FORD SAYS: Round four of the ABSA Off Road Championship sees teams heading to Botswana for the legendary 1000km Desert Race. Notorious for its tough route and extended distance, the Desert Race is always a tough event for teams but this year it is expected to be even more challenging.
“This year teams will not return to Gaborone for servicing on Saturday, but will rather be stationed about 85km outside of Gaborone where the vehicles will remain overnight,” explains Ford Racing team manager Neil Woolridge.
The new route presents many logistical challenges for the teams. More personnel are required on the Desert Race while teams will also be faced with long days, freezing weather and minimal creature comforts in the bush.
This will be the first time that the Ford Team embarks on the Desert Race event with the newly introduced TDCi Ford Ranger in the premier SP class. Having debuted the new vehicle at the start of the year the team have had their work cut out for them developing it to its true potential.
Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer will spearhead the challenge for Team Ford Racing.
“It’s a steep learning curve for us. We are learning everyday and we have made huge strides on the development. I truly believe that when we get it all sorted the Ranger TDCi is going to be the car to beat. Since our last outing we have made major improvements to the suspension and braking power of the vehicles, providing overall better handling which is of great importance on the 1000 Desert Race,” says Woolridge.
Piloting the second SP Ford Ranger 3,2TDCi will be Thomas Rundle who will be joined be new navigator Stavros Yiannakis. The two youngsters have raced together previously in Class E and proved to have a strong partnership.
Baphumze Rubuluza and Khulile Vakalisa will represent Team Ford Racing in the Class E 3.0 TDCi Ranger. “The last event was a tough one for us so we will be looking to make amends with a strong outing that will hopefully see us walking away with some more points in the bag,” says Rubuluza.
Team Ford Racing recognises their sponsors for their commitment and belief in the team: Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Hugo's Panel Shop – Pietermaritzburg, Eibach Springs, Sign Solutions, Donerre Dampers, Motorvia and VPS Paint protection.
