Gavin Walton triumphs with 453 points in 2024 DJ Rally

Gavin Walton secured his sixth victory in the iTOO DJ Rally, concluding in Benoni on Saturday, March 16. His impressive score of 453 seconds placed him 19 seconds ahead of Martin Kaiser, with last year’s champion, Mike Ward, claiming third position with 483 seconds. The rally featured 71 timed checkpoints, split between 36 on day 1 and 35 on day 2.

This edition marked the 52nd running of the renowned regularity trial, commemorating the historic motorcycle road race from Durban to Johannesburg, which occurred annually from 1913 to 1936. To honour this legacy, participating motorcycles must have been manufactured before 1937. With an average age of 92 years this year’s field comprised 76 starters.

Walton, who hails from Springs, clinched victory astride his trusted 1936 AJS 500, marking his 20th appearance in the DJ Rally. Leading after day 1, Walton maintained his momentum despite finishing second on day 2, securing another triumph for his storied career.

Reflecting on the event, Walton expressed his satisfaction with the improved road conditions and the professional organisation, which saw no disputes over the results.

Kaiser, riding a 1934 Sunbeam 500, secured second place for the second consecutive year, while Ward, aboard a 1935 Velocette 500, settled for third after his previous year’s victory.

Among the noteworthy participants was Trevor Binder, father of MotoGP stars Brad and Darryn Binder, who finished 15th overall riding a 1925 Indian Scout 600. Notably, four female riders completed the rally, with Bev Jacobs leading the pack in 11th place.

Despite two accidents during the event, the organisers, spearheaded by the Vintage and Veteran Club of South Africa (VVC), ensured a successful rally, with Tom Linley making a commendable debut as clerk of the course.

In recognition of their achievements, all trophy recipients received a copy of the 2024 Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMC) calendar. The VVC expressed its gratitude to participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their contributions to the rally’s success.

Top 10 results:

Gavin Walton (1936 AJS 500) – 453 seconds error

Martin Kaiser (1934 Sunbeam 500) – 472

Mike Ward (1935 Velocette 500) – 483

Mike Venables (1933 BSA Blue Star 500) – 636.

Neville Nicolau (1935 BMW 750) – 745

Kevin Kohler (1933 Sunbeam 500) – 746

Martin Davis (1929 Ariel 500) – 787

JC van Rooyen (1936 Ariel Red Hunter 350) – 889

Jason Anderson (1929 AJS 350) – 958

Ryan Duncan (1934 Norton 500) – 996

Photos: Supplied