Whatshot
Mega Victory for Ford Castrol Cross Country Team in the Free State
Mega Victory for Ford Castrol Cross Country Team in the Free State
The Ford Castrol Cross Country Team’s challenge for the 2021 South African Cross Country Series title received a significant boost as Lance Woolridge and Elvéne Vonk (334) took a hard-fought victory at the second race of the 4x4 Mega World 400, held at NAMPO Park near Bothaville in the Free State, on Saturday 2 October 2021.
Championship leaders Malcolm and Frans Kock (T4) looked set to further consolidate their points advantage during Friday’s race in the blustery and unexpectedly wet conditions, but a broken suspension lower control arm just 5km from the end of the race put a devastating halt to their charge. Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (T41) took the win, ahead of Bernard Johnstone/Jan Harm Hugo (T22) and Christo Rose/Arno Olivier (T58). This success handed NWM the event’s Team Award.
Saturday’s race saw fortunes reversed for the recent Class T winners, as Malcolm and Frans Kock proved unassailable and claimed the victory, while Prinsloo/Vermeulen encountered gearbox trouble that saw them retire on the second loop.
In turn, Rubuluza and Meyiwa produced a confident drive to earn their first Class T podium in second place, with Rose/Olivier rounding out the top three once again – handing NWM another Team Award trophy.
“A podium on our third race finish is really great for Fanifani and I,” an elated Rubuluza said. “We’re still learning the ropes and getting used to the car and working with each other. Friday’s race was very difficult, especially in the wet conditions, but going into today’s race we set out to give it our best and we worked on a different strategy. It was a good race, and although the dust was challenging at times, we focused on getting to the finish and not risking anything.”
The next race is the Vryburg 400, round 6 of the SA Cross Country Series, which takes place on 29 and 30 October 2021.

