It will come as no surprise to competitors on the Lichtenburg 450 on July 29 and 30, round four of the Donaldson Cross Country Motor Racing Championship, that the route will be a dry and dusty affair.
Winter conditions prevail in North West province and with the course run mainly on harvested maize and cattle grazing fields, there was never any doubt it was going to be a dry and dusty route. With that in mind the 100 kilometre qualifying race to determine grid positions takes on added importance.
From the showground on the outskirts of Lichtenburg the route skirts the town following the R52 heading east towards Coligny and Puttfontein. The course then turns north to cross the R52 between Grootpan and Lichtenburg.
In another change in direction competitors head west towards Duikerfontein in the area locally known as Klipveld. The route then turns south back towards the showground.
The first 50 kilometres of the qualifying course will form part of the race route on Saturday. The remaining 50 kilometres, however, is virgin terrain.
“Although the route is mainly harvested maize fields and cattle grazing fields there are numerous rocky outcrops in the Klipveld area,” said race director Adri Roets. “It is by no means an easy route and crews will need to exercise caution in the Klipveld region.”
Once again the route is spectator friendly. Numerous spectator points are easily accessible from all major arterials in the region with free public access to these areas.
Race headquarters, the start/finish and the designated service park will all be located at the Lichtenburg showground. Public access to these areas is also free of charge.
The 100 kilometre qualifying race will start at 10:30 on Friday, July 29 and the race at 08:30 on Saturday, July 30. The race will be run over two 190 kilometre loops with a 20 minute compulsory service break after the first lap.
The event will also incorporate round five of the Northern Regions Cross Country championship