Rally racers kick up dust in Koës

Rally Racing
Otis Daniels
  • 3 Weeks Ago
Roaring engines, speedy machines and clouds of dust were the order of the day at the Koës Pan Rally which lived up to expectations once again.



Held in Koës (a village about 130 km east of Keetmanshoop in the Karas Region), the rally which was first hosted in 1985 and is considered to be one of the oldest off-road races in the country, was well attended and delivered loads of jaw dropping action. The event which is hosted over two days, commenced with the 144 km Off Road Race which is part of the Southern Championships on Friday and concluded with a funday which accommodated a mini rally, drag races and a dune climbing challenge. The track was of a very demanding nature. Thirteen of the 64 participants which included bikers (27), quad bike riders (4) and drivers (15) did not finish the rally. “What makes the Koës Pan Rally special? “It is more than just a rally. I joined the fun on my Adventure KTM 990 in 2004. The people here are phenomenal and very friendly. I enjoy the open road, pancakes and quality meat. You have to hang on tight when racing, it is not a joke,” responded Wikus Du Plessis from Swakopmund, one of the many die-hard rally competitors.



Rally Winners - In the cars division, a speedy Alwyn Jordan won the Side by Side Class. He completed the race in 1:44:11. Willem Du Toit from South Africa clocked 1:49:41 and clinched the Special Build Class. Bokkie Duvenhage was the only participant to finish the race in the Sandmaster Class. He did so in a time of 2:05:06. Johan Engels was the fastest driver in the Bakkie Class. He completed the race in 2:15:55. In the bikers division, speed junkie and the defending champion Nico Burger from Kakamas South Africa took first place in the 85cc Class. He completed the race in 32:10. “It is a good feeling. I went full speed and enjoyed the nice and speedy track. The turns were not so sharp. I started riding seven years ago. I enjoy doing it and it helps me to stay calm.” Jako Maree from Swakopmund won the Open class. He completed his 10th rally and clinched the well contested race ahead of 12 competitors in 1:40:25. Rico Vermeulen won the 350cc Class in 1:46:46. Wehan Du Plessis clinched the 250cc Class in 1:42:25. Dirk Trumer clocked 1:40:28 and won the Adventure Class. Dihan Blaauw was the fastest biker in the 65cc Class. None of the competitors that entered the Quads division finished the race.



Funday Winners - Alwyn Du Toit emerged as the overall winner for drivers followed by Klein Jan Grobler and Willem Du Toit in third position. Frans Burger was the fastest biker overall followed by Wehan Du PLessis and Nicol Smith in third position.



Appreciated - Rickus Vermeulen, the organiser of the event expressed his satisfaction with the way the proceeding played out. “We had put in a lot of work grading and restoring the tracks and simply wanted to give competitors the best-prepared track possible. There were no incidents throughout the two day event and that is a huge plus point. We cleaned up and left the pan spotless after the event, there is not a piece of paper or any empty bottles laying around,” he said. Vermeulen thanked all involved. “All available accommodations in the area were fully occupied. We appreciate the participants, the spectators who come from afar and the community of Koës for their support. The energy and enthusiasm of the spectators and competitors make every Koës Pan Rally unforgettable. Our main sponsor King Price and various other sponsors made this event possible and ensured its success.”