Toyota 1000 Desert Race winner, Atang Makgekgenene, is still sitting on top of the world after realising his lifelong ambition to become the first Motswana to win the event.
“As a young boy I was an avid fan of the sport and couldn’t wait for the annual return of some of my heroes and vowed that one day I would also compete in the Toyota 1000 and hopefully be the first Motswana to win the event,” said Makgekgenene. “The final kilometres of the event were nerve-wracking for me because I became so acutely aware of every noise on the car and was concerned that we would not make it to the finish.”
“ My fears weren’t justified because the Total Jimco didn’t miss a beat throughout the race and the calming influence of my co-driver Buks Carolin was invaluable to me,” added Makgekgenene. “The crowd support along the route and at the finish was highly motivating but the welcome we received afterwards was awesome and made me feel as if I was sitting on top of the world.”
“This must rate as my greatest achievement and I dedicate the Toyota 1000 Desert Race success to the people of Botswana, Total, my team and, most importantly, my family for their unconditional support.”
Makgekgenene leads the Special Vehicle category in the Absa off Road Championship after winning the season opening Nissan Dealer 400 in the Western Cape and the Botswana event in the Total Jimco and aims, with the help of Buks Carolin, to take home the spoils on the forthcoming Sun City 400 (July 23 and 24).
