Sertoes triumph in Brazil, Baumgart and Cincea bring confidence as they prepare to rejoin the South African fray.
Preparing for New Challenges in the Free State
Team principal Neil Woolridge remains measured in his optimism, recognising that early success is only the foundation for what lies ahead. “The win set a solid foundation, but the real challenge is maintaining momentum and capitalising on every opportunity throughout the season,” he explained. “We’ve made positive strides with vehicle development following Round 1, supported by two successful tests. Our focus now is on fine-tuning every detail and applying the lessons learned to be even sharper in Parys. We’re excited to keep pushing the limits and delivering performances that reflect the dedication of everyone involved.”
The upcoming Ingco Parys 400 and Ingco Vaal 400 each feature a demanding prologue followed by two intense race stages. The Parys 400 will cover approximately 394 kilometres on 15 August, while the Vaal 400 on 16 August consists of two 208-kilometre stages. Both days begin with a 10-kilometre Falken Wild Peak Prologue to determine the starting order, setting the tone for fierce competition.
Race Director Evan Hutchison highlighted the uniqueness of this year’s route: “While the terrain is familiar to past competitors, over 60% of the routes are new due to heavy seasonal rains. This change levels the playing field and challenges teams with fast, open sections characteristic of the Free State landscape.”
Strategic Base on the Vaal River
Both events will be headquartered at the scenic Stonehenge River Lodge, situated on the banks of the Vaal River, serving as the Designated Service Point (DSP). Here, service teams will face the intense task of vehicle maintenance and preparation through a tight schedule — especially after the full day of racing on Friday, as they ready the cars for Saturday’s equally demanding stages.
The NWM Evo Plus: Engineering Excellence
Central to the team’s early-season dominance is the NWM Evo Plus — a high-performance rally-raid machine designed and built by Neil Woolridge Motorsport in Pietermaritzburg. Powered by Ford’s robust EcoBoost 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Evo Plus embodies a synthesis of engineering precision and rally-raid expertise honed through rigorous local and international competition.
This vehicle’s reliability and capability have been pivotal in navigating the harsh terrains and fierce competition characteristic of the SARRC, allowing the Castrol NWM Ford Team to consistently challenge for top honours.
Experience the Thrill
Motorsport enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and witness the thrilling action firsthand. The events provide a rare opportunity to meet the drivers, get up close to the cutting-edge rally vehicles, and immerse themselves in the adrenaline of rally-raid racing. For fans unable to attend in person, live tracking is available via the RallySafe app, downloadable on iOS and Android devices, ensuring real-time updates on crew positions and race progress.
The Castrol NWM Ford Team proudly acknowledges the support of its esteemed partners: Castrol EDGE, bp Ultimate, Vedacit, Ford Credit, Mastercraft, Sparco, Brembo, NTN, Veldskoen, and Tiger Wheel & Tyre.
The road ahead is challenging, but with a blend of seasoned expertise, cutting-edge machinery, and unwavering determination, Gareth Woolridge, Boyd Dreyer, and the entire Castrol NWM Ford Team are ready to accelerate their charge towards the 2025 SARRC championship.
