Off-Road Racing on a comeback
Motorsport in Botswana is experiencing a significant upswing, thanks to the introduction of the Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship (BORRC), which made its debut earlier this year in the mining town of Jwaneng. This event has filled the void left by the 1000km Toyota Desert Race, previously a marathon leg of the renowned Southern African Rally Raid Championship, which moved to South Africa this year. The next BORCC event is scheduled for 21st September at Mantshwabisi village in this sourthern part of Botswana. Up to 20 cars from Botswana and South Africa are expected to compete. In response to the absense of the Desert Race, the organizers of BORRC acted swiftly to offer motorsport enthusiasts a locally brewed off-road racing experience. So far, the championship is making remarkable progress, including the announcement of a partnership with Cresta Hotels at a recent event held in Gaborone.
Speaking at the event, attended by media and stakeholders, Cresta Hotels General Manager, Candace Selato, expressed the company’s excitement about being the official hospitality partner for BORRC.
“This partnership is not just a union of our brands but a powerful collaboration aimed at promoting sports tourism in Botswana and showcasing the vibrant experiences our nation has to offer,” Selato said.
“At Cresta Hotels, we are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for our guests, and through this partnership, we are thrilled to extend our renowned hospitality into the dynamic world of off-road racing. Supporting the Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship allows us to enhance the experience for participants, fans, and visitors, while also highlighting Botswana as a premier destination for sports tourism,” she added.
Selato further emphasized Cresta's commitment to ensuring every participant and visitor enjoys Botswana's rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes, expressing excitement about contributing to the growth of sports tourism in the country.
Mohamed Noor, from Cyro Motorsport, one of the event’s organizers, described the partnership with Cresta Hotels as a milestone in Botswana's motorsport history.
“On behalf of the Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship, I extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners—Botswana Motorsport, Cresta Hotels Group, and all stakeholders, including the Botswana Police Service, landowners, competitors, and our passionate fans. Your collective efforts and support have made it possible for Botswana to proudly host its own off-road racing championship,” Noor said.
He also highlighted that the collaboration with Cresta Hotels not only elevates the profile of off-road racing in Botswana but also sets the stage for the country's future participation on regional and global motorsport platforms.
'From the inaugural Jwaneng Desert Challenge, we have seen exciting growth in international competitors and a surge in local team participation. Our vision for BORRC is to extend these races across various regions of Botswana, showcasing the diverse and challenging terrains that make our country a paradise for off-road racing enthusiasts,' he added.
Noor emphasized that partnerships like the one with Cresta Hotels, along with Botswana Motorsport's affiliation with the FIA, position Botswana at the forefront of off-road racing in the region. He believes this collaboration will inspire other leading organizations to join in promoting tourism and sport in Botswana.
Noor also pointed out that Botswana has historically relied on South Africa for off-road racing events, but that is changing due to the dedication of Botswana Motorsport and private sector support. “We now have the capacity, skills, and knowledge to host our own championship, showcasing the best of what Botswana has to offer,” he stated.
He called on key stakeholders in sectors such as tourism and sports, as well as the government, to follow Cresta Hotels' lead in supporting the growth of motorsport in the country. 'Together, we can elevate Botswana’s motorsport to new heights and leave a mark on the global stage,' Noor concluded.
Tefo Dithapo, representing the FIA and Botswana Motorsport (BMS), expressed pride in witnessing Cresta Hotels backing Cyro Motorsport Group and BORRC.
“Motorsport, often overlooked by corporates and key stakeholders, has historically been associated solely with the Desert Race. Today, Botswana Motorsport is proud to say we have taken a giant leap forward. Botswana now has its own off-road championship, attracting competitors from across the border, including South Africa,” Dithapo said.
He also noted that Botswana's leadership has challenged them to drive economic transformation through private sector collaboration. “Through partnerships like this one with Cresta Hotels, we are racing toward a goal without a shadow of a doubt,” he added.
Dithapo praised the partnership as a catalyst for positive change, bringing employment opportunities, attracting investment, and fostering business development. He emphasized that such initiatives also create opportunities for the informal sector at race events, driving economic growth at all levels.
“Botswana is a land of hidden gems and superstars, from the likes of Letsile Tebogo to Ross Branch, who carry our nation’s name proudly on the global stage. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, and Botswana Motorsport is honored to be part of this journey with Cyro Motorsport and Cresta Hotels,” Dithapo concluded.