Sun City 400 pre-event notes

COMPETITORS HOPING TO END WIN DROUGHT IN NORTHWEST PROVINCE

The Springbok rugby team recently ended a win drought in Northwest Province, and some top off road crews will be hoping for the same on the Sun City 400 on September 29 and 30.

Round six of the Absa Off Road Championship gives teams who have been going through a lean patch in both the Special Vehicle and Production Vehicle categories, the opportunity to get back to winning ways.

The organisers, Off Road SA, are hoping for a record entry as the season enters the home stretch with only two events remaining after Sun City. The organisers are also gearing up for a large contingent of off road enthusiasts to make the trip to the Pilanesberg as spectators.

"All the arrangements are in full swing with no problems," said chief organiser Adri Roets. "As usual we have wonderful co-operation form the Northwest Province authorities, the Royal Bafokeng people, landowners and Sun City.

"Entries are pouring in, the weather is likely to be perfect and with Sun City easily accessible it is shaping up to be a great event."

The Sun City 400 has traditionally had a reputation as being spectator friendly. This year is no different.

There are five designated spectator points of the 45 kilometre prologue on September 29, and no fewer than 13 spectator points on the route for the main race. The main route will be run over two 193 kilometre loops with all the spectator points within a 50 kilometre radius of the start and finish at Sun City.

The Special Vehicle category has this season produced five different winners in the five races run so far. This is indicative of the tough competition, and in the Production Vehicle category the gap between current champions Nissan and Ford and Toyota has closed considerably.

This year's event will start and finish at the Sun City Sport and Recreation Club which will also be home to the designated service point. The prologue will start at 13h00 on September 29 and the race proper at 08h00 on September 30.

Spectator guides will be available at the start and finish and at Ford, Nissan and Toyota Dealers in Rustenburg and hotels within the Sun City complex.

-credit: msa