In a groundbreaking move for motorsport, South Africa has been selected to host a prestigious round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2025. This exciting development was announced just before the Rallye du Maroc, the final event of the 2024 W2RC season, signaling a huge leap for South African motorsport on the global stage.
The event, named the South African Safari, is set to take place from 18 to 24 May 2025 and will be the third round of the W2RC calendar, following the famous Dakar Rally and the round in Abu Dhabi. This inclusion in the championship promises to elevate the status of the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), attracting the world’s top rally-raid superstars on both two and four wheels.
Archie Rutherford, CEO of the SARRC, expressed his elation at the announcement, hailing it as a pivotal moment for South African motorsport. He credited the success of Event Zero – the TGRSA Safari 1000 held in June – for laying the groundwork for this major achievement.
“This is an extremely exciting and proud moment for us as organisers,” said Rutherford. “Our team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, and the outcome could not be more rewarding.”
The South African Safari will be hosted in the scenic North West and Limpopo provinces, with Sun City as the event headquarters. Situated near the stunning Pilanesberg National Park, the route will offer participants a thrilling journey across bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains, showcasing the best of South Africa’s natural beauty.
Sanctioned by Motorsport South Africa (MSA), and endorsed by the FIA and FIM, the event will bring together international motorsport bodies and solidify South Africa’s place on the W2RC map. With the backing of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the same group behind the legendary Dakar Rally, this event is poised to deliver an unforgettable rally-raid experience.
This announcement is a significant win for South African motorsport enthusiasts, setting the stage for a thrilling chapter in the country’s racing legacy.
