Mark your calendars for September 13 and 14, as the Phakisa Raceway near Welkom in the Free State transforms into the ultimate battleground for the sixth and penultimate round of the 2024 SA Rally-Raid Championship. The Phakisa 400 is set to deliver non-stop excitement, with 400 kilometers of high-octane racing that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the championship draws closer to its climax, the competition intensifies, and with no titles secured yet, every second counts.
Returning to Phakisa Raceway for the second year in a row, competitors will face the familiar yet challenging Free State terrain, aiming to conquer the course and secure crucial points in the national standings. With titles up for grabs in the FIA Ultimate T1+ and Adventurer T1 Classes, as well as the SSV and Challenger Classes, the Phakisa 400 is more than just a race—it’s a critical moment in the 2024 championship.
This event promises to be a thrill not only for the teams and drivers but also for the fans. Enthusiasts will have the perfect vantage point to soak in all the high-speed action, making the Phakisa 400 a must-attend spectacle.
As a Super Event, the Phakisa 400 kicks off with the adrenaline-pumping Castrol Qualifying Race, followed by Stage One on Friday, September 13, and concludes with Stages Two and Three on Saturday, September 14. All the action will unfold at the Phakisa Raceway, which will serve as the hub for the Race Headquarters, Start/Finish line, and Designated Service Point (DSP).
On Friday, the Castrol Qualifying Race begins at 10:15, allowing competitors to fine-tune their vehicles on a 14-kilometer section that skirts the racetrack. The results of this qualifier will determine the starting positions for Stage One, which starts at 13:15 and covers a grueling 143 kilometers. Racers will navigate around the mine dumps and head toward the R30, racing through fast tracks before reaching the sandy, challenging terrains near Wesselsbron and Bultfontein. Here, they will tackle thick, loose sand and winding sections around pivot irrigation systems before looping back towards the R710 and R30, culminating in a final dash to Phakisa.
While the terrain might seem familiar, this year’s route is 90% new, offering a blend of technical and fast-flowing sections that will test even the most seasoned drivers.
Saturday ramps up the excitement even further, starting at 08:00 with Stage Two, which covers 181 kilometers. Competitors will again blaze a trail towards the R30, navigating fast tracks and mine dumps before venturing into entirely new territory near Wesselsbron and Bultfontein. This stage will introduce a mix of pivot-rich areas and fast tracks, featuring 60% new routes that promise to keep the racers—and the spectators—guessing.
After a quick 30-minute decontrol at the DSP, racers will set out again to complete Stage Three, retracing part of Stage Two’s route but with fresh challenges and new sections to master. The event will culminate back at Phakisa Raceway, where the podium celebrations will take place, honoring the champions of the day.
Don’t miss out on this electrifying event at Phakisa Raceway! The Phakisa 400 is set to be a memorable chapter in the SA Rally-Raid Championship, packed with speed, strategy, and spectacular moments that will leave fans wanting more.
Image: G WOOLRIDGE- DREYER (David Leadbitter)
