It was always going to be a proper showdown, but few could have predicted just how tight and thrilling the finish would be at the inaugural South African Safari Rally, held in the dust and thornveld of the North West province. After nearly 1 100km of rally-raid drama, it all came down to the last 100 km of Stage 5 – and South Africa’s own Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings brought it home in spectacular fashion.
Driving their fearsome Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux and cheered on by enthusiastic locals, Lategan and Cummings clinched the overall win, narrowly holding off French rally legend Sébastien Loeb, who was charging hard in his new Dacia Sandriders entry. Loeb, who started the final stage just 39 seconds adrift, went full tilt in a last-ditch attempt, but fell short by just over a minute.
For Lategan, it was sweet redemption after finishing as runner-up at the Dakar earlier this year and marked his first-ever win in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). “We didn’t want another second place,” said a smiling Lategan, looking every bit the local hero. “It was flat-out today. The support from home fans made a massive difference.”
Home-ground advantage pays off
It wasn’t just Henk and Brett making headlines. Local talent was out in full force and determined to make the most of this rare opportunity to race at home on a world stage. The Toyota Gazoo Racing squad had a trio of South African crews, and Dakar veteran Giniel de Villiers, always a fan favourite, finished in 18th after a solid and drama-free run.
But perhaps the most exciting storyline came from Bradley Cox, son of legendary rally rider Alfie Cox. Riding for Sherco as a factory pilot in the top-tier RallyGP class, Brad impressed with his pace and composure, ending 8th overall in just his first full W2RC outing at this level. Not too shabby, especially considering he had a crash mid-race, shrugged it off, and kept flying.
Another standout was Michael Docherty, who, despite battling flu and a painful crash on Day 4, still finished third in Rally2 on his KTM. Michael remains a real threat for the W2RC title in that category. “I really had to dig deep this week,” he said at the finish. “But to stand on the podium at home is something special.”
Also worth a round of applause is Carien Teessen, South Africa’s top quad racer, who finished third overall in the quad category and third on the final stage, after five gruelling days of solo punishment on her Yamaha. That’s pure grit.
Results snapshot
Overall Cars
- Henk Lategan / Brett Cummings (Toyota Hilux, SA)
- Sébastien Loeb / Fabian Lurquin (Dacia Sandriders)
- Lucas Moraes / Alejandro Monleon (Toyota Hilux)
RallyGP (Bikes)
- Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM, AUS)
- Luciano Benavides (Red Bull KTM, ARG)
- Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda, USA)
Rally2 (Bikes)
- Edgar Canet (Red Bull KTM, ESP)
- Tobias Ebster (Hero Motosports, AUT)
- Michael Docherty (KTM, SA)
Quads
- Gaëtan Martinez (CFMoto, FRA)
- Antanas Kanopkinas (CFMoto, LTU)
- Carien Teessen (Yamaha, SA)
Challenger Class (Light prototypes)
- David Zille / Sebastian Cesana (BBR Motorsports, ARG)
- Nicolás Cavigliasso / Valentina Pertegarini (BBR, ARG)
- Adam Kus / Dmitry Tsyro (Taurus)
SSV (Side-by-side vehicles)
- Mário Franco / Joao Miranda (Francosport, POR)
- Richard Aczel / Wouter Rosegaar (South Racing Can-Am)
- Michele Cinotto (Polaris, ITA)
Malle Moto (Unsupported Bikes)
- Florian Bancilhon (Yamaha, FRA)
- Matthieu Jauffraud (KTM, FRA)
World-class event, uniquely South African flavour
While the racing was world-class, the setting truly stole the show. The rally route, stretching from Zeerust to Mahikeng, showcased everything from red sand and rocky outcrops to meandering game tracks lined with curious spectators and the odd impala.
Many international competitors, including Loeb and Al Attiyah, gave glowing reviews of the event, praising the scenery, stage design, and the sheer passion of South African motorsport fans. Botswana’s Ross Branch, who sadly retired early due to a mechanical issue, called the event “next-level special” and hopes to return next year.
