MOTOR RACING NEWS - The South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) heads south for a landmark return to the Western Cape on 19 and 20 September, as the Outeniqua 400 roars into the Langkloof Valley.
Staged from Louvain Guest Farm, halfway between George and Uniondale, this event marks the first national championship rally-raid in the province since 2011, promising around 450 km of fast, technical, and breathtakingly scenic racing.
“We are making this championship a true South African championship with rallies now extending into five provinces from Limpopo, to KwaZulu, Gauteng, Free State and now finally proudly back to the Western Cape,” says Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally Raid.
“This is one of the most spectacular routes I’ve seen in over 30 years of rally-raid,” says Race Director Evan Hutchison.
“The Outeniqua and Kammanassie mountains, the Langkloof Valley, old ox wagon trails, rocky passes, fynbos and river crossings – the terrain is magnificent, varied and very demanding. It’s a driver’s race, where skill and precision are going to count.”
Competitors will tackle everything from rugged mountain passes to fast-flowing valley tracks as the Outeniqua 400 unfolds across 450 km of spect
Two days. Three stages. One epic return.
- Friday, 19 September: Falken Wild Peak Prologue (28 km) followed by Stage 1 (81 km)
- Saturday, 20 September: Stages 2 and 3 (each around 170 km)
- Total distance: ±450 km of racing
Competitors can expect everything from steep mountain passes and forestry tracks to open farmland and high-speed valley roads.
“There’s an incredible section across the old ox wagon trail above the clouds – the views stretch all the way to Sedgefield Bay. It’s going to be unforgettable,” Hutchison adds.
As one of our series sponsors and naming partner of the Falken Wildpeak Prologue, Falken Tyres is excited to see their product put to the ultimate test once again.
Fans can look forward to prime spectator points within easy reach of the Designated Service Park, bringing them close to the action.
“The Outeniqua 400 is exactly the kind of terrain our Wildpeak tyres are built for – a mix of rock, sand, mud and high-speed gravel that demands grip, toughness and consistency,” says Richard Brews of Stamford Tyres Africa, distributors of Falken Tyres. “It’s a privilege to be part of the South African Rally-Raid Championship and to showcase how our tyres perform under the toughest racing conditions.”
Hutchison says as always, safety of drivers will be paramount. Our sponsorship from iCAM provides that added support.
“Safety is the cornerstone of rally-raid, and it’s something we take seriously at iCAM Video Telematics,” says Gary Wels.
“These drivers are pushing themselves and their vehicles to the absolute limit, and our role is to ensure they are protected with world-class in-car safety and video monitoring systems. We’re proud to support the SA Rally-Raid Championship and help create an environment where performance and safety go hand in hand.”
Good news for fans is that they will have easy access to several spectator points within 15 km of the Designated Service Park, with additional viewing spots along the route for those who want to follow more of the action.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the event offers VIP hospitality packages, complete with premium food, drinks and special viewing areas.
“This championship is the best of its kind in the world,” Hutchison notes. “We have Dakar-winning machinery and world-class competitors racing right here in George. Seeing a 2-ton vehicle blast past at 170 km/h through this terrain – that’s something every motorsport fan should experience at least once in their life.”
Sweeping views of the Langkloof Valley set the stage for the Outeniqua 400 marking the return of the South African Rally-Raid Championship.
High stakes in the championship battle
As Round Four of the 2025 SARRC season, the Outeniqua 400 comes at a pivotal point in the title chase, with leading contenders from Toyota Gazoo Racing, Castrol Neil Woolridge Motorsport Ford Rally-Raid Team and Team Hilux all fighting for momentum heading into the final rounds.
Winner of Round three, young Saood Variawa will be anxious to try and cement his lead in the upcoming race.
“It’s going to be a tricky one. This is a new race for us, so we’re not entirely sure what to expect. The focus is on maintaining our championship lead, having a clean run, and securing a strong result for the team. I’m really looking forward to it - it’s something new for everyone, and I think it’s going to be a great challenge."
With fynbos, rocky passes and open farmland forming part of the course, the Outeniqua 400 promises a true test of skill, endurance and precision.
Fans can follow the SA Rally-Raid Championship on the RallySafe App, available free on iStore and Google PlayStore, or via the official social media channels:
- Facebook: @sarallyraidchampionship
- Instagram: @sarallyraidchampionship
- YouTube: @SouthAfricanRallyRaidSARRC
VIP package information: lori@sarallyraid.co.za
Forestry roads, river crossings, and steep climbs through the Outeniqua and Kammanassie mountains will push drivers and their machines to the limit.
Photos: Supplied
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