October 2014 | Page 89

World Record Attempt ➲ The Land Cruisers came from far and wide, including Botswana and Namibia ➲ Heinrich du Preez, managing director of the Radical Group, in charge of the verification of the vehicles, gives a Land Cruiser the thumbs up. To qualify, the vehicle must have a Toyota approved engine, and the licence disc must indicate that it is a Toyota pick-up or Toyota station wagon. If the licence disc says Toyota Jeep, then the engine has been changed, which requires a physical examination by the verifier All geared to give the SA record participants a buzz whilst preparing for the big event on Saturday afternoon, under the verification of the Radical Group. The Radical Group is the African version of the Guinness World Record organisation, and they were on hand to verify two African Record attempts – the most Toyota Land Cruisers assembled on one site, and the most Toyota Land Cruisers in convoy. Late on Saturday afternoon the results were in, and two African records had been set, and for all intents and purposes, these were also world records. 365 Land Cruisers on one site and 334 Land Cruisers in convoy. Next year promises to be even bigger, because in 2015 N1 4X4 will celebrate their 20th birthday, and a big bash is planned. It will be a true family festival, with an extravaganza of entertainment to go with the record attempt. The only question that remains is ➲ This vehicle did not qualify “What records will be set in 2015?” | words in action 87 october 2014 World Record Attempt The weekend programme included a variety of activities, including the provision of camping facilities (even though the weather did not play ball, with temperatures dropping to -4 degrees Celsius in the early morning of 29 August), a children’s entertainment area, food vendors, a 4X4 gymkhana, rally rides, drag racing, helicopter trips, plus enthralling entertainment for the adults, with a motorbike stunt show by fearless Brian Clapper, and musical appearances by Karen Ferreira, Joe F, Adam and Mwah. And there to enjoy the fun, were Land Cruiser enthusiasts from far and wide. There were Land Cruisers from all corners of South Africa, as well as Namibia and Botswana, with the winner of the prize for the furthest distance travelled going to a Land Cruiser from Swakopmund.