Mud everywhere, dust in the air and the smell of a burnt clutch. These elements were present during an exciting 4×4 event recently held in the Hekpoort area.
On October 5, the twice-annual Hekpoort 4×4 event occurred at Laerskool Hekpoort, attracting around 4 000 spectators and 128 competitors.
This event between eager 4×4 enthusiasts goes back to 1999 when the school collaborated with the Hekpoort 4×4 club. Jaco Erasmus and Alex Rademan started it.
According to the principal of Laerskool Hekpoort, Tania Rademan, there were five different categories for the vehicles to compete in ranging from your everyday Toyota Hilux (her favourite of all the cars) to extreme off-road pipe cars.
“There were 130 obstacles for the competitors to complete with various levels of difficulty. We host this event twice a year on the first week of May and then in October. The funds raised go towards the school,” Tania said.
She continued to say that the scores are based on how many mistakes competitors make. For example, when the vehicle rolls back, points are deducted. The ultimate winners win a cash prize.
The Krugersdorp News attended the day where it was evident that enthusiasts thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was also thrilling to see the many V8s spinning through the mud pit and complete obstacles.
Competitor Xavier de Beer and his co-driver tackled the course in his Jeep Willys CJ6, which was a military vehicle before it was purchased by his grandfather in 1986.
“We swapped the engine with a V8 Lexus motor and also the gearbox with a Hilux KZTE one. To even better the car’s off-road capabilities, we also added a Hilux SFR on both differentials,” Xavier said about the car’s upgrades.
He added the course was fantastic yet challenging and the event well organised.
The main attraction was of course the mud pit where two vehicles raced through for about 20m. The aim was to see who had the most power and speed.
Many of the pipe cars had enough speed and power to cross it in a couple of seconds, due to their V8’s high power output, and the car weighing next to nothing and some even caught some air at the end.
The day concluded with Riaan Benade performing and a braai fire as high as rugby poles. Some competitors and spectators who arrived even decided to set up tents and sleep over on the rugby field.
