POLOKWANE – In the last event of the South African Cross Country Series (SACCS) in May, the Battlefields 400 Race in the area of Dundee in KwaZulu Natal, Baragwanath and his navigator, Leonard Cremer, was running seventh overall and third in Class T with second place in sight after the 280 km mark.
Disappointingly for Baragwanath and Cremer, the left cv-boot was torn off and due to the muddy conditions the excess mud caused the cv to break. If that was not enough, the differential crown wheel and pinion broke as well.
It was a frustrating end to the day, but Baragwanath can still run for a possible podium place.
Baragwanath races in an older generation Ford Ranger which says a lot about his pace and what he is capable of.
“A big thanks to all my sponsors and my friends and family for their support and the opportunity to race in this year’s SACCS championship, it is an awesome experience,” said Baragwanath.
“With age comes the cage,” Baragwanath mocked on his shift from quads to vehicle cross country racing.
He injured his shoulder last year during a race and decided to take a break from this year’s races and give his injury time to recover completely.
“I got bored from not having to race, so I shifted my focus from quads to vehicles,” he explained. This weekend is one of the most iconic races on the SACCS calendar, the Toyota 1000 Desert Race.
“Our aim for the 1000 Desert Race is to finish it as this race is the longest distance of the other races on the calendar.
The race is held in Botswana and with the quad I have competed at least in five 1000 Desert Races.
“It is also over three days then the usual two days of the other races. It is always a blessing when sponsors give you that fighting chance. A big thanks to all my sponsors for putting their faith in me and giving me some traction for the rest of the season for my debut in Class T at the SCCS Auto,” said Baragwanath.
“I look forward to the adventures to come with the help of my friends, family and sponsors.
“Thanks to all involved for this opportunity and all those who have offered help and advice. Motorsport is filled with amazing people and I have five national races to make it count.”
Baragwanath achieved an incredible third place on his debut in the gruelling 2016 Dakar Rally on his quadbike with Team Rhide SA.
The team has since changed its name to Team Rhino SA.
Baragwanath said the motivation stemmed from one of the causes of the team which is to create awareness for the protection of rhinos in South Africa.
“Our aim at Team Rhino SA is to compete in 2019 again at the Dakar Rally,” Baragwanath added.
He said it is a long-term dream of his to one day compete in a racing vehicle in the Dakar Rally.
“Competing in the local national Cross Country Series in the vehicle category is part of the learning curve for me to prepare for the Dakar Rally. I must admit, it is by far a more technical challenge as a vehicle has far more parts to take care of, however, I greatly enjoy the challenge,” said Baragwanath.
