Share

Midas touch route for 2018 Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race

Route director Adri Roets and a team from the Botswana Tourist Organisation (BTO) has again displayed a Midas touch with the route for this year’s Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race, round three of the South African Cross Country Series (SACCS) and a feast of motorcycle racing, in Jwaneng from June 22 to 24.

Roets and the team from BTO with the co-operation of district land boards and land owners have again come up with a route that matches up to the best traditions of the iconic race.

Tough and grueling 

The Desert Race is never an easy event – it wasn’t meant to be – the team are confident with a challenging route that incorporates the old with the new and at the same time is spectator friendly.

READ: Significant milestones for Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert race

“Good rains throughout the area have ensured there is good ground cover and dense scrub and it is advisable that competitors stay on the track,” Roets said.

“It is a route that contains all the characteristics that are to be found on the Desert Race and crews and riders in the car and motorcycle categories are going to relish the challenges it offers.”

                                                                       Image: Nadia Jordaan

The route is made up of two loops and will crisscross the vast expanse of the eastern and western parts of the southern district of Botswana. Car competitors will complete a 50 kilometre time trial on Friday and two laps of the eastern loop on Saturday.

Fast paced action ahead

Motorcycle crews will tackle the western loop on Saturday after a 35 kilometre time trial on Friday. Sunday will see a reversal with cars completing the western loop and motorcycles the eastern loop.

The 225 kilometre eastern loop includes a variety of tight and fast sections, much of it in virgin territory with an excellent vantage point approximately 25 kilometres outside Jwaneng along the A2 towards Kanye.

                                                                 Image: Nadia Jordaan

The route will bypass Betesankwe, Pitseng and Machana on the eastern side of the A2 around the Debswana mine before returning to Jwaneng.

The southern loop of approximately 220 kilometres has also undergone a major facelift, with the most significant being substantial changes in the area around Kue Pan. The route then heads north-west, where more changes have been made, before heading back to Jwaneng.

As in previous years the route is spectator friendly with ample vantage points and numerous well positioned fan parks that will be popular with cross country enthusiasts,” Roets said. “The Botswana Police Service will again mount a massive campaign to control crowds and the traffic flow.

“With the enormous interest the Desert Race attracts we appeal to spectators to exercise courteous behaviour, drive carefully and obey instructions from police officers and marshals.”

Race headquarters, the start/finish and designated service park (DSP), will be located at the Jwaneng sports complex and adjacent showground area. Access to these areas will be restricted but there will be free spectator entry to prime viewing areas and fan parks along the route.

Cross country enthusiasts can also follow the fortunes of their favourite teams via the RallySafe App. The App can be downloaded free on iOS and Android devices and makes extensive use of maps, times and results.        

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()