Mantshwabise 1000 Desert Race - Botswana 22-24 June

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Motties

Race Dog
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Here's an opportunity for all wannabe (and established) Desert Racers - it is going to be awesome!!

Who's in?

-----------More Info-----------------------------------------

Press release
In 1975 The Four Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa – Gauteng Branch (FWDCSA) held the first Trans Kalahari Road race in the Vryburg area, then in 1980 the race moved to Botswana and the Toyota Desert Race was born. The first bikes competed in the event in 1986; with quads joining a few years later and for most of the time Bikes and Quads have been an integral part of the annual Toyota Desert 1000 Race (TDR), which is part of the ABSA Off Road series.
Now on the 25th anniversary of their inclusion in the TDR, the FWDCSA is pleased to announce that a new event has been added to the Southern Africa Off Road Bike and Quad calendar ….. The Mantshwabise 1000.
This marathon race (named after the village which the race used for many years as an overnight stop) brings with it all the history and the legacy of the past but in a new "stand alone" event for bikes and quads which will soon rival similar events such as the Roof of Africa and the Baja.
Taking place on June 23rd and 24th 2011(before the TDR) the competitors will use a 1000 kilometer route, beginning and ending at Race Headquarters / DSP located in the village of Kumakwane. The DSP is a fully fenced, secure 85 000 square meter "Dakar Style" encampment north of Kumakwane, 25kms west of Gaborone, with dedicated pit areas, wash bays, full bar & catering, all amenities, medical facilities and spectator grand stands.
After documentation on the 22nd, competitors will race 2 loops of a 250km route; challenging the skills, tenacity and endurance of both rider and machine; then if that is not tough enough, riders will complete the event by doing two laps of a different 250 km route the next day!
Across the 500kms of route there are many spectator points and the support of the local population in Botswana is legendary.
The event will also form Rounds 4 and 5 of the Southern Africa Off Road Challenge (SORC) for riders from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, but will not be part of any South African National or Regional championship.
Classes are in line with the SORC championship and based simply on engine size as well as the applicable MSA and FIM technical requirements.
- Bikes Class A – 2 stroke below 250cc or 4 stroke below 400cc
- Bikes Class B – all other bikes
- Quads Class C – Below 450cc
- Quads Class D – Above 450cc
Within each Class there will be, in support of the Women in Motorsport organisation, a ladies category.
Minimum age for entry is 16 as at June 1st 2011, but only riders over the age 18 at the same date will be allowed to ride the full 500kms each day; younger riders will only do one lap of the 250km route each day.
In order to compete, riders will have to comply with the following:
- Be holders of a valid and recognised National, Regional or Club competition licience for any form of Bike or Quad racing.
- Have competed in at least 2 races in the 12 months prior to June 1st 2011.
- Be in possession of sufficient medical insurance valid for competitive motorsport in Botswana.
- Be physically fit and with a MSA medical clearance if applicable.
Over the years, the challenge of riding and surviving the 1000kms through the Botswana bush has drawn many riders and those who have had the skill, spirit, courage and determination proudly display their finisher’s medals and trophies. Stories abound of the race amongst those who have risen to this challenge and completed the race.
Prize money of at least R20 000 (number of entries will determine final prize value) plus trophies, team awards and medals await those riders who have the "right stuff" to tackle this event with entries opening on May 16th 2011. Numbers will be restricted to 200 entrants in total and the entry fee will be R1200.00 (incl VAT) per rider.
The race is being organized by the team from the FWDCSA with all its’ more than 30 years’ experience of managing the TDR and promises to be a world class event. The competitors will be supported by a race structure second to none – 50 government officials, 350 policemen and
women, over 50 Marshals, 12 para-medics, 2 off-road ambulances and 2 road ambulances, a medical helicopter, all of which are managed via full coverage of the route via two radio networks.
Fuel will be transported by the race organisers to the two refuel points which will be manned by teams from the ATV Club in Pretoria who have fulfilled this role for many years.
Nearby camping and host of other accommodation options in Gaborone are available to entrants and the organisers have agreements in place to smooth the crossing of the border at designated border posts.
Further information to follow.
Issued by
Alan Reid
Chairman
2011 Management Team
[email protected]
+27834015218
 
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