Toyota South Africa is returning to its motor sport roots by upping its involvement in South African Rallying – get back into the dust after a seven year hiatus.

” We are thrilled to officially welcome back a manufacturer, who has a major presence in both the global and local motorsport scenes, as a partner to Stage Rallying in South Africa. 

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This collaboration with Toyota is an important step towards ensuring the NRC currently in its 62nd year of existence and the oldest running championship in South Africa, will continue to thrive and grow,” says Chris Coertse, NRC Steering Committee chairman.

The Toyota Starlet is the weapon of choice and the cars are prepared in Durban by Multiple rally championship winner and now Dakar driver, Guy Botterill for Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Starlet AR1 (Africa Rally 1) has been in action since 2022 in the hands of Mandla Mdakane and Jono van Wyk.

Rallying in South Africa remains a highly popular form of motor sport with all events designed and planned around a central service point to make it easy for fans to attend and get to the various well-marked spectator points.

Another exciting development is the addition of a third Toyota Starlet to the team this season, to be driven by an aspiring rookie.

The 2024 Rally Season will commence on April 12 and 13 in the Western Cape Swartland Region, bringing the NRC spectacle to Malmesbury and the surrounding areas.  The event will also include exciting tarmac action at night around the Killarney Racetrack on the Friday.

Colin Windell

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