Toyota Desert Race Returns
After a long hiatus since 2019, it's time to buckle up for the most exhilarating motorsport event in the continent as the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) makes its grand return to Botswana with the Toyota Gazoo Racing 1,000 Kalahari Botswana Desert Race (TGR 1000). Set against the rugged backdrop of Jwaneng, this three-day rally extravaganza from June 23 to 25 is poised to captivate local rally and off-road enthusiasts who have eagerly awaited this heart-pounding spectacle.
Known as the crown jewel of the South African Rally Raid Championship and the continent's longest rally event, the TGR 1000 is a motorsport masterpiece that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to adrenaline fueled thrills. The event promises a thrilling 1,000-kilometer journey through the desert terrain, challenging the mettle of the competitors and their high tech racing machines like never before. Petrolheads and the local motorsport fraternity are anticipating a marathon of high-octane racing, adrenaline-pumping action, and the ultimate test of endurance.
Jwaneng, the mining town residents, and its surrounding communities are ready to be swept away by a motorsport frenzy as fans throng the streets to witness the return of this iconic race. Not only is the TGR 1000 renowned for its legendary status, but it also acts as a catalyst for economic activity in Botswana, particularly in the informal sector, petroleum, and tourism. The event's resounding impact on Jwaneng and Botswana as a whole is undeniable.
The TGR 1000 Desert Race last graced Jwaneng in 2018, making this year's event a fresh and exciting experience for many current competitors. With nearly 1,000 kilometers of grueling racing over three days, set against the desert-like
conditions, every twist and turn adds to the intensity. The race's reputation as an iconic event has only grown since its inception in 1991, solidifying its place in the annals of local and international motorsport history.
This month's action-packed program will showcase a feast of national championship racing, featuring round three of the SA Rally-Raid Championship and rounds two and three of the Botswana Motorsport (BMS) Off Road Motorcycle and Quad Championships. Bringing together cars, motorcycles, and quads, this spectacle promises to be an unparalleled display of skill and precision.
Through the Motorsport South Africa (MSA) website this week, Archie Rutherford, CEO of SARRC, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, "It is great to have the cars, motorcycles, and the quads under one roof. The weekend is regarded as the premier sporting and social event in Botswana and is the blue-chip event on the SARRC calendar."
Fans and spectators will be bracing themselves for an epic showdown as competitors tackle the demanding route that embodies the essence of the Desert Race. While some may find familiarity in the course due to desert racing experience, the unforgiving nature of the race always keeps them on their toes.
According to MSA, The race will consist of 'east' and 'west' loops for cars, motorcycles, and quads. On Saturday, the cars will conquer the 'east' loop, while the 'west' loop awaits them on Sunday. The motorcycles and quads will follow the same pattern, ensuring a riveting and unpredictable competition for all.
In an exciting twist for the 2023 edition, SARRC competitors will engage in a thrilling 61-kilometer Pirelli Qualifying Race, determining the starting order for the main event. The fastest ten teams will have the unique opportunity to draw and choose their starting positions, adding an element of strategy to the mix.
The race route on Saturday will take competitors on two loops of 220 kilometers, leading them east of Jwaneng towards Sese, Betesankwe, Tsonyane, and Lefhoko before looping back to the town. On Sunday, they will tackle a challenging 214-kilometer loop twice, venturing to the southwestern side of Jwaneng.
Spectators will be expecting a diverse array of tight and fast sections as competitors bypass Mokhomma and Semane before heading north and crossing the A2 up to the northern district border. They will then return to Jwaneng, navigating the western side of the Debswana mine.
Sunday will witness the race route extending toward the southwestern side of Jwaneng, with the starting order determined by the previous day's results. Teams that faced setbacks on Saturday have a second chance to claim vital points for the various championships up for grabs.
"Race Headquarters and the Designated Service Point (DSP) will be conveniently located at the Jwaneng Sports Complex. Competitors will return to the DSP, situated at the halfway mark of the race, for a compulsory service break before embarking on the remaining loop," MSA states.
As the TGR 1000 Kalahari Botswana Desert Race has solidified its status as one of Botswana's biggest sporting events, thousands of spectators from both Botswana and South Africa are expected to gather in anticipation. Spectators
will have easy access to prime vantage points, and the Botswana Police Service will be expected to be out in full force to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety of both spectators and competitors.
Adding to the excitement, the event will incorporate the Road to Dakar competition. Thanks to Toyota's sponsorship, this competition opens doors for local competitors to realize their dreams, with the ultimate prize being an entry to participate in the renowned Dakar Rally.