ond-fastest time after the qualifi er. However, navigational errors in the fi rst stage cost them valuable time, placing them seventh on the starting grid for the fi nal day. Disaster struck just three kilometres into the fi nal stage when their vehicle plunged down a cliff and into a river, requiring recovery. The team lost hours and ultimately opted
to take a penalty, restarting the race and fi nishing 11th overall, placing sixth in the Ultimate FIA T1 + Class. Ultimately, three additional class winners also secured spots in the overall top 10. Johan and Sean van Staden( Renault Duster) claimed the Adventurer Class victory and an impressive sixth place overall( 07:30:33), despite facing mechanical challenges. Philip Botha / Andries Mynhardt( Red-Lined Revo T1 +) triumphed in the Ultimate SA T1 + Class, fi nishing seventh overall( 08:05:35). Meanwhile, Henk Klaassen / Gerhard Schutte( Daklapack Rallysport Taurus T3Max) were the Challenger Class champions, securing eighth place overall( 08:11:48).
The Namibian team of Marko Himmel and Francois Schoonbee( Red-Lined Navara Evo) delivered a strong showing, ultimately securing ninth place overall with a total time of 08:59:44. Their performance put them in contention for the Ultimate SA T1 + Championship. They faced stiff competition from the experienced Gary Bertholdt and stand-in navigator Rikus Fourie( Toyota Hilux IMT EVO), who initially led the class after day one. However, Bertholdt and Fourie were forced to withdraw during the second half of Day Two due to vehicle damage.
The Outeniqua 400, a challenging two-day race, saw only sixteen teams cross the fi nish line. Dave and Tessa Klaassen( Daklapack Revo GTR) rounded out the top ten and secured third place in the Ultimate SA T1 + Class.
Despite facing diffi culties, Puck Klaassen and Danie Stassen( GRally OT3) persevered to fi nish 12th overall and second in the Challenger Class. Johan de Bruyn and Adriaan Roets( Red-Lined Revo T1) overcame various mechanical issues to claim second in the Adventurer Class.
Jayden Els and Johan Swemmer( Red- Lined Revo T1 + GTR) fi nished 14th overall after mechanical problems caused them to drop from fi fth place on the fi nal day. The Horn brothers, Johan and Werner(# Team- Hilux Rally-Raid Toyota Hilux), battled through the race to fi nish 15th overall and fourth in Ultimate SA T1 +. Danie Ludick and Denzil Williamson( Red-Lined Revo T1 +) followed, placing fi fth in the same class.
As two rounds of the Eastern Cape Off- road Championship, the Outeniqua 400 proved tough on vehicles, with only two teams completing the event. Grant and Gregory Watkins( Zarco) took the victory, with Noel and Annamarie Acton( ORCO) fi nishing as runners-up.
SEPTEMBER 2025 51 WORDS IN ACTION