THE popular Weskus 4×4 Vasbyt, the final leg of the 2025 motorsport calendar, took place on 27 December at Walvis Bay.
The event saw 16 teams, including several from South Africa, battle it out in the dunes. The competition featured a spectacular display of machinery, such as Izak Maritz’s monstrous vehicle.
His rig is fitted with state-of-the-art off-road specs, including separate lockers for precision manoeuvring through obstacles.
Maritz, who has cleared almost every obstacle in the past, found this year’s course more challenging as organisers opted for a more technical layout. “The event was very nice, but some of the obstacles were a bit more difficult for us,” Maritz says.
Local favourite PJ Balhao, a driver from Walvis Bay with paraplegia, competed in his Land Rover powered by a four-litre Lexus V8 VVTi engine. The vehicle has been specially modified with hand controls, allowing Balhao to compete on equal footing with other drivers. His skill and tenacity ensured he gave the competition a run for their money.
Balhao’s spirit remains unbreakable as he encourages others to pursue their dreams. When asked if fans would see him back in action for the 2026 season, he replied: “Of course, this is the only way.” Every team consists of a driver and a navigator who assists in reading the terrain.
Due to the steep gradients, boulders, loose gravel, and the dreaded mud and tyre pits, every move is critical. Each team begins with 60 points, and marks are deducted for mistakes such as rolling back, stalling the engine, or touching the boundary markers. The 10 obstacles vary in difficulty. To ensure fair play, certain classes are offered alternative routes within a course.
While the goal is to finish with the most points, some teams leave the venue with a score of zero. However, many participants maintain that the spirit of the sport is more important than the trophy.
Entrants competed in different categories, including the B and C classes. South African visitors competed in their own category, as vehicles like Maritz’s possess advanced systems that outmatch local entries. Safety remained a priority, with all vehicles undergoing rigorous inspections before the start.
Despite the high-risk nature of the sport, no serious incidents were reported.
Teams travelled from as far as Mariental, Windhoek, and Otjiwarongo to participate.
The results are as follows: Class C 1. Rico Bothma and Stoffel 2. Morne Oosthuysen and Richard Kuberski 3. Nico and Nico Oberholzer Class D 1. Eben Janse van Rensburg and Liam Janse van Vuuren 2. Johan and Simon la Cock 3. Daniel and Danielle van Rhyn South Africa Class 1. Izak and Johan Maritz 2. Corrie and Robbie Hudson 3. Michael Hudson and Dupie Kem
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