Competitors on the 4×4 Mega World 400 at Carnival City on 9 and 10 September, Round Six of the Absa Off-Road Racing Championship, can start gearing up to tackle a technical route.
This is the message from race director Adri Roets who is putting the final touches to the course for an event that could have a major bearing on both the Production and Special Vehicle championships. Only 17,5 points separate the first seven crews in the Production Vehicle championship, while the Special Vehicle title chase has developed into a battle between two Sullwald teams.
With race headquarters situated at Carnival City in Boksburg, the event brings off-road racing into Gauteng’s backyard. The event takes in locations on the East Rand that are easily accessible from Carnival City and other centres, and provides enthusiasts in one of South Africa’s most densely populated areas with a close up look at the drama and excitement off road racing.
“The route follows much the same general contour as last year, but we have introduced a number of sections which have not been used before,” said Roets. “We have tried to make the route a lot more technical than has been the case in previous years.
“With the introduction of the new sections I think we have succeeded. There is a little bit of everything, it is going to be an interesting test and because of the dry weather conditions at this time of year dust could be a problem.”
Roets added that about 15 percent of the route for Donaldson Prologue, which determines start positions for the race, was completely new. The prologue will be run over a distance of 57km with the race to be run over two loops of 180km.
Race headquarters, the start/finish and the designated service point will all be located at the Carnival City Casino complex, with public entry to these areas free of charge. On a spectator friendly event numerous viewing points will be easily accessible from race headquarters with public entry to these areas also free of charge.
The Donaldson Prologue on 9 September will start at 12h00 and the race on 10 September at 08h30.