04 Apr 2022

Motorsport enthusiasts were treated to a weekend of pulsating duel of their favourite vehicles taking on the toughest obstacle course at Tsutsubega near Maun.

In the 4x4 Jeep category, Erika de Bruyn finished at the top in the women event having delivered an electrifying finish in the muddy terrain.

Rizanie Pretorius came second in a Prado to complete the category that fielded only two women.

Nico Van Reinsburg finished at the top of the table in the men division having delivered a stellar performance in his Toyota FJ Cruiser overcoming the bumpy and steep terrains in a good time.

Schalk Pretorius accumulated the second largest points in a Prado while Gary du Preez came third in a Toyota assembled vehicle that stole the show with its unique features.

Speaking on the sidelines of the challenge, de Bruyn stated that the challenge was exciting since this was her first time driving her family’s 4x4 Jeep.

She highlighted that the obstacle course required a lot of strength and courage because the vehicle had to tackle steep angles, muddy and sandy terrains.

However, she said the muddy terrain where they had to go through a thin wall was her favourite as it looked impossible to undertake but she did it until half way through where the car got stuck in the mud.

de Bruyn indicated that she believed in equality, hence developing keen interest to compete in these obstacle course driving alongside her husband as co-driver.

She further noted that the 4x4 fun day was a team building platform that brought families, drivers and participants together to have fun.

For his part, du Preez stated that his vehicle was Botswana built with assembled Toyota parts to come up with a beautiful and unique machine.

He highlighted that he was a seasoned 4x4 driver having competed in obstacle challenges in South Africa before.

The Maun dweller stated that he was impressed with the hype he received from spectators as he was undertaking the challenges.du Preez said the mud terrain was the most challenging one however noted that he was determined to finish it though all other cars had failed.

“The mud was very sticky and it seemed as though the car would not go any further but I pushed and pushed forward until we completed it and we were the only car that went all the way to the finish line.”

He thanked Xhoo adventure farm for putting together such an event adding that fun days like these unite people.

Xhoo adventure public relations officer, Gopolang Dodo stated that the 4x4 family fun day and obstacle course went well as people attended in large numbers.

She said 14 drivers from Maun, Francistown and Gantsi competed in the 4x4 obstacle challenge were the terrains were diverse from, sandy, muddy, steep and bumpy.

She indicated that such an event was easy to sell to the people because it was family orientated incorporating other fun activities like go carts, swimming and camping.

Dodo further said this was a proper time for people to go out for a breather because they had been locked up due to COVID-19.She stated that Maun was a tourism hub hence it was important to host events of these nature in order to bring different companies and potential investors together.

She thanked everyone who attended the event and appreciated all sponsors for making the event a success. ENDS