Despite bouts of bad weather, icy cold conditions and many people taking on the challenge for the first time, there’s been a steady flow of highlights in this year’s Nissan Spirit of Africa.
The Nissan Spirit of Africa is a challenge like no other in Southern Africa. Designed and founded by the famous eleven-time South African Rally Drivers champion and local motor racing legend, Sarel van der Merwe, it’s been described as the ‘toughest 4×4 challenge in Africa’ and after five days of action on the trail, it has only proven that reputation.
How it works
Every day, different drivers are put through the wringer with a series of obstacles. Some drivers are first-timers, some are coming back for their second or third or more chance at the course. There are 14 different obstacles to take on, and the first part of the challenge are all elimination rounds to see who will compete in the final rounds for the top spots.
Speed events and technical events work differently. For speed events, there is a time set by Sarel van der Merwe for which drivers have to aim if they want to finish in the top list of drivers. For technical events, each team gets 100 points, and for every mistake they make – like hitting a pole or having to reverse – they lose points.
At the end of the day, scores and the top three teams of the day are announced. Ending in the top doesn’t mean you’ll be in the finals – after all the elimination rounds, only the best 20 times and points will make it to the finals. However, there is a plus to ending first on any given day: It secures free entry to next year’s event.
Here’s a quick recap of what’s gone down over the first five days of the event.
What went down day 1 – 5
So far, Sarel has said that it’s the toughest course he’s built for Spirit of Africa. The competitors are a vast array of interesting people. Some are parents and children that compete together, some are corporate teams, best friends and they’re not all men!
Day 1 started out with good weather, but by day 5, contestants are slipping on wet mud and grass after several nights of rain.
So far, the top three places for each day looks as follows:
Day 1
- Hennie Janzen – 797 points
- Neels Potgieter – 643 points
- Leon Pretorius – 584 points
Day 2
- Hennie de Villiers and Thian Kriel – 891 points
- Anton Roelofse and Karel Vermaak – 907 points
- Fanie and Pieter Visser – 905 points
Day 3
- Jannie and JJ Pretorius – 870 points
- Charl Yssel and Andre Botha – 820 points
- Jos and Nicola Rabie – 787 points
Day 4
- Salmon Victor and Stefan Taljaard – 1143 points
- MC van Deventer and Arno du Toit – 1012 points
- Frikkie and Tjaart Steyn – 965 points
Day 5
- Pieter and GD Kotzé – 895 points
- Kobus Prinsloo and Stefan Esterhuisen – 778 points
- Reeza Seedat and Gideon Pepler – 775 points
Watch them all in action through the YouTube series here – Nissan Spirit of Africa YouTube series
More about the Nissan Navara
This year’s event is characterized by a fleet of 20 Nissan Navara’s taking on the tough challenge – just proving that you can take on any task or adventure with this new, locally-produced 4×4. Made with customers in mind to suit functional and lifestyle needs, the Nissan Navara features a payload of up to 1144kg (SC) and a powerful 2,5 litre intercooled Turbo Diesel engine or a 2,5 litre petrol engine. The Intelligent Mobility equips you with the tools to be more confident, connected and safer on the road – whether you’re on your way to work or navigating the Spirit of Africa. Find out more about it’s excellent features here.
Nissan Adventure Club
If you’re sitting at home and dying to have some action of your own, join the Nissan Adventure Club for exciting merchandise, more info about the Nissan Navara’s capabilities, events, trips discussions and a series of Adventure Club e-books to download, like planning your trip in SA accessories and eco awareness.
