07 Jun 2023

Motorsport lovers are waiting with baited breath to witness old rivalries between car dealerships, drivers and fans alike during the biggest cross country event in Southern Africa; Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race billed for Jwaneng June 23-25.

The event popularly known as Mantshwabisi is expected to make a grand come back after three years break due to among other factors, the outbreak of COVID-19.   

In an interview, the events MC of Botswana Motorsport Joseph Khengere said the highlight of this year’s event will be in the category of Key1 plus, which comprises drivers with a wealth of experience likely to unleash their potential to get a podium finish.

He pointed out that so far Team Ford was expected to come with guns blazing and prove a point

Khengere said the new car was much quicker than the previous models, adding it was capable of causing an upset especially that they would have the experienced Lance Woolridge.

The race which forms round three of the South African cross country championship presents spectators with the thrill of the off-road motorsport.

He revealed that the second leg of the competition held previously in South African saw Ford leading the pack for the better part of the race, only for them to be stopped by a flat tyre in the last lap of the 400 km race.

“The incident led them to lose the first place finish to Toyota driven by Hank Lategan,” adding that the Jwaneng would be different as the race is longer and making it possible for a driver to recover after an obstacle. So, anything can happen on the day.”

Furthermore, Khengere said the Atlas cop stable or team Toyota could not be underestimated given their winning streaks enjoyed in past races.

Despite having lost their experienced driver, Chris Visser, Nissan Atlas cop still have what it takes to defend their title.

The camp still have the likes of Giniel De Villers who is also not a novice and has amassed years of experience with Team Toyota, competing for the podium finish with his team mate Lategan and the then team mate Visser in the past.“Visser who joined team Nissan will be looking to reclaim the title from Toyota since they have last won the race back in the days when it was still held in the Kweneng District.”

Khengere said during the Mantshwabisi days, team Nissan dominated for quite some time until team Toyota stole the limelight from them.

He said with the likes of Visser, there was no doubt about the race producing new winners, adding that the spectators will surely be treated to an action packed, mouth-watering spectacle.

Khengere said the drivers were cognisant about the Jwaneng race’s magnitude, as a platform to prove their mettle and production vehicles, adding that their excitement is unquestionable given the Jwaneng terrain allows the drivers to go full throttle on their vehicles. ENDS