TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) celebrated a landmark weekend in the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), claiming a maiden series victory for Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet, alongside a podium finish for Guy Botterill and Oriol Mena. While the results from Round 2 remain under review, Round 3 showcased the team’s formidable pace, resilience, and strategic mastery over a grueling 800km double-header.
The Free State town of Parys, perched on the banks of the Vaal River, hosted the action-packed weekend. With Designated Service Points and Race HQ located at Stonehenge Lodge, crews were tasked with two full rounds of the national championship. Each round offered a full complement of championship points, making the double-header a pivotal juncture in the season’s title battle.
TGRSA’s two GR Hilux IMT EVO crews faced the challenging stages with characteristic determination. While Friday’s Round 2 results are still under review, both crews remained in podium contention throughout, demonstrating consistent speed and strategic discipline. Saturday’s action, however, left no room for doubt. Variawa and Cazalet carved out a commanding overall win, while Botterill and Mena battled fiercely to secure third place, keeping the chasing pack at bay and delivering a second podium for the team.
The Parys terrain proved to be every bit as punishing as expected. Despite mid-winter conditions, the stages offered a combination of deep water crossings, mud traps, and technical stretches that tested both machinery and mettle. Moderate temperatures and light winds belied the intensity on the ground, where drivers and co-drivers had to balance speed with car preservation—an approach TGRSA has honed through years of Dakar Rally experience.
“It was a tough weekend for sure,” reflected TGRSA Team Principal, Shameer Variawa. “Tactically, our crews had to preserve the cars for Round 3, but they not only finished strongly on Round 2, they also secured a double podium the very next day. For the team, there was enormous pressure to ensure both cars were fully prepared for two consecutive rounds. This is familiar territory for us, thanks to our Dakar Rally experience, and in the end, we are ecstatic with the confirmed results.”
With championship points still pending for Round 2, TGRSA enters the next phase of the season in a strong position. The upcoming Round 4 is scheduled for 19–20 September at Louvain Guest Farm near George in the Western Cape. As a new addition to the SARRC calendar, it promises to deliver fresh challenges—and another opportunity for TGRSA to consolidate their growing momentum.
For Variawa, Cazalet, Botterill, Mena, and the entire TGRSA squad, the weekend in Parys was not just about points; it was a statement of intent. The team has shown it has the speed, skill, and strategic depth to contend at the sharp end of the championship, setting the tone for what could be a decisive season in South African rally-raid competition.
