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Monday, 10 April 2006
S.A. Extreme Sport How To's: Rally Driving
By Jacques Marais
Off-road driving rates as one of the most popular motorsport genres in South Africa, a country seemingly under the spell of the internal combustion engine. But don’t think that you could qualify as a rally driver just because you’re able to pull off the occasional handbrake turn – it takes a huge amount of skill and dedication to become an off-road maestro.
MAIN EVENT:
Few rally events have captured the hearts and minds of petrol-heads in a more spectacular fashion than the Paris-Dakar rally. Originally initiated and staged by Frenchman Thierry Sabine, the chance of competing in this gruelling event has become the dream of aspiring rally drivers around the world.
This year the ‘Dakar’ will kick off in the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon, following a rugged European route before crossing onto the Mother Continent via Morocco. It is here in Africa where the going gets tough, with demanding stages traversing thousands of kilometres of unrelenting desert roads. And with 230 motorbikes, 180 cars, 75 monster trucks and 240 assistance vehicles taking on this arduous journey, it is no wonder that the event is described by competitors as ‘a life-changing experience’.
The Dakar 2005/6 will blast into action on December 31st, reaching Dakar in Senegal two weeks later on January 14th, 2006. But don’t despair if this sounds like too much of a challenge – the southern tip of Africa offers more than enough other off-road events to get your motor running. Notable races include the Sun City 400 and the Toyota Desert 1000, while the SA Rally Association boasts seven competitive classes with numerous events happening around the country.
EAT MY DUST DIY:
Don’t expect to step into the shoes of the Damseauxs and Van der Merwes without putting in the requisite time behind the wheel though. Doing an advanced drivers’ course is a good way to learn some of the required skills, but only years of bombing dirt roads at warp speed will get you to a level where you could potentially compete with the professionals.
Racing success will obviously hinge on the car you drive and top choices include Toyota and Volkswagen (both are currently duelling it out for line honours in their class). The Nissan Hardbody is a great choice if you’re planning on competing in the truck division, and has consistently performed well in the ‘Dakar’.
Other than your vehicle, you’ll need to invest in a Sparco racing suit, driving gloves and boots, and it goes without saying that you should opt for head protection by wearing a quality helmet (many of the pros swear by Peltor). Now all you have to do is don your racing eyewear and put pedal to the metal!
CONTACTS:
Details on Dakar: The official web site for this legendary rally (in several languages) - www.dakar.com
Rev up your engine: Your complete adventure vehicle e-zine - www.extrememachines.co.za
The electronic version of the magazine: South Africa’s leading motoring web site – www.cartoday.co.za
Car stuff and more: Motorsport events, launches, road tests, classifieds, etc. - www.motoring.co.za
Get your rally fix: Your No. 1 source for on-line motorsport news in SA - www.rallystar.co.za
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