In the high-octane world of rallying, triumph and tribulation often go hand in hand. The Bronx Rally, Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2023 South African National Rally Championship (NRC), was no exception. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigated the challenging terrain surrounding the Gauteng town of Bronkhorstspruit.
Mandla Mdakane and his co-driver, Kes Naidoo, emerged as the stars of the show for TGRSA during the Bronx Rally. The duo showcased their prowess on the rally circuit, securing two consecutive Top 5 finishes. Their impressive performance was indicative of a team that had hit its stride, finding the perfect balance of skill, strategy, and synergy between driver and co-driver. In a championship as competitive as the NRC, such consistency is a priceless asset.
However, the Bronx Rally presented a stark contrast for Jono van Wyk and his co-driver, Nico Swartz. The pair, known in rallying circles as the ‘Swazi Cowboy,’ had previously demonstrated remarkable pace throughout the season. Yet, they found themselves plagued by technical challenges that resulted in two Did Not Finish (DNF) outcomes in consecutive starts. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a duo capable of podium finishes on their day.
One of the defining elements of the Bronx Rally for the TGRSA team was the decision to use in-house engines, departing from their usual reliance on power plants supplied by third parties. While the in-house engines exceeded expectations, Van Wyk’s campaign was cut short due to an unfortunate problem with the cooling package, causing a melted alternator cable.
On the other side of the TGRSA garage, Mandla Mdakane’s decision to employ an alternative cooling package proved to be a masterstroke. Racing with his South African-built and developed Toyota Starlet, the Johannesburg-based driver secured a fourth-place finish in Round 7, followed by a fifth-place finish in Round 8. These commendable results propelled Mdakane and Naidoo to third place in the championship standings.
As the NRC season draws to a close, all eyes are now on the TRAC Rally, scheduled to take place in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, on November 17-18, 2023. While overall championship glory may be a step too far for Mandla Mdakane, his sights are set on securing the runner-up position. It’s a remarkable goal, considering his relatively novice status in the sport, and it underscores his potential as a future rallying star.
Guy Botterill, TGRSA NRC Team Manager, acknowledged the team’s mixed results at the Bronx Rally, saying, “We had some great moments, but were ultimately disappointed that Jono and Nico didn’t score any points. With that said, Mandla and Kes did a great job, and we are encouraged by their results.”
As the 2023 NRC season approaches its conclusion, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa remains dedicated to overcoming challenges, finding solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of rallying.
