The 4×4 Vasbyt team from Otjiwarongo is set for the ultimate of 4×4 Vasbyt when they host the third edition of the popular sport among adrenaline junkies.
Speaking to Top Revs this weekend, Theuns van Zyl said all is in place for this event and assured spectators that the big names in the sport are ready to show off what they and their vehicles are capable of.
The Otjiwarongo 4×4 club is organising the event under the auspices of the Namib Desert 4×4 Club, Van Zyl said and assured a jam-packed day from 08h00 till late in the afternoon.
Some of the big names that will be in action are Herman and Nico Tromp from the Erongo region, the Steenkamp team (father and son) currently leading the pack, and Kobie Mans who will enter with two vehicles, Van Zyl added.
“We normally try to work in eight technical obstacles and two to four progressive obstacles. To make the event challenging.” Van Zyl added.
The two biggest obstacles that draw crowds are the tyre and mud pits. Here it is like anything goes, as the tyre and mud pits are the highlights of the event. Only the skilled of the skilled manage to overcome these two pits. In many cases, most of the vehicles are recovered by an outside source as the mud and tyre pits are guaranteed to take their toll on those who are brave enough to challenge them.
A team consists of a driver and navigator whose task is to manoeuvre the vehicle with the fewest mistakes and traverse through an obstacle.
Apart from all the safety regulations during the event, as motorsport could be dangerous, all vehicles are equipped with roll cages, five-point safety belts, a safety harness and fire extinguishers in case of a fire. The teams must always wear safety helmets.
The scoring is simple, Van Zyl said, as each team starts off with 60 points and for every mistake a penalty is given and either 10 or 20 points are deducted, depending on the slips of the driver. When a driver reverses, 10 points are deducted and when the driver touches the bunting lines, the team loses 20 points.
To help the sport grow and give novice drivers an opportunity, Van Zyl told Top Revs that they plan to introduce a class where factory 4x4s can take part.
The vehicles are all specially built and equipped for 4×4 Vasbyt like shorter wheel bases, lifted suspensions and diff lockers.
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