TreasuryONE Motorsport’s Hennie de Klerk and Carl Swanepoel took no expectations into the weekend’s National Rally-Raid season opening Ingco Parys 400, but the duo’s performance aboard the TreasuryONE Hilux even surprised themselves. 2018 Dakar Rookie winner Hennie and Carl comfortably led the T1SA class as they raced well inside the competitive overall top ten when they were sidelined by a late technical issue.
“After only planning to race a few regional and Botswana outings this year, we decided what the hell, let’s race the Parys National for the fun of it,” Hennie explains. “So to be honest, we were quite surprised to end up fourth overall in Friday morning’s time trial and just five seconds off the fastest car and our closest class rival was only tenth!
“We were still in the top ten after Friday’s stage and very happy with how the TreasuryONE Hilux ran as we lined up ninth on day 2. Saturday started well and we had an excellent run once again to lead the SA T1 class in ninth overall and just five minutes off the overall Ultimate T1+ race leaders in the morning loop. Then in the afternoon, we were up to seventh overall and looking good for a great result…
“Sadly it was not to be, as we ran into trouble when a pulley bearing seized and damaged a drive belt and forced us to stop. However, we can take some huge positives out of the weekend, knowing that we were setting the SA T1 class pace, which is hugely gratifying. Thanks to Carl for a great job on the notes and his confidence inspiring navigation, and to LA Sport for the progress we are making on the TreasuryONE Hilux. Now for some results!”
Source: TreasuryONE Motorsport Photo: Dave Ledbetter
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