The 2025 Fouriesburg Rally marks a groundbreaking moment in the South African rally scene as it becomes the first-ever National Rally Championship (NRC) and Northern Regions Rally Championship (NRRC) event to be held in the charming Free State town. This milestone is not only significant for the town of Fouriesburg but for the rallying community at large, as the event promises a thrilling start to the 2025 season.
Nestled in the picturesque Brandwater basin, surrounded by the majestic Witteberg and Rooiberge mountain ranges, Fouriesburg offers a breathtaking backdrop for the rally. Strategically located near the border of Lesotho, the town is separated by the tranquil Caledon River, providing an idyllic setting for this high-octane competition.
“We’ve talked about the Free State not being part of the National Championship for years, and we’re thrilled to finally bring the NRC here,” say the event organizers. “This won’t be your typical ‘Mielie field Grand Prix’ – expect challenging stages with twists, turns, and varying elevations that will push drivers to their limits.”
As the first national rally of the year, the Fouriesburg Rally promises to showcase the country’s top rally drivers competing fiercely on these demanding stages, making it an event that promises nothing less than edge-of-the-seat excitement.
A New Chapter in Rally Competition
The 2025 edition of the Fouriesburg Rally promises a diverse and high-level competition with a range of classes and seasoned drivers taking to the wheel. The upcoming season is poised to be an electrifying one, featuring fierce rivalries, fresh talent, and a few surprises.
Rally Royalty: Benjamin Habig Jr. Targets 2025 Championship Glory
One of the most anticipated drivers for this season is Benjamin Habig Jr., the son of rally legend Jan Habig. Behind the wheel of his potent VW Polo 4-WD turbo, Habig Jr. is determined to carve out his own legacy in the sport. With the experienced Barry White calling the pace notes, this father-son duo is one to watch. Their sights are firmly set on clinching the 2025 Championship, and they’re ready to push the limits of both car and driver to claim the top step of the podium.
Defending Champion Chris Coertse Gears Up for Another Title Defense
The current National Rally Champion, Chris Coertse, is on a mission to defend his 2024 4-WD title in 2025. Driving his reliable Mazda 2, with the experienced Rally Technic team behind him, Coertse is a formidable competitor. As a two-time National Champion (2022 and 2024), he is well-prepared to continue his dominance in the sport. However, one key question lingers – who will be sitting in the co-driver seat next to him? Stay tuned, as the announcement of his navigator is expected to add another layer of intrigue to his campaign.
Dynamic Duo Anton and Isabel Raaths: Aiming for Back-to-Back 2-WD Victory
The reigning 2-WD Champions, Anton and Isabel Raaths, are eager to defend their title. Isabel’s early renewal of her competitor’s license indicates their readiness to continue their dominance in the class. Their victory last season marked a historic achievement as the first-ever winners of the newly established 2-WD championship, a groundbreaking move by Motorsport South Africa. With a fresh and innovative approach, the Raaths’ title defense will be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 season.
The Return of Andrea Duarte?
Could Andrea Duarte, known for her supermodel status and “Rally Chick” persona, be making a comeback to the rally stage? After taking a break to start a family, rumors swirl that Duarte may trade in her modelling heels for racing boots once again. Her return would certainly add a spark to the 2025 competition, and rally fans are eager to see if she’ll return to the driver’s seat.
Toyota Gazoo Racing: A Resurgence in 2025
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team, led by the veteran Guy Botterill, is preparing to make a statement after a challenging 2024 season marred by mechanical issues. Mandla Mdakane, a driver making the transition from circuit racing to rallying, will be leading the charge. With his impressive adaptation to gravel stages, Mdakane is expected to be a force to be reckoned with. Toyota’s resilience and renewed energy make them one of the most anticipated teams in 2025.
The Swazi Cowboy Rides Again
Another fan favorite, Jono Van Wyk, also known as the “Swazi Cowboy,” is gearing up for another exciting season. Van Wyk’s relentless passion for rallying and his ability to bounce back from adversity makes him a standout competitor. What car will he be driving in 2025? That’s still under wraps, but with his fearless drive, expect nothing less than a thrilling season.
A Game-Changing Class: The AR 2
The introduction of the AR 2 class promises to shake up the rally landscape. Designed for entry-level 4-WD rally cars, this class aims to bring more competitors into the fold. However, Paul Van Niekerk, one of the expected drivers in this class, won’t be racing in the Fouriesburg Rally due to business commitments. Fans will have to wait for the NTT Tzaneen Rally to see his debut behind the wheel of the new VW Polo AR 2.
Northern Regions Champions Return: Johan Strauss and Elzaan VD Schyff
The Northern Regions Champions, Johan Strauss and Elzaan VD Schyff, are set to continue their reign with their rebuilt Subaru Impreza. Known for their daredevil driving and remarkable aerial displays, Strauss and VD Schyff have become a crowd favorite, and their return promises another adrenaline-fueled season.
The Return of a Rally Legend: Theuns Joubert
After a break in 2024 due to mechanical issues with his S2000 Toyota Auris, veteran driver Theuns Joubert is returning to the rally scene in 2025. With a wealth of experience and a history of stellar performances, Joubert’s return adds another exciting layer to the season.
The 2025 Rally Season: A New Era Dawns
The 2025 season is set to usher in a new era for South African rallying. With brand-new cars in the mix, fresh driver lineups, and an innovative scoring formula focusing on class points rather than overall finishing positions, the competition is bound to be more thrilling than ever.
The introduction of Power Stages and bonus points will further elevate the stakes, ensuring that the competition remains unpredictable and exciting. These changes promise to make the 2025 season one of the most dynamic in recent history.
The Countdown Begins!
The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend in Fouriesburg, Free State, on 25-26 April 2025. The town’s warm hospitality, coupled with the breathtaking natural scenery, will provide the perfect backdrop for this historic event. Rally fans from across the country can look forward to an action-packed weekend filled with adrenaline, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the farmers, Greater Fouriesburg Tourism NPC, Fouriesburg Agricultural Association, and the local community for their unwavering support and hospitality. Their contribution is integral to the success of this event, and their warm welcome has made the Fouriesburg Rally truly special.
Get ready for the ultimate showdown as the 2025 rally season kicks off. Mark your calendars – this is one event you won’t want to miss!
