The pair was followed to the line by teammates Manfred Schroder and Ward Huxtable claiming the final podium slot. Rob Gurney and Graeme Stainbank were sixth overall and fourth in the SP class.
Neil Woolridge was delighted with the results of the weekend. “The weekend started off on a high note with Kenny and I taking pole position in the prologue. This proved to be invaluable as the dust was definitely a factor in this event.
“We didn’t have it all our own way, two punctures in the opening 14kms saw us falling back slightly. But we put our heads down focused on the task at hand and there was no looking back after that.
“We certainly needed this result for our championship aspirations. It’s now a two horse affair between ourselves and Hannes Grobler and with just two rounds remaining the championship is definitely reaching fever pitch.”
Manfred Schroder and Ward Huxtable had yet another faultless drive on their way to the Class E championship win following an outstanding season.
“This was one of those event where we just got in at the start and got out at the finish. We had no difficulties as our Ranger once again proved to be the class of the field. The major difficulty was the heat, it was a sweltering day with plenty of dust but the reward certainly made it all worthwhile,” stated Schroder at the finish.
Rob Gurney and Graeme Stainbank driving the sister SP Ford Racing Ranger were on top form as they led the field for a period, however an electrical problem and later a puncture saw the pair drop down the order. Not about to give up Gurney and Stainbank fought back to take a well deserved fourth place overall.
“In spite of the hot and dusty conditions the Ford Rangers were on top form this weekend and we were able to challenge at the sharp end of the field. We are confident that we will be able to continue with the momentum gained in this weekend as we enter the closing stages of the championship,” said Gurney.
“What a weekend. The team couldn’t have asked for a better result with all three vehicles challenging at the front. Our work throughout the year is certainly paying dividends and if we have anything to say about it our reward will be the championship laurels,” concluded Woolridge.
The penultimate round of this year’s ABSA Off Road Championship, the Toyota Dealer 400, will take place on October 27 in Mpumalanga. With everything still to play for it is sure to be a thrilling outing.