Gakgatla 250km Race Thrills
The Cyro Motorsport Group and Botswana Motorsport delivered another adrenaline-packed installment of the 2024 Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship (BORRC). The third round was held in Gakgatla village this past weekend.
The 250km race featured 15 vehicles, underscoring BORRC’s growing appeal among motorsport enthusiasts. The event drew eight teams from Botswana and seven from South Africa, highlighting its international allure. One of the race organizers, Moi Ahmad, noted that the Gakgatla race offered a distinct departure from the terrains of the previous Jwaneng and Mantshwabisi rounds. “This strategic decision highlights BORRC's commitment to showcasing the diverse and challenging landscapes Botswana offers for off-road racing,” he explained.
Ahmad emphasized the race’s international significance, stating that it further cemented BORRC’s reputation on the global off-road racing calendar. “The event continues to attract large, passionate crowds and delivers an electric atmosphere fueled by fierce competition on the course,” he said. BORRC’s impact extends beyond the racing track. In collaboration with Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories, the event offered free prostate cancer screenings for men over 40, raising awareness about men’s health. Ahmad praised this initiative, saying, “This demonstrates BORRC’s commitment to social responsibility.” Safety and efficiency were also prioritized. Ahmad added:
“The diligent planning and execution by the organizers ensured an incident-free race, safeguarding both participants and spectators.” The Gakgatla race tested drivers’ skills and endurance. The time trials produced impressive results, with Gideon Jacobs and Junior Vardy setting the pace: 1. Gideon Jacobs and Junior Vardy (Porter, Class A421): 29 minutes, 26 seconds 2. Mohammed Noor and Muhammad Reza Noble (Porter A77): 32 minutes, 1 second 3. Ridhwan Dada and Shezan Motani (Porter A30): 32 minutes, 12 seconds “The racing was close and intense, with the top nine vehicles separated by just five minutes, setting the stage for a dramatic contest,” Ahmad remarked.
The main race began with fierce battles for position over the first 40km, marked by frequent lead changes. However, the challenging course proved unforgiving. Gideon Jacobs retired due to mechanical failure, and Mohammed Noor pressed on alone after his co-driver fell ill. By the 100km mark, Andre Van der Walt and Kevin Barker (Toyota Hilux) had taken the lead, trailed closely by Steed Wilkinson (Class B Sandmaster). Mechanical issues and the grueling terrain claimed seven more teams, including fan favorite Martin Van der Vyver of Global Elite Racing. Despite setbacks, local talent shone.
The Sekoma team, comprising Stefan Eloff and Jacob Brunette in a Yamaha side-by-side vehicle, secured second place overall and first in the Special Vehicle and Class G categories. Mohammed Noor’s resilience earned him third overall, first in Class A, and second in Special Vehicle. BORRC showcased cutting-edge technology with live satellite tracking of competing vehicles provided by CTrack Botswana.
“The live tracking solution was displayed at the designated service point (DSP) and accessible online, allowing fans to follow the race from anywhere on their mobile devices,” Ahmad explained. The success of the Gakgatla race reflects BORRC’s growing stature. Ahmad praised the event’s organization, which included spectator-friendly zones, a robust police presence, and a collaborative health initiative with Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories.
“The positive response from competitors, fans, and officials alike strengthens BORRC’s foundation as it builds momentum towards the highly anticipated Botswana 1000km International Race in June 2025,” Ahmad said. The final round of the 2024 BORRC season is scheduled for December 7th, promising an exciting conclusion to the year.The Gakgatla 250km race was made possible by sponsors, including CTrack Botswana, Cresta Lodge Gaborone, Off-Road Marshall Botswana, TOP MED, Flying Cargo, SignBase, ER 24/7, PST Distributors, JB Botswana, Tropicana Distributors, and G4S.