The React Motor Rally marks the 39th annual event, which is sponsored by veteran driver Andy Haigh-Smith who had his first career win at last year’s Fees van die Berge Rally. The Western Cape is currently the only province that run the event after the Free State lost it’s series due to lack of sponsorship. Organiser Derek Sturgess recalls with nostalgia how our local men and women were taken up by bus to compete against other navigators outside of the Western Cape. He said he hopes that it can be revived, as this is a well-entered event.
Sixty entries for the upcoming round testify to just how popular this event is that also run in Tulbagh, Caledon, Worcester and a to be announced area in the Cape Town area this year.
The first car will depart Killarney Race Track at 13:00 to complete a two and a half hour set course that will involve both tar and dirt roads, before the grand finale at Killarney Race Track. A challenging route will test the navigator’s skills as they race against the clock. The only instructions the navigators have are their Braille road books by which to guide the driver. The Blind Navigator’s Rally is known as a regularity rally, because it doesn’t run on mileage at all.
As with the national and regional rallies all necessary officials will be in place with 10 controls manning each area where time will be clocked to see who completed the set stage in the fastest time.
The first car is expected to return to Killarney Race Track at 15:30 where there will be plenty of action. Teams will take each other on when they run in two-minute intervals, which will provide for lots of excitement. For some drivers this will be a warm-up for the upcoming rally season.
Entrance to Killarney Race Track is free and gates will be open from 11:30 am. Prize giving will take place at the Killarney Clubhouse generously hosted by the Western Province Motor Club (WPMC). To round of an exciting day, a braai sponsored by the Lions Club of Sea Point will be held afterwards.
For further information contact organiser Derek Sturgess on 082 4526030
