Atlas Copco Ford Racing secured a resounding victory on the Toyota Dealer 450 today by claiming first and second overall in the Production Vehicle category.
Manfred Schroder and Japie Badenhorst (T2) followed up their impressive podium finish on the season-opener in March by dominating the second round from start to finish. After claiming pole position in qualifying yesterday, they led the charge from the front and remained unchallenged for the entire race to earn a well-deserved victory.
This outstanding performance has powered the pairing into the lead of the Production Vehicle championship.
Gary Bertholdt and Siegfried Rousseau (T4) added further glory by coming home second after a tenacious drive from fifth position. Additionally, Ford earned the Manufacturer’s Award, giving Atlas Copco Ford Racing a clean sweep of the Production Vehicle results.
The race was staged on an all-new route in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, just outside Mooi River. The area is renowned for its rough conditions, and this was certainly evident in the extremely high attrition rate.
Only half the Production Vehicle field made it to the finish, while only 10 of the 26 entries in the Special Vehicle class completed the arduous 398 km route.