PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa, 14 June 2024 – The Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) Ford Rally-Raid Team returns to the site of their triumphant 2023 season finale, where they clinched the overall Production Vehicle and Class T1+ titles with a historic one-two finish. This year, however, the challenge is different yet equally significant.
The TGRSA Safari 1000 replaces the Desert Race on the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) calendar and is earmarked as a candidate event for potential inclusion in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Set amidst the rugged terrain near Koedoeskop, close to Thabazimbi in Limpopo Province, this three-day event from 21 to 23 June 2024 spans approximately 915km through the challenging landscapes of the Waterberg region. Competitors will navigate a mix of cultivated farmlands and game farms, testing both their skills and their vehicles to the limit.
As the championship’s third round, the Safari 1000 offers a maximum of 45 points for the victors, compared to 30 points in shorter events, making it a pivotal contest in the season’s title race.
Neil Woolridge, team principal of NWM Ford, reflects on their past success and the upcoming challenge: “We achieved a perfect result here last year, securing the championship after a tough Desert Race in Botswana. We’re confident in our competitiveness at the Safari 1000.”
Despite facing setbacks in earlier events this season due to minor technical issues, Woolridge remains optimistic: “We’ve demonstrated that our cars are fast and capable of winning. We’re focused on maximizing our opportunities at this crucial event.”
Leading the charge for NWM Ford is Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert (#234) in their Shell-liveried Ford Ranger powered by an EcoBoost V6 engine. After qualifying second-fastest and finishing fourth at the Vryheid 400 in May, they currently stand sixth in the Ultimate class and eighth in the overall Production Vehicle championship. A strong performance at the Safari 1000 could significantly alter the championship standings.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (#200) aim to rebound after brake issues hampered their performance at Vryheid. They are determined to reassert their title defense in the NWM Ford Ranger.
Also in contention is the NWM-supported privateer team of Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (#241), equipped with the latest evolution of the NWM Ranger Ultimate, freshly updated following the Vryheid race.
The NWM team has enhanced their Ranger with advanced aerodynamic, cooling, and packaging improvements introduced at the start of the 2024 season. These upgrades, along with enhancements to suspension and drivetrain, optimize performance, reliability, and ease of service.
Race headquarters and the service park for the TGRSA Safari 1000 will be located at Koedoeskop Primary School. The action begins on 21 June with a qualifying loop followed by a series of race loops over the subsequent two days.
Fans can track the competition using the RallySafe app, available for download on iOS and Android devices.
