Offroad action at Rebel 4×4

Rebel 4×4 in Muldersdrift played host to the opening competition of the 2024 Maxxis 4×4 Challenge on March 9.

Spectators came from far and wide to watch the action as four-wheel-drive vehicles of all sorts took part in a series of challenges designed to push vehicles to their limits, and to test the mettle of the drivers on this difficult terrain.

According to Rebel 4×4 Offroad Club chairperson, Francois Lottering, the Maxxis 4×4 Challenge consists of nine competitions held at different venues throughout the year.

“We are lucky to host two of these competitions every year,” he says.

“We have some of the top drivers in the country taking part, with vehicles participating over six classes.”

The vehicle classes are Standard, Standard Expert, Locker, Pro Locker, Modified, and Top Truck. Each class has very specific rules regarding tyre sizes and the level of modification allowed. The Top Truck class sports features like independently turning back wheels and highly modified traction devices.

The track was extremely challenging and there was no shortage of action on the day. Each track is designed with the vehicle class in mind, but that does not mean that it is easy.

“There are strict rules,” says Lottering. “Drivers start with many points and they have to complete every course, losing points for every rollback, and every track marker that they hit.

“Every time you roll back or hit a marker, a specific number of points is deducted. The idea is to complete the course with as many points as possible.”

The competition provided many nail-biting moments as drivers and vehicles battled to conquer the difficult terrain.

There were many spectacular feats of 4×4 mastery, and also a few dramatic spills.

The event was accompanied by a market selling everything from delicious food and drinks, to tyres and 4×4 accessories.