Photo above: Johan Stauss with co-driver Elzaan van der Schyff finished 1st in the Regional Rally Championship and 3rd in the National Rally Championship.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Ermelo Rally, marking the seventh round of both the National Rally Championship and the Regional Championship, roared to life at Ermelo Toyota on Friday, 27 September. The event drew motorsport enthusiasts eager to witness high-speed competition among the country’s top rally drivers.
Sixteen rally cars lined up at the starting point, ready to tackle thirteen demanding stages over Friday afternoon and Saturday. The rally commenced with four challenging stages on Friday—two at the new PC’s Sand course and two at the well-known Kralinbergh route—setting the tone for a tough competition.
Spectators enjoyed perfect weather on Friday, making the high-speed action at PC’s Sand even more enjoyable. Saturday brought strong winds and dust, adding difficulty to the remaining stages. Drivers had to adapt quickly to reduced visibility while maintaining high speeds, showcasing their resilience and skill.
Photo above: Johan Strauss and Elzaan van der Schyff finished 1st in the Regional Rally and 3rd overall in the National Rally.
Among the competitors were four local teams who drew significant support from the home crowd:
• Johan Strauss and co-driver Elzaan van der Schyff in a Subaru Impreza.
• Paul van Niekerk and co-driver WillemJan Human in a Subaru Impreza.
• Kenneth Venter and co-driver Kemaine Venter in a Toyota Tazz.
• Marnoe van Niekerk and co-driver Francois Keyser in a Honda Civic.
In the Regional Rally, Johan Strauss and co-driver Elzaan van der Schyff clinched first place with impressive stage times and consistent driving, met with enthusiastic applause from local fans. Kenneth and Kemaine Venter, the father-daughter duo, finished fifth, demonstrating excellent teamwork. Unfortunately, Paul van Niekerk and WillemJan Human, and Marnoe van Niekerk and Francois Keyser were forced to retire before the finish due to challenges.
Photo above: The Mazda 2 of Chris Coertse and co-driver Carolyn Swan who finished 1st in the National Rally Championship.
In the National Rally Championship, the overall results were:
1. Chris Coertse and co-driver Carolyn Swan in a Mazda 2.
2. Benjamin Habig and co-driver Barry White in a Volkswagen Polo.
3. Johan Strauss and co-driver Elzaan van der Schyff in a Subaru Impreza.
The GR Ermelo Rally was more than just a race; it was a celebration of motorsport passion and community spirit. The event showcased the talents of drivers and co-drivers and the dedication of support crews and organisers. The challenging courses tested the limits of both man and machine, while varying weather conditions added an unpredictable element.
Photo above: Benjamin Habig and co-driver Barry White finished 2nd in the National Rally Championship.
Looking ahead, teams will analyse their performances for improvement as the championship progresses. The experiences gained in Ermelo will be invaluable in preparing for future rallies. Fans eagerly anticipate the next round, where more high-speed thrills and fierce competition await.