PRETORIA, South Africa, 25 November 2025 – Motorsport is as thrilling as it is unforgiving. No amount of preparation, skill, or determination can fully protect against the unexpected. This truth hit home for the Castrol NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team at the final round of the 2025 SA Rally-Raid Championship, where championship leaders Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer faced a cruel twist at the Northam Zondereinde Bushveld 400.
A Grueling Finale
The Bushveld delivered its usual mix of extreme conditions. Temperatures soared above 30°C, testing both driver endurance and vehicle resilience. The Koedoeskop terrain offered tight, technical sections interspersed with long, flat-out straights, demanding absolute precision. Recent rains had left the bushveld thick and treacherous, concealing rocks, tree stumps, and ruts, while rough riverbeds added to the challenge.
For this event, NWM Ford rolled out several new upgrades to their rally-raid machines. The enhancements performed strongly, setting a solid foundation for 2026 development. By Friday, Woolridge and Dreyer had carved out a 1 minute 42-second lead over their nearest competitors, Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet, showcasing both speed and consistency.
Meanwhile, the team demonstrated remarkable efficiency off the track. When Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen suffered windscreen and roof scoop damage, and Marcos Baumgart and Kleber Cincea required urgent wheel hub repairs on-stage, the pit crew responded swiftly, ensuring both vehicles returned to competition. Service sessions stretched late into the night, underlining the team’s professionalism and commitment.
The Unforeseen Setback
Saturday, however, brought a dramatic turn. Woolridge and Dreyer, leading the field, collided with a Kudu on stage—a reminder of the unpredictable nature of rally-raid racing. Though the animal was unharmed, the Ford’s windscreen was shattered, forcing an emergency stop. Removing the windscreen and managing the resultant airflow disruption cost critical minutes. Even so, the duo battled on, finishing sixth overall, a testament to their resilience and determination.
“In some ways, it’s a bittersweet weekend,” Woolridge reflected. “We had the pace, the car upgrades worked beautifully, and I genuinely believe we could have won. Motorsport, especially Rally-Raid in South Africa, is unpredictable. I’m grateful we weren’t hurt, and neither was the Kudu. The team’s professionalism shone through, even under adversity. In the end, it’s been a strong year: two wins, two second places, and incredible teamwork.”
Team Performance and Progress
Despite their own challenges, Prinsloo and Vermeulen recovered impressively from Friday’s damage to claim seventh place overall. Baumgart and Cincea set the second-fastest time on Stage 2 on Saturday, highlighting the team’s potential, though their prior outside assistance resulted in a 17th-place finish.
Team Principal Neil Woolridge acknowledged the setback with perspective: “This incident was unfortunate, but it doesn’t diminish our achievements. We’ve built cars capable of competing with the best in the world, and the progress we’ve made motivates us for the season ahead. Our upgrades are proving their worth, and we’re grateful to our sponsors for their continued support into 2026.”
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 title slipped through their fingers, the Castrol NWM Ford Team closes the season with immense pride. Exceptional reliability, consistent speed, and rapid-response service strategies have strengthened the team’s reputation. The experience gained and developments tested provide a robust platform for next year’s ambitions.
Fans can look forward to exciting announcements and continued innovation as NWM Ford prepares to take on 2026 with the same sponsors and a renewed drive for victory.
