Toyota Gazoo Racing capped a dominant season by filling the podium at the Phakisa 400 race, with Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings not only taking first place but also the overall championship title with one round to spare. The victory in Phakisa was the team’s fourth overall victory in 2024.
In Phakisa, Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy took second place, while Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk were third. All drivers were driving the Toyota Hilux IMT EVO.
Lategan and Cummings set the pace from the outset, posting the fastest times in both the Castrol Qualifying Race and Stage One on Friday. Despite opening the road on Saturday — a challenging task that demands precision and confidence — the duo maintained their lead across both stages, finishing the race with a total time of 05:58:57 and bringing closure to the unfinished business from last year’s setback at the same event, where they rolled their Hilux, with Lategan sustaining season-ending injuries to his shoulder.
Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy continued their impressive form with a solid second-place finish, clocking in at 06:01:03. A puncture early on the final day cost them some time, but their consistent pace throughout the event kept them firmly in contention, finishing just two minutes and six seconds behind their championship-leading teammates. This result further solidifies their second position in the championship standings, and cementing their status as one of the top crews in the SARRC.
Veteran duo Giniel de Villiers and Elvéne Vonk rounded off the all-TGRSA podium with a third-place finish, crossing the line at 06:02:51. Despite encountering overheating issues and an error that cost them valuable seconds on the first day, De Villiers and Vonk showcased their experience and tenacity to overcome these setbacks and secure a crucial podium finish, maintaining their strong position in the championship standings.
With Lategan and Cummings securing the championship title, TGRSA’s dominance in the 2024 SARRC is undeniable. Toyota’s comprehensive performance across the series has also cemented their lead in the Manufacturer’s standings with a commanding 542 points, well ahead of their nearest competitors.
Young Saood Variawa and co-driver, Francois Cazalet, missed out on the Phakisa 400 after their Hilux was damaged in a pre-race test session. The technical crew was unable to repair the car in time, forcing Variawa and Cazalet to watch the action from the sidelines.
The 2024 SARRC will conclude with the Renault KEC Racing Rayton 400, set to take place on 8 and 9 November at Legends Adventure Farm on the R515, Rhino Park. As the final round approaches, TGRSA will look to cap off an already stellar season with another strong performance, while their competitors aim to end the season on a high note.
TGRSA Team Principal, Shameer Variawa, reflected on the team’s success: “I’m incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved this weekend and throughout the season. Henk and Brett’s victory and championship win are a testament to their hard work, tenacity, and unwavering support from our entire team. We’re excited to head into the final round with the championship already in hand, and we look forward to finishing the season on a high.”
