The rally kicks off from Caledon Hotel, Spa and Casino at 10:00 am and will finish at about 15:40 pm when the winning car crosses the start finish line at the same venue. Documentation starts at 07:30 am and scrutineering opens at 07:45 am.
The total distance of the rally is 101.18 km that comprises seven special stages. There are four spectator points (spectator guides available on the day). These are reasonably close to one another. The first point on special stage four promises a lot of action as it is a fast approach to medium sweep ‘T’ left through a gate. Special stage five offers three spectator points where plenty of action can be seen. It is suggested that spectators should choose two points that will allow them to see most of the competitors before moving on to the next chosen spot, (e.g. spectator point 1 then move to point 2 or point 1 then move to 3).
The day rounds off with an awards ceremony at the Caledon Hotel, Spa and Casino where a cheque will also be handed to a representative from the Overberg Crane Group.
Competitors who took part in the gruelling national rallies that include the recently run CPMCC Subaru Cape Rally, such as Charl Strydom/Sakkie Bosman, Ettienne du Toit/Patrick Vermaak, Stephan van Dyk/Mark Pym, Jon Williams/Doug Williams and Andy Haigh-Smith/Gerald Brace will be seen in action.
Ettienne du Toit driver of the N2 Toyota Corolla RXi said that following the Subaru Rally the only preparation to be done was replacing the rear and right front shocks. He said that the Blue Crane Benefit Rally suits them, as they like fast rallies. He said: “The men will be separated from the puppies”. Du Toit/Vermaak currently lie second in their class and third overall in the Western Cape Regional Championship.
Stephan van Dyk/Mark Pym in their House of Subaru/Revolution Technologies Subaru WRX STi currently lead the regional championship. Van Dyk said that with their comfortable lead, they will take it easy as there is no need to push or put unnecessary strain on the car.
Veteran Andy Haigh-Smith, driver of the A6 Toyota Corolla RXi said that after the muddy Subaru Cape Rally, there was quite a bit of preparation to be done. He looks forward to a dry rally and hope to finish in the top three.