Benjamin Habig and navigator Barry White were crowned the 2025 SA National Rally Champions, ending the year with a double podium in the TracN4 Dullstroom Rallies in the 4WD Volkswagen Polo. Going into Round 7 and 8 of the NRC Championship Habig and White had a good point lead, but to finish first, you have to first finish.
“Barry had calculated the various point scenarios, and we knew that even if Jono van Wyk and Nico Swartz won both days, we had to finish 4th on both rounds,” said Benjamin.
“It is still a calculated risk, and obviously when you keep focus on the bigger picture, the temptation to go just a little faster is always at the back of your mind, and concentration is of the essence. Lots of rain saw the roads being extremely slippery and muddy with big water puddles, so our goal on Friday in Round 7 was to keep it tidy, stay on the road, finish the day,” he added.
With two stage wins the duo finished 2nd overall a mere 1,5 seconds behind Van Wyk and Swartz, but maintained their lead in the Championship.
The final event for the year, Round 8 started under blue skies and with different stages the road surfaces were dry. Jono and Nico won stage 1 by 1,6 seconds, with Habig and White controlling the remainder of the event with 6 stage wins and overall victory, just over 3 minutes ahead of NRC2 Paul van Niekerk and Willemjan Human also in a VW Polo.
“Unfortunately Jono and Nico were forced to retire, and it has been a tremendous year of rallying, Championship lead changed hands a few times, but we are elated to be the 2025 SA Rally Champions, said Habig. “Barry has been the perfect navigator, I didn’t listen at first some 4 years ago, and after a crash in my first event, I can today just thank Barry for his meticulous, calm approach, valuable input and sticking by my side – we did it, thank you.”
“My sincerest appreciation to my dad Jan Habig for building a state of the art car, giving us the best equipment to compete with. His passion for the sport started way back in 1982. After an illustrious career, with 6 SA National Rally Championship titles under the Volkswagen banner, he is putting back so much into the sport, and I can live my dream and know he supports my passion,” concluded Ben. “Motorsport has always been a family affair and I can remember going on rallies from the tender age of 3 with my mom and sisters, following my dad from stage to stage.
Thank you to the sponsors, officials, marshals and the fantastic turnout of spectators all season. So many families have enjoyed the spectacle, and this is where little boys’ dreams begin, and they are the future of motorsport. The sheer delight just to shake your hand, have a photo with them or sign a cap, is planting a seed. Benjamin is the youngest driver to clinch the SA Rally Championship driver since 1960.
Photography by: Stefan van Niekerk
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