SA added to 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship

The organisers of the SA Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) confirmed that the South African Safari Rally would be headquartered at Sun City.

SARRC CEO Archie Rutherford was elated with the news, saying that it was a proud moment for them.

"This is an extremely exciting and very proud moment for us as organisers of the SA Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) and the numerous South Africans competing in the Dakar Rally and other international events. My team put a lot of hard work, long hours and dedicated planning into Event Zero, the TGRSA Safari 1000 in June, and the outcome could not be more rewarding."

Rutherford also gave a brief description of what the competitors could expect on the race: "This unique event will feature diverse terrain, with the race route traversing some of the most stunning bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains, encompassing an exceptional experience for all in the areas of Sun City, Thabazimbi and the agricultural heart of North West."

Motorsport South Africa's CEO Vic Maharaj hailed the news as a new era for local motorsport.

"Significantly, South Africa and the SARRC have a proud reputation in the international world rally raid arena. With no less than 50% of vehicles competing in the iconic Dakar Rally and the esteemed W2RC events designed, developed and built in South Africa, it is fitting that we finally can host one of the rounds of this iconic championship on home ground."

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie praised the organisers for successfully landing the event and had praise for the impact that it would have on the economy and South Africa's bid to secure a spot on the F1 calendar.

"This event is going to boost tourism for South Africa, boost women in racing, generate income to grow the sport in South Africa, help to create jobs in rural areas and put the country back on the map for global motorsport. In our quest to secure the return of Formula One, a successful Safari Rally will only help to strengthen our burgeoning relationship with the FIA."

The minister added: "I also want to commend the hard-working people at Motorsport South Africa and the local promoters, the South African Rally-Raid Championship and their team, who have managed to deliver this good news to a country that is already feeling so much optimism during our new era of the Government of National Unity, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa."