Organising a round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) demands precision, seasoned expertise and robust partnerships. This reality is front and centre as South Africa gears up to host its first W2RC event, the South African Safari Rally, from May 18 to 24. Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), Toyota’s global motorsport division, has been named official partner for the rally, marking the championship’s debut in Southern Africa.
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Archie Rutherford, CEO of the South African Safari Rally, highlighted TGR’s pivotal role: “Bringing the W2RC to South Africa this year hinges on collaboration. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s support has been instrumental in elevating rally-raid standards here and abroad, enabling us to create an event that meets international expectations for competitors and fans alike.”
Renowned for its engineering prowess across disciplines like the World Rally Championship (WRC) and World Endurance Championship (WEC), TGR has carved a reputation in motorsport through innovation and resilience.
Its South African arm, TGRSA, has been a linchpin in rally-raid development, notably through the locally built GR Hilux EVO. Crafted in South Africa, the Hilux has become a formidable contender in global rally-raid, excelling in endurance and adaptability.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa, emphasised the rally’s significance: “This event underscores Toyota’s commitment to expanding rally-raid in Africa. It’s a chance to spotlight South Africa’s challenging terrain and stunning landscapes while celebrating our motorsport heritage.”
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Toyota’s rally-raid legacy is deeply rooted in the Dakar Rally, where it has competed since the early 2010s. TGRSA has contributed to this effort for over a decade, refining technologies that propelled Toyota to three Dakar victories (2019, 2022, 2023) and four runner-up finishes (2018, 2020, 2021, 2025). Central to this success is the GR Hilux EVO T1+, engineered by Kyalami-based SVR Racing. The South African team’s expertise ensures the Hilux remains a benchmark in endurance racing, blending durability with cutting-edge design.
SVR Racing’s role extends beyond vehicle development; it positions South Africa as a hub for motorsport innovation.
With TGR and TGRSA at the helm, South Africa’s inaugural W2RC round promises to be a milestone in the championship’s history.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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