The Secunda Motor Rally, the first ever national event to be staged in this area of Cosmos Country and the third round in the 2015 SA National Rally Championship is scheduled to take place on 15 and 16 May in close proximity of the mining and industrial town of Secunda in Mpumalanga.
The rally, over a total distance of 316km will consist of 12 special stages totalling an approximate distance of 185 km in a very compact format – the furthest stage being only 17 km from the service park complex.
The brand new national event follows on a highly successful Northern Regions regional rally held in the area late last year. This event received wonderful support from the Secunda community.
According to Clerk of the Course Willie du Plessis “land owners have spent a lot of time and money on preparing a great route for this new national event” and the event has the support of important stake holders, including local businesses and media.
The Secunda Motor Rally is set to start at the Graceland Casino at 1pm on Friday, 15 May, immediately followed by the opening gravel stage opposite the Graceland Casino. Competitors will then take on another five stages before the overnight stop at the popular Lake Umuzi waterfront complex on the southern outskirts of the town.
Aptly named the Capital of Cosmos Country the Lake Umuzi waterfront development includes various accommodation options, good restaurants and great entertainment facilities for families and children, including a water park. The rally headquarters and service park complex will also be situated here.
A short 3.7 km stage next to the lake at the complex will be the final stage on Friday night providing spectators with a perfect opportunity to see the cars, and the service crews, in action.
On Saturday crews will tackle another five stages before the event finishes at Lake Umuzi with the final 3.7km stage next to the lake in the afternoon.
Du Plessis described the stages and route for the event as an “interesting mix”. “While some of the special stages will run through mealie fields it will also consist of flowing sections through quarries and other areas with different road surfaces, ensuring a greater variety,” he said.
The service park at Lake Umuzi will be open for team setup from Thursday and scrutineering will take place at Secunda Toyota from 6pm onwards. This will include an autograph session – providing another opportunity for rally followers to meet the top rally crews in the country.
• Details: Visit the official website or follow them on twitter.
