The Lesotho event has always been a big challenge, and this year we are expecting the route to be as demanding as last year. Even though the race will be run in the lowlands, the going will be tough and technically challenging. I have no doubt that the Ford Build Tough Rangers will be able to make it to the finish with good results. The Ford Racing Team members are very strong on navigation and racing skills, and I have full confidence for Lesotho. Team manager Neil Woolridge commented.
Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer – who won round one of the championship, the Nissan Sugarbelt, in their Class T Ford Ranger – are busy building an ultra-competitive Super Production Ford Ranger, which they will only race later this year.
“We are obviously disappointed that we are not racing, but, wait till you see the new Ford Ranger,” comments Woolridge. “It will be worth the wait. We have every confidence in our Class D and E teams and we know that they will keep the Ford flag flying high!”
“The terrain is ideal for our ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger. When the conditions are ultra demanding, our Ranger truly comes into its own. With the added advantage of our BFGoodridge tyres, we again expect a race with no flat tyres. We always go for a class win, but bringing our Ranger home comes first”. comments Schröder.
According to Harris, the repairs to and preparation on the Ranger after the Sun City race has gone according to plan, and he has no concerns regarding the mechanics of the vehicle. “This is my first race in Lesotho, and I have been warned that my navigational skills will be tested to the extreme. This is not a game for sissies, and from what I heard, this race is tough, ultra tough. We have the vehicle, the tyres and the team. Nothing more needs to be said.”
Rubuluza echoes his sentiments. “Our Ford Ranger is an accomplished vehicle, which never ceases to impress. Our Ranger is better than ever, and both Kulile and I are up to the challenge for the Lesotho Race.”
One of the reasons for his optimism is the fitment of new, considerably larger racing BFGoodrich tyres. “They were most impressive at the Desert Race and at Sun City,” comments Rubuluza.
Despite this, Rubuluza insists that the duo will ‘go there, be positive and do our best’. “We are in good spirits and a positive state of mind. This time we want to finish in the points. We want to make it up to our supporters and sponsors. We are very grateful for their support and we will do everything in our power to deliver a good result and give them something to cheer about,” he promises.
Kulile Vakalisa added: “I think that the terrain will be very similar to last year, even with it been run in the low lands – quite hard. If conditions allow us, we hope to be in the first 15 starters after the prologue. We know the vehicle extremely well now and we are going to go much faster than last year!”
The message to competitors is clear: Look out; Team Ford Racing is coming through!