New local motor race emerges
Addressing the press and audience members at the Lechana Bush race launch in Gaborone this past week, Rabantheng said organisers realised that motorsport is still wanting in Botswana and this motivated them to class the event as amateur. It is not exclusive to the professionals only but it’s everyone’s race.
“We are aware that Batswana have a three-point home system and this includes Moraka (cattle post) and masimo (farm) where they are expected to drive off-road to access some of these areas. This means that the bush race is fitting and relevant to Botswana. We are hoping that Batswana will be involved in the race which promotes the spirit of Africa,” she said. Regarding the technical aspects of the race, the organisers made it clear that the cars that will compete will not be modified and only a roll cage
may be permissible to address the safety aspect of the event. The driver of the day will be required to wear protective gear.
Furthermore, the race will also include two wheelers and quad bikes. Rabantheng said the bikes and quads will be able to do only one loop of 130 km while the cars will be expected to race a full 260 km over two days. “The race will start somewhere near Lechana through Tshimoyapula village and then back to the start -finish point.” The route will also include fuel points, spectator points and campsites. Meanwhile, the motor race will attract P50 000 1st Prize money while both bike and quad categories will each attract P20 000 in 1st Prize money. Some of the sponsors of the event include Barloworld, VW Auto Commercial through the Amarok brand and Borvic Botswana, Chariots of Fire and Paper Station.