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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa's (TGRSA) National Rally Championship (NRC) team is set to continue their campaign as they prepare for the highly anticipated Algoa Rally, the next event on the 2023 SA NRC calendar. Building on their performance in the previous round, the team is eager to make their mark in the championship as the series progresses to Rounds 3 and 4 in the Eastern Cape.
The TGRSA NRC team will again feature the same crews that competed in the opening round. Jono van Wyk, known as the "Swazi Cowboy", along with his navigator Nico Swartz, impressed during their maiden race in the new Toyota Starlet. Despite the challenges posed by the left-hand-drive configuration of the car, and the rally's narrower sections, they demonstrated remarkable driving prowess, securing valuable points for the team and displaying their competitive spirit.
Additionally, Mandla Mdakane, partnered with navigator Kes Naidoo, showcased his speed and potential during the previous round, despite encountering mechanical challenges that hindered his performance. The technical crew worked diligently to address the issues faced by Mdakane's Toyota Starlet rally car, and the team is confident that he will bounce back stronger in the upcoming event, proving himself as a formidable contender in the championship.
The Algoa Rally, scheduled to take place in Jeffreys Bay this weekend, promises thrilling racing action as competitors tackle challenging stages and vie for supremacy. The TGRSA NRC team, under the expert guidance of Team Manager Guy Botterill and his dedicated crew of technicians, is well-prepared for the demanding course that lies ahead. With their locally developed and built Toyota Starlet rally cars conforming to the rules of the NRC 1 class, the team is poised to showcase the quality, reliability, and innovation that Toyota is renowned for.
Looking ahead to the Algoa Rally, Botterill expressed his confidence in the team's capabilities, stating: "Our crews have shown exceptional talent and determination in the previous round. We have addressed the issues experienced by Mandla's car, and we believe he will rise to the occasion. Jono and Nico have proven themselves as formidable competitors, and we expect them to deliver another outstanding performance."
The TGRSA NRC team is determined to leave an indelible mark at the Algoa Rally, as they continue their quest for championship points this weekend. This year’s Algoa Rally will start and finish in the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, with the action starting on Friday, 7 July. Stages are also scheduled for the fearsome Longmore Forest, which has proven an extremely tough test in past events.
