PRETORIA, South Africa, 17 August 2025 – The Castrol NWM Ford Team demonstrated resilience and precision at the Ingco Parys 400 and Ingco Vaal 400, the double-header rounds of the 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) held on 15-16 August in the Free State. Across nearly 800 kilometres of demanding terrain, the team faced mechanical setbacks, shifting conditions, and stiff competition — yet emerged with a strong haul of points and a display of unrelenting determination.
The weekend kicked off with a 10km Falken Wild Peak Prologue on both days to determine starting order, before launching into two grueling race stages: the Parys 400 at approximately 394 kilometres and the Vaal 400 at 416 kilometres. Over 60% of the courses were new, reshaped by recent heavy rains, presenting crews with fresh challenges and untested terrain.
Championship leaders Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer began the weekend on a high, carrying 30 points in the overall standings. They quickly established pace, moving to the front by the first service point. However, a mechanical issue on their NWM Ford Evo Plus near the close of Day 1 cost them crucial minutes and dropped them from contention. Undeterred, the duo returned on Day 2 with renewed focus. Starting with the fifth-fastest qualifying time, they pushed the Evo Plus to its limits, dominating stage 2’s 175km loop and ultimately finishing just 78 seconds behind Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet, who celebrated their first SARRC win in a Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux.
Meanwhile, Wors Prinsloo, partnered with Andre Vermeulen, made a triumphant return after missing the season opener. Battling through dust and limited visibility, the formerly NWM-supported privateer team steadily clawed back ground to finish fourth overall — Prinsloo’s best SARRC result to date. Their performance underscored the strength of NWM Ford’s depth, and for Prinsloo, it was a memorable way to celebrate his birthday.
International talents Marcos Baumgart and Alberto Andreotti, stepping in for an injured Kleber Cincea, also impressed. Despite the unfamiliar, fast, off-piste terrain and a seven-minute penalty for a rule infringement, the Brazilian-South American duo showcased adaptability and consistency, crossing the finish line in seventh and completing the trifecta of NWM Evo Plus vehicles in the top ten.
Team principal Neil Woolridge praised the collective effort:
“I’m really proud of the way the entire team pulled together this weekend. It wasn’t without its challenges, but to come away with three cars in the top 10, a strong second place for Gareth and Boyd, and Wors back in the mix with a fantastic fourth is a great result. Marcos continues to grow stronger with every outing as he learns the car and adapts to the South African terrain. Overall, it shows the depth and determination of this team, and it keeps us firmly in the championship fight.”
With the Free State rounds complete, attention now turns to the Western Cape, where the championship continues at the brand-new Louvain Guest Farm on 19-20 September. Competitors and fans alike can expect mountainous terrain, fresh challenges, and more high-stakes action as the 2025 SARRC unfolds.
The Castrol NWM Ford Team extends its gratitude to its sponsors and partners: Castrol EDGE, bp Ultimate, Vedacit, Ford Credit, Mastercraft, Sparco, Brembo, NTN, Veldskoen, and Tiger Wheel & Tyre.
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