The final Swakop Shell V-Power/M+Z Motors Rally of 2025 is set to be one of the largest and most significant events in local rally history.
The rally attracted 31 entries – the highest number in 11 years.
The record previously stood at 37 cars during the 44th Tara rally, which included six South African teams.
In recent years, entry numbers rarely exceeded 30 cars, making the 2025 event a sign of systematic progress in the sport’s revival.
The two-day rally covered 10 stages, kicking off at the old Martin Luther, now M+Z Stage, on Friday afternoon before concluding the night’s racing through the town’s industrial area.
Both stages were well attended by spectators. Stage two, the only one run on tarred and interlock surfaces, required a distinct driving approach compared to driving on loose gravel.
Teams demonstrated high-level driving skills during the sprints.
During stage two, Zachary Martin’s car suffered engine failure. The incident took place metres before the finish line, allowing him to coast the car over the line and remain in the competition.
Martin’s technical team worked to install a new engine overnight. Despite minimal rest, he returned for the start of the second day and secured first place in Class 2.
Day two involved the remaining eight stages, all held in daylight. They were technical and fast. The open areas allowed teams to use maximum power, and some drivers incorporated manoeuvres for spectator entertainment.
The rally also saw a notable number of debutants. MP Pretorius and his navigator made their debut in a Renault Duster 5l V8, alongside Annaline and Stefan Bartsch (mother and son) in a VW Polo 2l.
Pretorius, who transitioned from smooth circuit racing surfaces, showed skill on the rally tracks.
Speaking to TopRevs, Pretorius confirmed he was drawn to the rally after navigating for champion Rian Kritzinger. He acquired the Duster, previously owned by team Ruan Viviers and Cecil Koorts. Viviers and Koorts now race in the CR-6, formerly driven by Loic Bathfield and Johan Steyn.
Participants provided feedback on the event.
Ekko Eisenberg (JAC T9) says: “It is rough and it is fast. The Swakopmund rally is always a challenge due to the two stages at night, but so far, so good as we have had no issues except checking fuel and tyre pressure – the normal stuff.”
Stefanie Botha (Subaru Impreza) says her team had an eventful rally.
“It is so well organised and exciting. The parts we could drive, we went flat out. The car was overheating a bit and there were pieces we had to free or drive slowly for the car to cool down.”
Later, a flat tyre and a faulty jack resulted in time and points loss, she says.
Etienne van der Heever (Bat Venom) says the rally was tough.
“We lost a C-clip on one of the CV joints in the last stage, so we stood there and spectated until we realised we could make a plan, and here we are.”
The setback cost the team approximately 30 minutes, he says.
Madeleine Koegelenberg (Ford Icon) says she and navigator Tivian von Weidts enjoyed the event very much, “but unfortunately had to withdraw due to technical problems, either a water pump or thermostat”.
The team told TopRevs they plan to return for the local championships.
Alan Martin afterwards acknowledged the participants’ entries.
“I was impressed and it showed that people who promised they would come back, actually came back. I’m grateful they made the effort”.
He said if this entry level is sustained, 2026 should see further growth.
Only 20 teams, 12 in the challenge (CR) and eight in the sedan (S) class, completed all 10 stages.
Event organiser and driver Wido Bartsch has thanked the police, the traffic department, and reservists of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay for their support and crowd control.
The dates for the 2026 season will be announced soon.
FINAL RESULTS
S Class
S4: First Alan Martin and Maretha Olivier, Skoda R5
S2: First Martin Jr and Anique Schoeman, VW Polo 2.0
S1: First Pieter Greeff and JP Robinson, Toyota Corolla
Super Rally: Stefanie Botha and Mandi Landsberg, Subaru Impreza
CR Class
CR2: First Rian Kritzinger and Dalton Bezuidenhout, Ford Courier
CR1: First Eisenberg and Horazio ‘Rassie’ Rietz, JAC T8
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