There are times when even cross country motor racing must defer to other sporting codes.
To accommodate rugby enthusiasts who want to watch the rugby World Cup final the start of the last round of the Donaldson Cross Country Championship, the Atlas Copco Gold 450 on the West Rand on October 31, has been brought forward by 90 minutes. Originally scheduled to start at 08:30, the race will now get underway at 07:00.
“The vast majority of cross country competitors and enthusiasts are also avid rugby fans,” said SANORA CEO Richard Schilling. “We are all hoping the Springboks will be in the final, but irrespective of who is playing there are rugby followers who will want to take in the race and also watch the match build-up and the game itself.
“There will be television facilities at race headquarters but many fans will have made plans to watch with friends and family at home or alternative venues, and we want to give them plenty of time to arrive safely at their destinations.
“The World Cup only comes around once every four years so bringing the race forward by 90 minutes is not much of a sacrifice, especially if the trophy comes back to South Africa.”
Schilling added that the Donaldson series has close ties with other sporting codes via the Imperial Auto Celebrity Challenge. This provides sports stars and other celebrities the opportunity to experience the adventure of national cross country racing.
Rugby stars who have competed in the challenge include John Smit, Stefan Terblanche and AJ Venter. Other sports stars to have competed are cricket legends Vinnige Fanie de Villiers and Jonty Rhodes, soccer icon Neil Tovey and Paraolympic swimmer Natalie du Toit.
The 11:30 start time for the qualifying race on October 30 is not affected. The qualifying event, run over a 103 kilometre route, will determine grid positions for the following day with the race to be run over two identical 162 kilometre loops.
Race headquarters, the start/finish and the designated service park will all be located at the Kloof Country Club in Glenharvie. There is free public entry to these areas and spectator viewing points along the route.