The opening round of the 2026 SA Rally-Raid Championship, the Century Property Developments/Century Racing Outeniqua 600, has been postponed due to severe weather warnings. In the interest of competitor and crew safety, the event will now take place in August at Louvain Guest Farm in the Upper Langkloof, nestled between George and Uniondale in the Western Cape’s scenic Garden Route.
Despite the delay, anticipation continues to build for the season opener, which will see a quality field of competitors line up – including a special father-and-son pairing making their debut: Mike and Luke Lawlor.
While new to rally-raid, the Lawlors are no strangers to motorsport. Having raced together for years in motocross and enduro, their transition to four wheels has been fuelled by a shared passion for racing and a moment of inspiration that brought a childhood dream back to life.
A visit to the Safari Rally last year proved to be the turning point.
“After walking through the pits and seeing the cars up close, I was reminded of a childhood dream of racing off-road cars,” says Mike. “That’s really what started the desire to go racing on four wheels.”
Now, that dream is becoming reality and it’s one they are living out together.
A bond that goes beyond racing
The father-son dynamic adds a unique layer to their debut season. While both admit to being “hot-headed” at times, they’ve learned how to channel that energy constructively when it matters most.
“In a race environment, Luke and I know what to do to get along,” Mike explains.
Their roles are clearly defined – Mike behind the wheel and Luke on navigation – but their shared experience and mutual understanding underpin their partnership.
For Mike, the journey carries deep personal meaning: “It means a lot to fulfil a childhood dream with my family.”
Moving into the unknown
Moving from two wheels to four has brought its fair share of challenges.
“The capability of the car, especially the suspension, really surprised me,” Mike admits. “But coming off a bike, the width of the car is a huge visual adjustment.”
Navigation, endurance and race strategy are all areas where the pair acknowledge they are still learning. “All three disciplines will need time to improve,” he says.
Their approach to the Outeniqua 600 is grounded and realistic. “We just want to finish the race – that’s our main goal… until the helmet is on,” Mike laughs.
Building trust, one kilometre at a time
Preparation for their debut season has been as much about logistics as it has been about performance.
“Getting transport and accommodation sorted has been one of the biggest challenges,” says Mike.
Time in the car has focused on building communication and trust, with both acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead. “We’re both novices and still learning, but we’re on the same level in our respective roles.”
Race day preparation is kept simple and focused: a good night’s rest, morning prayer and visualisation, followed by a light breakfast and warm-up.
Backed by experience
The Lawlors will compete in a Ford prepared by Neil Woolridge Motorsport, a partnership that has already made a strong impression.
“They are calm, organised, professional and fun – they’re like family to us,” says Mike.
The team also welcomed the duo warmly, noting their excitement at seeing them join the Ford rally-raid family and wishing them “many happy kilometres and a lifetime of memories.”
That support brings added confidence. “A lot,” Mike says when asked what it means to have such an experienced team behind them. “Especially Neil – he has so much wisdom. When he talks, you listen.”
A season of learning – and living the moment
For the Lawlors, success in their debut season is clearly defined: “Simply to finish every race.”
While competitiveness will inevitably come into play, the focus remains on enjoying the journey. “We’re aiming to have fun and finish every race.”
What excites them most is the full rally-raid experience. “The terrain, the big names, the sounds, the heat and dust… and most of all, the adrenaline.”
Their debut will see them line up against some of the sport’s most recognised names, including Saood Variawa, Guy Botterill, Gareth Woolridge, Wors Prinsloo, Brian Baragwanath and Puck Klaassen to name just a few, along with no fewer than 11 international competitors.
More than just racing
Beyond the competition, the Lawlors’ story speaks to something bigger – the power of shared experiences and family connection through motorsport.
“And that is what rally-raid is really all about,” says SA Rally-Raid CEO, Archie Rutherford.
“It’s also a great way to see our beautiful country,” adds Mike. “It keeps the family together and brings a lot of excitement and energy.”
As they line up for their first SA Rally-Raid event at the Outeniqua 600, Mike and Luke Lawlor are not just chasing a finish line – they are building memories, honouring a lifelong dream, and proving that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones taken together.
Issued on behalf of SA Rally Raid by Cathy Findley PR
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