Ganging up against gravity

PRO Creations hosted the finals of the KwaZulu-Natal 4x4 Challenge at Highstakes in Cato Ridge on Saturday. Organiser Lee Baxendale (right in red) again ran a tight ship to ensure an event that could be enjoyed by all ages, ably aided and abetted by Ally Thompson (left) and his wife, Leigh (centre). 

The trio seemed to have cracked the anti-rain dance, for after a week of heavy rains in the area, the day of the finals turned out hot and sunny, with the challenges gratifyingly wet and muddy.

As had been the case throughout the series, the contenders showed the KZN 4x4 Challenge is less about winning points and more about ganging up against gravity with some well-oiled machinery and a few mates. The PA system played hits by Deep Purple, Air Suppy and CCR, the smell of hot oil mingled with braaing boerewors, and spectators shouted advice … or hooked up tow ropes when needed.

Next year’s series will again incorporate the new social round for novices, which as Jay Baxendale (11) showed, is easy if you remember to “keep it low and slow”.

“Grab air, and things break,” was the sage advice from Gary Peacock, winner of the modified class on the day.

Photos: J&S Photoghrapics

Co-driver Shiren Kasipersad and Ashwin Singh (left) won the day in their Production class Geländewagen, which also helped to pull out many a stuck competitor (see below).

Gary Peacock of Idada motors shows he is not just good with a spanner, but behind the wheel too. On Saturday he won the production modifieds and ended second in championships, after Steve Swanepoel and Chris van Rooyen.

Chris and Sandy van Beeck won the production class championship, proving a thing or two about the Wrangler — and that years of experience will add up, despite getting bogged down here and there.