Rally pushes teams to the limit
The 2023 TRACN4 National Rally was a resounding triumph thanks to ideal weather conditions, demanding stages and outstanding driving.
Since 2020, the TRACN4 Rally has been the ultimate stage of the National Rally Championship, solidifying its position as a top-tier motorsport spectacle in the country. Taking place in the town of Dullstroom, located in the Emakhazeni region, the event is widely recognised for its treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, both of which contribute to the thrilling atmosphere that surrounds this competition.
Being the final leg of the National and Northern Regions’ Regional Rally Championships, all 29 competitors went all out during the two-day competition, with JJ Potgieter and Tommy du Toit in their Hyundai i20 proving the best of the best and walking away with the 2023 national title with a total of 353 points for the year.
Second overall, with 271, were Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich in a Mazda 2.
Gustav Potgieter finished third overall in the driver’s standings and Barry White finished as the third best co-driver.
In the NRC2 championships, Potgieter also took the overall driver accolades and White the top honours as co-driver.
The second-best driver in this class was Benjamin Habig, with Armand du Toit as the second-best co-driver.
Third place went to George Smalberger in his 1600 Volkswagen Polo R2.
• National champions (overall driver and co-driver)
1: JJ Potgieter and Tommy du Toit
(Hyundai R4)
2: Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich (Mazda 2 Rally2 Kit R4)
3: Gustav Potgieter and Barry White.
• Regional champions (co-drivers overall)
1: Mari Ducasse (Ford Escort Cosworth 4WD Turbo)
2: Natasha Fourie-Kotze (Celica GT-4 2000cc)
3: Willem Morgan (Conquest 1600cc). 1: Gustav Potgieter 2: Benjamin Habig 3: George Smalberger 1: Bruce Swatton 2: Russel Stone.
• NRC4 co-drivers 1: Caro Storm.
Northern regions class awards:
• NR1 drivers
1: Anton Raaths
2: Johann Fourie
3: Stuart Stirling.
• NR1 co-drivers
1: Mari Ducasse 2: Natasha Fourie Kotze 3: Robin Knighton.
• NR3 drivers
1: Russel Stone
2: Andrea Raaths Duarte.
• NR3 co-drivers
1: Isabel Raaths
2: Bruce Swatton.
• NR4 drivers
1: Diederick Pallas 2: Hennie Mostert.
•NR4 co-drivers
1: Willem Morgan.
The success of the event was praised by TRAC’s CEO, Alex van Niekerk, who attributed it to the impressive driving, sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by all competitors. He expressed TRAC’s pride in being associated with the National Rally Championships and hosting a motorsport competition of such high quality.
In addition to giving back to the world of motorsport, the event also served to strengthen the communities of Emakhazeni. The rally provides a significant economic boost to the area, while supporting the Dullstroom Epilepsy Centre, one of TRAC’s primary corporate social investments.
Since 2020, the event has had a tremendous impact on the facility, and all profits from the past four rallies have been directed towards enhancing and renovating it.
Van Niekerk praised all the competitors and extended a special congratulations to the overall winners and top achievers, acknowledging their remarkable talent and skill, which were truly a pleasure to witness.