PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa, 12 August 2024 – The South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) is gearing up for a high-octane weekend as it kicks off the second half of the season with a thrilling double-header in Parys, Free State. On 16 and 17 August 2024, the NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team will be in the spotlight, ready to seize every opportunity in the INGCO Parys 400 and INGCO Vaal 400 races.
This weekend marks the only double-header of the 2024 SARRC calendar, featuring a combined race distance of approximately 800 kilometers. With the chance to earn double points, this back-to-back race event is crucial for teams aiming to enhance their standings as the championship heads into its final stretch.
NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team’s Contenders
Leading the charge for Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) is the dynamic duo of Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert (#234). Driving their EcoBoost-powered and Shell-backed Ranger, Woolridge and Gilbert have demonstrated impressive performance throughout the season. Currently positioned third in the Overall Production Vehicle standings, their recent runner-up finish at the Safari 1000 marathon event has put them just seven points behind Toyota’s Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk. They trail the current championship leaders, Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, by 23 points. In the Ultimate (T1+) class, they are tied for third with Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy, setting the stage for a thrilling battle over the weekend.
A Resurgence in the Works
Reigning champions Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (#200) are determined to turn their season around. Despite a challenging start, their strong showing in the previous round, where they secured a fourth-place finish, has propelled them to sixth in the overall championship standings. With a closely packed leaderboard, Gareth and Boyd are focused on closing the gap and climbing up the rankings. Their performance in Parys will be pivotal in regaining their championship momentum.
NWM’s Privateer Team: Rising Through the Ranks
The NWM-supported privateer team of Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (#241) are also making strides. Their recent upgrades and consistent point-scoring have seen them hold 11th place overall and ninth in the Ultimate class. They are eager to build on their positive form and advance further in the standings.
Race Weekend Schedule
The race weekend kicks off at the Stonehenge River Lodge, serving as the headquarters and service park for the event. The INGCO Parys 400 on Friday, 16 August, starts with a 15-kilometer sprint qualifying loop at 07:10, followed by the main 175-kilometer race loop at 08:30. After a 30-minute service stop, the loop will be repeated. On Saturday, 17 August, the INGCO Vaal 400 will follow a similar format with a 10-kilometer qualifying sprint and two 190-kilometer loops.
Fans can follow the action and track their favorite crews using the RallySafe app, available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Team Principal’s Insight
Neil Woolridge, team principal of NWM Ford, is optimistic about the weekend’s prospects. “We have traditionally performed well at the Parys events, and are looking forward to exploiting the full potential of our two Rangers,” Woolridge states. “The cars have been meticulously prepared after the tough Safari 1000 marathon. With back-to-back races, our strategy is to maximize points without taking undue risks, setting us up for a strong performance on both days.”
Support and Partners
The NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team extends its gratitude to its esteemed partners: Shell, Ford Credit, Mastercraft, Würth, NTN, Brembo, Veldskoen, Motorcraft, Ironman 4×4, Sapphire, Shatterprufe, and Tiger Wheel & Tyre, whose support is vital for the team’s continued success.
As the SARRC season heats up, all eyes will be on Parys as the NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team and their competitors battle it out in this crucial double-header.
