Van Wyk Joins BMT Driver Line-up

It’s a done deal. This year, Jono van Wyk, the Swazi Cowboy, will be in action behind the wheel of an AR1 all-wheel drive Toyota Starlet. Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy- Lyle’s decision to withdraw from the 2023 National Rally Championship prompted a search to complete the Toyota Gazoo BMT Racing team. Mandla Mdakane, Kes Naidoo, and Van Wyk will be joined by Navigator Nico Swartz. The second brand-new Toyota Starlet, which has been expected for a long time, has now arrived and is ready for Mdakane to race this season.

Times like this are thrilling. Since 2015, there has not been a substantial manufacturer presence in the South African National Rally Championship, thus it is wonderful to see Toyota backing rallies again. Although not on the same big scale as in the past. We are all eagerly awaiting to see whether other manufacturers would get interested in Rallies once more to protect their trademarks on the wide gravel roads of South Africa.

The first and second rounds of the SA National Rally Championships 2023 season kicks off in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, on April 28 and 29. The popular Cape Grand Prix challenges friends and fo alike. Rounds 3 and 4 are held in Secunda in memory of a devoted rally fan and sponsor who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. The 26th and 27th of May 2023 mark the Billy Te Water Memorial Rally in Secunda, the “Petrol Head” capital of Mpumalanga. For your stay in Secunda, Lake Umuzi provides a wide range of accommodation alternatives. Call Central Reservations at this number: +27 (0)17 631 3506
Phone number two: +27 (0)17 631 3452 (3) Landline: +27 (0)17 631 3441, or email: welcome@lakeumuzi.co.za

The teams have a vacation in June to repair, restock, and prepare the vehicles for Rounds 5 and 6 of the Algoa National Rally in Gqeberha. Crews will compete during the event, which is set for July 7 and 8, in and around the Jeffreysbay and Longmore Forests. A constant high point with fantastic rally stages. I am really excited about this one!

The action will take place on August 25 and 26 in the hip and happening Limpopo Town of Tzaneen. In the Merensky Woods, the local organizing team is already hard at work building additional stages. This historical occurrence has long been cherished by the Rally brotherhood as a part of its history. With both gravel and the well-liked tarmac Town sections, the Tzaneen Rally promises thrilling action once again this year. If you miss this, you will undoubtedly lose out greatly.

Gooi Miellies! The next destination on the Calendar is Delmas. On October 20 and 21, 2023, the Delmas National Rally takes place. These stages provide the fuel for Gravel-hungry rally vehicles. Huge dust clouds are a clear sign of determined crews racing to victory! There is no need to miss out on this one as it is close to both Jozi and the capital of Tshwane.

The TRACN4 National Rally, the season’s big finale, is a combat royale between the warriors in Belfast’s SAFCOL and SNJ Timber plantations. Rally Headquarters will be located in the Dullstroom Epilepsy Center, while the service park will be at the local Oval. Put November 17th and 18th on your calendars for the party of the year.

There you have it, folks, a Jam Packed season across the country to determine who will walk away with the crown of the 2023 SA National Rally Championship. Follow our Social media pages, and links available on our website!