The Nkomazi 450 will be run over a new route when the Donaldson Cross Country Motor Racing Championship enters the home stretch with round five of the series on August 26 and 27.Race director Adri Roets said approximately 60 percent of this year’s route will traverse RCL FOODS’ property with 40 percent virgin territory. The course is made up mainly of sugar cane fields, natural bushveld and this year skips the difficult mountain section.
The new route starts at the Riverview Preparatory School, crosses the N4 highway via a passage tunnel under the motorway, traverses Radley and Malalane Estates to Jeppes Reef. From there competitors take on the area around Malalane Brick and the rocky outcrop to Kaalrug.
Competitors then cross into hills in the Stentor and Lebuyle regions and move into the sugar cane fields towards Kaapsehoop. A zigzag route then takes crews towards Malalane and the finish back at the school.
“The route is technical and will be a good test of skill and reliability,” said Roets. “As always there are plenty of spectator points along the way and these are all fed off the N4.”
The new route also means that RCL FOODS has come on board as a sponsor alongside Malalane Toyota. RCL FOODS is a leading African food producer with a 120-year history and passion for providing more food to more people more often.
It is estimated the Nkomazi 450 generates in excess of R2.5 million into the local community as teams, family members and cross country enthusiasts snap up all available accommodation at hotels, motels, lodges, guest house and bed and breakfast establishments. Filling stations, restaurants, take away outlets and entertainment facilities also benefit from a surge in spending power.
“RCL FOODS share the view that the Nkomazi 450 plays a vital role in the economic wellbeing of the community in Malalane and surrounding areas” said Malalane Toyota chief executive officer Johan Horn who was the driving force behind the first event in 2013.
“Small business entrepreneurs benefit from the surge in spending power,” Horn added. “You also need to consider that Malalane is a gateway to the Kruger National Park, and there is a spin-off in terms of tourist trade with team members and enthusiasts coming back to the region for a visit.”
Race headquarters, the start/finish and the designated service park will all be located at the Riverview Preparatory School. Public access to these areas and spectator points along the route will be free of charge.
The event will also be run in conjunction with the sixth round of the Northern Regions Cross Country Championship. The qualifying race to determined grid positions will start at 11:30 on August 26 and the race at 08:30 the following day.
A wide range of entertainment and refreshments will be available at race headquarters, with spectator guides available at race headquarters and at Malalane Toyota.