The fifth and second-last leg of the Shell V-Power/M+Z Gobabis National Championship Rally over the weekend delivered non-stop action, as teams fought to collect crucial points ahead of the 2025 national title showdown.
The Gobabis Motorcycle Club served as the event’s hub – hosting the start, finish and service park for all teams.
The first car sped off at 10h00, after which the dust, speed and adrenaline never let up.
Spectators were treated to daring manoeuvres and a few narrow escapes, and Gobabis’ residents turned out in numbers to cheer on their favourites.
Veteran rallyman Michel Rust made a comeback after a 30-year absence.
Rust, a renowned navigator who last competed as a driver in 1995, entered the CR1 Class in a 2×4 Nissan bakkie – a converted tow truck – with Chantel Taljaard as his navigator.
“The last time I drove myself was in 1995. Since then, I’ve been navigating, so it was brilliant to return,” he says.
“We rebuilt the old tow truck from scratch, working every night and weekend. Just finishing the rally feels like a victory.”
Rust finished second in his class and confirmed he plans to continue competing: “We’re back, and you’ll definitely see more of Team Rust.”
In the S4 Class, Alan Martin claimed first place after what he describes as a “tough but rewarding” rally.
“You have to take calculated risks,” he says. “At the start I was cool and calm, but the first stage quickly changed that.”
Hot on his heels was Wido Bartsch, now racing in the same class after moving up from S2. Driving an all-wheel-drive S2000 Toyota Yaris, Bartsch says the difference was immense.
“It’s a whole new world compared to a two-wheel-drive,” he says. “The power and suspension are incredible – it’s an amazing experience.”
Rally cars endure extreme conditions, with their engines, suspension and braking systems taking heavy punishment.
Safety remains paramount. Vehicles are equipped with roll cages, fire extinguishers and cut-off switches, and undergo strict inspection before each race.
Crews also wear fire-retardant gear, while paramedics and ambulances remain on standby throughout the event.
The organisers have thanked the police’s traffic division, the Gobabis Fire Brigade, local ambulance services and OSH-Med International for ensuring safety and smooth operations. No incidents were reported.
Gobabis once again proved why it’s a spectator’s dream – with crowds lining the route for kilometres to witness the spectacle.
The championship’s final leg will take place at Swakopmund on 14 and 15 November.
Results:
S4 Class: First Alan Martin/Maretha Olivier; second Wido Bartsch/Raymond Fourie
S2 Class: First Zachary Martin/Anique Schoeman
S1 Class: First Kai and Katja Pretorius; second Pieter Greeff/JP Robinson
CR2 Class: First Rian Kritzinger/Dalton Bezuidenhout; second Etienne van der Heever/Willy van Wyk; third Ruaan Viviers/Cecil Koorts
CR1 Class: First Ekko Eisenberg/Horazio Rietz; second Michel Rust/Chantel Taljaard; third Michael and Darius Kotze.
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