At the Phakisa 400, the penultimate round of the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), Toyota GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) showcased an extraordinary display of skill and endurance. The event proved to be a defining moment for TGRSA, as Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings clinched both the race victory and the overall championship title with a round to spare. Their dominant performance underscored their unparalleled prowess in the series, marking their fourth win of the season in the formidable Toyota Hilux IMT EVO.
Lategan and Cummings set a blistering pace from the start, capturing the fastest times in both the Castrol Qualifying Race and Stage One on Friday. Despite the challenging conditions of opening the road on Saturday, which demanded both precision and confidence, the duo maintained their lead through both stages. They crossed the finish line with a total time of 05:58:57, securing not only the win at Phakisa but also the 2024 SARRC overall and FIA Ultimate T1+ titles. This victory also served as a redemptive moment, closing the chapter on last year’s unfortunate setback at the same event, where Lategan’s season was cut short by injury.
In a testament to TGRSA’s exceptional performance, Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy, also in a Toyota Hilux IMT EVO, finished in second place with a time of 06:01:03. Despite a puncture on the final day costing them valuable time, their consistent pace ensured they remained firmly in contention. This result reinforced their second-place position in the championship standings, establishing them as one of the top teams in the series.
Veteran racers Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk completed an all-TGRSA podium with a third-place finish, clocking in at 06:02:51. Despite facing overheating issues and a time-consuming error on the first day, their experience and determination shone through, securing a crucial podium finish and maintaining their strong standing in the championship.
With Lategan and Cummings’ championship win, TGRSA’s dominance in the 2024 SARRC is undeniable. The team has consistently demonstrated the exceptional quality, durability, and reliability of their Toyota Hilux IMT EVO vehicles, excelling across diverse terrains and conditions. Toyota’s commanding performance this season has also solidified their lead in the Manufacturer’s standings with an impressive 542 points.
Unfortunately, young Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet were forced to miss the Phakisa 400 due to damage sustained to their Hilux during a pre-race test session. Despite their absence, the season continues to be a remarkable one for TGRSA.
As the 2024 SARRC nears its conclusion, all eyes are set on the final round at the Renault KEC Racing Rayton 400 on 8 and 9 November at Legends Adventure Farm. TGRSA will aim to cap off a stellar season with another strong performance, while competitors will seek to end their season on a high note.
Reflecting on the team’s success, TGRSA Team Principal Shameer Variawa expressed pride in the achievements: “I’m incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished this weekend and throughout the season. Henk and Brett’s victory and championship win are a testament to their hard work, tenacity, and the unwavering support from our entire team. We’re excited to head into the final round with the championship already secured and look forward to finishing the season on a high.”
In addition to the race victories, Toyota also celebrated winning the Manufacturers’ Award at the Phakisa 400, further solidifying their dominant position in the championship.
