When the first stage of the South African Rally Championship kicks off in one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa today, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the rally competitors and the teams will re-iterate their commitment to respect of the natural environment, by displaying the MSA Environmental logo with the slogan: ‘Going Greener Faster” on all rally cars.
The Garden Route Rally, round six of the eight-event South African Rally Championship, takes place between George and Knysna this weekend. The first day consists of four gravel special stages, three of which will be in the Outeniqua forests, and a short tar stage at the overnight stop in Knysna.
Mr Marius Matthee, President of MSA’s Environment Panel, says the current state of the environment in South Africa poses huge challenges for sustainable development strategies by all sectors and it should thus be addressed at all levels of society.
“By receiving acknowledgement by various policy makers in South Africa like the South African Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and other government departments, MSA has proved itself to be a reliable partner and trendsetter for environmental protection and awareness amongst national sporting federations”.
He says MSA’s aim is always to go beyond good intentions to ensure the highest standard of environmental management at all motorsport events under its control, by minimising their ecological impact, raising environmental awareness and leaving a sustainable legacy.
MSA, as the governing body of South African motorsport, encourages all its stakeholders to investigate new innovative technologies that will a have a positive impact on the environment. This maintains the sport’s relevance to sponsors that wish to be associated with the cutting edge of environmental technology as well as for growing its popularity amongst the increasingly enviro-conscious public.
Mr Richard Leeke, President of MSA’s Rally Commission, says the commission is indebted to MTO Forestry for its support of this weekend’s event.