The start and finish of both races, as well as the designated service point and race control, will be situated at Stonehenge River Lodge, which will offer spectators riverfront viewing and accessible facilities. The event is expected to draw visitors to the town, benefiting local businesses and tourism.

The Ingco Parys 400 and Ingco Vaal 400 are the second and third rounds of the 2025 SA Rally-Raid Championship, which will test competitors, their service and support teams over two days of racing and almost 800 kilometres.

“Rally-Raid is more than just a race; it is a three-day event, and we are bringing our whole circus into town,” said SA Rally-Raid CEO Archie Rutherford. “For the local community in Parys, this is a big financial injection into the area.

“We all come there and stay in guesthouses, we support restaurants, and local businesses. From that aspect, it is a nice financial boost for the local community. It also creates an atmosphere, a carnival festival atmosphere, because it is a three-day event.”

This is something special they bring to every town. The community benefits from it, and they leave a positive impact on the local community, said Rutherford.

Bloemfontein Courant previously reported that a combination of well-known drivers and up-and-coming talent make up the driver line-up. Especially younger competitors like Saood Variawa, 20, and Jayden Els, 21, will look to make their mark.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux driver Saood Variawa says they will aim to make a strong impact. Photo supplied

Giniel de Villiers, who races for Team Hilux, has years of experience and Dakar-winning credentials. The roster also includes Guy Botterill and Gareth Woolridge, both of whom have recently achieved success in national and international competitions.

“I am super excited. The race is nearby, just an hour away from Johannesburg, and usually there are a lot of spectators,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux driver Saood Variawa. “We are really looking forward to it, and the cars are in good shape.

“We’ve done a lot of development since the last race, so we will try to come out as a force, and I’m sure the team will be strong.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs