KZN rally action venue switches from Durban’s South to North Coast

AS the countdown begins for the first round of the 2018 South African National Rally Championship, the defending local KZN championship duo Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle take on some stiff competition in their newly built Toyota Gazoo Racing Etios.

This duo has been formidable on the rally scene over the past few years and 2017 saw them narrowly take their fourth class title and first national SA Rally Championship title under the new structure of SA Rallying, where the R2N cars became the premier class.

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“We look forward to the 2018 season and especially the Trade Brands Rally that will be run on the North Coast this year,” said Botterill.

This contest has always taken place on the South Coast, until this year where it will take place on the North Coast. Organisers wanted to ensure the large field of spectators the event has drawn will receive word that the contest is in fact still on, just in a different area.

The first round of the 2018 SA Rally Championship will be based at the Lifestyle Centre in Ballito on 9 and 10 March. The competitive stages will take the crews through the sugar cane fields of the area.

In addition, a special stage is planned through the streets of Ballito on Friday night, to provide great close-up action of blazing lights and smoking tyres to spectators.

Further event details and spectator information can be found on the SA Rally website as well as the SA Rallying (@SARallyChamps) and KZN Rally (@KZNRally) Facebook Groups.