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Round six sponsor named
Sun International's flagship resort Sun City has announced that it will sponsor the sixth round of the SA Off Road Championship... presented by Absa. The Sun City 400 will take place in the Pilanesberg area on September 26 and 27 and promises ...
Published: Sep 11, 2003, 2:02 PM
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Sun International's flagship resort Sun City has announced that it will sponsor the sixth round of the SA Off Road Championship... presented by Absa.
The Sun City 400 will take place in the Pilanesberg area on September 26 and 27 and promises to be a true spectacle that should attract adrenaline junkies in their droves.
Organised by Off Road South Africa (ORSA), the Sun City 400 will no doubt bring back fond memories for veterans in the off road racing fraternity who will recall just how tough this event was in the 1980's.
Klaus Degener pioneered the event, which was based at the resort from 1986 to 1995 and formed part of the Sun International Off Road Series as well as the SA Off Road Championship.
World famous names such as Malcolm Smith, the star of cult movie "On Any Sunday' and winner of the Star Roof of Africa Rally on a motorcycle in 1982 and in a Chenowth co-driven by Bruce Joelson in 1983 and Indy Car and NASCAR star Robby Gordon have competed in the Sun City 400. Smith and Joelson won the 1992 Sun City 400 in a Chenowth but Gordon failed to finish the 1993 event.
"Those were the glory days of off road racing in South Africa, which with the backing of Sun International elevated the sport to new highs," said Degener, a former Springbok show jumper who now devotes his time to furthering the show jumping careers of his daughters. "The decision by Sun City to become involved in the SA Off Road Championship is a tremendous move on their part and given the high level of manufacturer participation, which we did not have in days gone by, their involvement should deliver the required return on investment."
In announcing the sponsorship Brett Hoppe, the Events and Incentive Division, General Manager - Sun City, said that off road racing had been part of the Sun City culture for many years.
"Sun City is delighted to be part of the SA Off Road Championship...presented by Absa and if the season to date is anything to go by this year's Sun City 400 is going to be an event to be remembered," said Hoppe. "Adri Roets from ORSA has put together a testing route and we've made special provision for fans with a comprehensive route guide, well-marked spectator points and fast food and beverage outlets at selected vantage points."
The Sun City 400 gets underway with a 40km Prologue at 13:00 on Friday, September 26 with the main event, which comprises three laps of a 130km route, starting at 08:00 on Saturday. The first vehicle is expected at the finish at 13:00.
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