“It is very difficult to describe the feeling of winning the Rookie trophy in the T3 class. We definitely did not expect it. It doesn’t matter what you are faced with, you need to overcome it, and this is just so much more valid at the Dakar Rally,” Eben Basson advised Eyewitness News.
Eben Basson and Leander Pienaar competing at the 2023 Dakar Rally. Picture: #TeamHilux Rally-Raid/Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG – Eben Basson and Leander Pienaar not solely competed on the planet’s most gruelling race – the 2023 Dakar Rally, but in addition introduced house the Rookie trophy within the T3 class.
The race occurred over the course of 15 days within the Saudi Arabian desert in December.
The duo crossed the road in seventh place general of their class.
“It is very difficult to describe the feeling of winning the Rookie trophy in the T3 class. We definitely did not expect it. It doesn’t matter what you are faced with, you need to overcome it, and this is just so much more valid at the Dakar Rally,” Eben Basson advised Eyewitness News.
The T3s are prototypes crafted by specialised makers – a launchpad for seasoned crews, and the final step earlier than the automobile class.
CAPTION: Eben Basson and Leander Pienaar competed at the 2023 Dakar Rally. Picture: #TeamHilux Rally-Raid/ provided.
“What makes it much more particular is that we gained the Rookie trophy with a automobile we’ve by no means pushed. A automobile that’s fully completely different to the automobile we’re used to.
The duo, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on the twenty seventh of December, solely received to see the automobile they’d drive two days later.
“The seat set-ups were done, we had some training and only one hour of actual driving – so we had no idea what the car’s capabilities are,” stated Basson.
READ: ‘Roughing on a unique stage’: SA’s Kirsten Landman conquers Dakar Rally
The pair stated they’d one clear goal for the Dakar Rally, which was to complete the race within the prime 10, and they weren’t about to fiddle.
He stated they had been pleased with attaining what they’d got down to do, and so had been their household and pals.
“I am not sure who was more relieved that we finished, Leander and I, or our family and friends at home. So, to get the opportunity to compete in this amazing event, to complete it and with such a great result is humbling and an accomplishment which I am very proud to share.”
“I believe it is just then that we realise what we’ve achieved. It was superior to get the seat time as a driver, we hope that this may help us to defend our title of T1 Champions within the South African Rally Raid Championship sequence. When we take a step again and take into account that racing is a pastime for us, and not one thing we do or practise full-time, it simply makes the prize rather more rewarding.”
CAPTION: Eben Basson and Leander Pienaar competed at the 2023 Dakar Rally. Picture: #TeamHilux Rally-Raid/ provided.
The pair stated competing with among the finest on the planet was unbelievable.
“Dakar is synonymous with surprises, and not at all times good ones. But these challenges it’s essential to overcome, and we South Africans simply have a unique option to deal with points and challenges, I’m positive that our resilience assisted us. From the rain, rocks, sand, dunes, and no windscreen was an enormous expertise.”
Team South Africa battled 14 phases that coated practically 8,000 kilometres – uncovered to the chilly and rain as they drove with no windscreen.
Pienaar began racing after college on motorbikes. He gained a number of Roof of Africa motorcycle championships.
Basson additionally began with motorbikes, however he competed within the South African Rally Raid Championship for the primary time in 2021, when he was a part of the Red Lined Motorsport workforce. They each raced the 2022 SARRC season collectively for the primary time and gained the T1 Class.
The pair stated they’d wish to see extra opponents and courses within the nation’s Rally Raid championship workforce, and extra supporters at such occasions.
“There shall be occasions throughout most provinces this 12 months, with the primary one in Mpumalanga. We can not anticipate the calendar and venues to be introduced within the week to return. We wish to invite everybody to hitch us at the SARRC rallies, the environment is wonderful and the racing even higher,” stated Basson.
