TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is gearing up for the next leg of the 2024 South African National Rally Championship (SANRC) as they prepare to tackle the Secunda Rally. Scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2024, this event represents Rounds 3 and 4 of the championship and will be held in the vibrant town of Secunda, Mpumalanga.
The season kicked off with Rounds 1 and 2 in the picturesque Cape Swartland region of Malmesbury. TGRSA experienced a mix of fortunes in these opening rounds. In Round 1, the duo of Mandla Mdakane and co-driver Kes Naidoo achieved a commendable third-place finish, demonstrating their consistency and competitive edge. Their performance was underpinned by impressive stage times, securing their spot on the podium.
Meanwhile, teammates Jono van Wyk and co-driver Nico Swartz showcased remarkable speed, even clinching a stage win. However, their rally was cut short just 200 meters from the finish line due to a steering system malfunction. Despite this setback, their performance highlighted significant potential for the remainder of the season.
Round 2 saw Mdakane and Naidoo delivering clean and consistent stages, maintaining second place overall with just one stage remaining. Unfortunately, a suspension failure forced their early retirement. Van Wyk and Swartz, unable to compete due to damage from the previous day, had to sit out the second round.
As the TGRSA team heads to Secunda, they carry with them valuable lessons and an unwavering determination to secure top positions. The Secunda Rally promises to be an exhilarating event, with both crews eager to demonstrate their skills and the reliability enhancements made to their Toyota Starlet rally cars.
The weather forecast for the rally weekend in Secunda indicates favorable racing conditions. Participants can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 24°C (64°F to 75°F), creating an ideal environment for rallying.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations, TGRSA Rally Manager Guy Botterill shared, “We’ve faced our fair share of challenges in the opening event, but our team has been working tirelessly to ensure our cars are in top condition for Secunda. We are confident in our crews’ abilities and look forward to a successful rally.”
The Secunda Rally will kick off on Friday, May 31, with a series of demanding stages designed to test the drivers’ skill and endurance. The action will continue on Saturday, June 1, culminating in what promises to be an exciting finish. Fans and spectators can look forward to an action-packed rally as TGRSA competes in Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 NRC season.
