Grab a cold one and buckle up, because the 2026 South African Rally-Raid Championship is revving up to be a proper jol.
We're talking fresh tracks that've been given a full makeover, a lekker mix of local legends and big-name internationals, plus some new okes on the scene with shiny new kit and clever tech that’ll make your head spin. It’s all coming together for a season that’s got more go than a Joburg taxi rank on a Friday afternoon.
First up, just two weeks from now on 19 and 20 June, it’s the Ingco Parys 400. This one’s going down in Parys, that famous holiday spot right on the Vaal River’s doorstep and not far from Gauteng. Perfect for a weekend away with a side of dust and diesel.
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Then comes the big daddy of the calendar – Round Two, the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) 1000. Happening 24 to 26 July in Stella, North West Province, this is the only Marathon event of the year. Toyota SA Motors, who’ve been backing off-road racing since before it was cool, know how to throw a proper endurance party. Three days, one thousand kilos of mixed terrain, man and machine getting tested to the limit.
This year, the action moves to the Lion and Sable spot between Vryburg and Mafikeng – a lively cattle-and-crops farming area that also hosted the overnight camp for the very first SA Safari Rally back in May 2025. To make things even better, there’ll be on-site camping with real Platteland hospitality: hearty home cooking, friendly smiles, and that genuine "you’re family now" vibe.
Round Three, the Century Property Developments / Century Racing Outeniqua 400, had to shuffle dates after those rough May floods. Now it’s happening on 28 and 29 August at Louvain Guest Farm – should be a beaut.
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Round Four takes us to the wilds of northern KZN on 9 and 10 October, near Vryheid, where the mines and cattle farms stretch as far as the eye can see. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Limpopo calls us for the season finale on 13 and 14 November. Expect lush bushveld, the friendly towns of Northam and Thabazimbi, and open arms all round.
It’s a short and sweet season, but don't let that fool you. We’re in for some proper close racing, plenty of team rivalries, and world-class action from start to finish. See you in the dust.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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