Drifter Series for South Africa

Rob / 26.02.2003

Around the world more and more races are starting up and one country where adventure racing is definitely on a swift upward climb is South Africa. The racing community there is growing quickly, the top South African team ‘Mazda’ placed 4th in the last Eco-Challenge, and there are even rumours that the country will host the next Eco.

The latest addition to their calendar is the Drifter Eco series, which will have three 250km races leading up to the South African Open Expedition Race in December this year.

The first event is on March 21st in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and it sounds like it’s going to be challenging, though the organisers are not giving out much in the way of detailed information. They do say that all teams will need valid passports though, and skilled drivers in their support crews with one or two 4x4’s. (The series is sponsored by Mazda!)

The terrain teams will head into is mountainous – it’s said to have the highest, lowest point of any country in the world. If you see what I mean! There are extensive and powerful waterfalls and rivers which teams will have to cross and impressive overhanging rock formations where dinosaur footprints have been found.

With altitudes up to 3000m it could snow any time of year and altitude illness and hypothermia are a real risk. Storms can be ferocious and lead to flash floods, and all the teams have been told the navigation will be challenging.

It all sounds like it’s going to be spectacular and we’ll keep you up-to-date with news on the series through the year. There’s also more information on their excellent web site here.