Motorsport South Africa (MSA) has entered into an agreement with African Motorsport Events to become the official promoter of the National Rally Championship, marking an exciting new chapter for rallying in South Africa.
African Motorsport Events is owned by well-known industry figures Archie Rutherford, Sandra Labuscagne and Evan Hutchison, whose experience in organising and promoting major motorsport events has been widely recognised across the sector. The team is particularly respected for its successful management of the SA Rally-Raid Series, one of the country’s most prominent motorsport championships.
The agreement is expected to bring fresh momentum to the National Rally Championship, with a focus on growing the sport’s profile and attracting new sponsors and spectators.
Motorsport South Africa CEO Vic Maharaj welcomed the collaboration, noting that the partnership brings valuable experience and fresh energy to the championship.
Rutherford says the team is committed to working closely with the championship’s leadership structures.
“We will work very closely with the current NRCSA Working Group,” says Rutherford. “Our goal is to help elevate the championship, strengthen its commercial appeal and create new opportunities for partners and fans alike.”
He confirmed that part of the vision for the championship includes expanding the VIP experience for existing and potential partners, creating more engaging opportunities for sponsors to connect with the sport and its audiences.
Competitors who participated in the 2025 TRACN4 Rally would already have seen some of the logistical improvements brought through collaboration with the Rally-Raid team, including the use of Rally-Raid vehicles for the championship’s Safety Caravan.
The NRCSA Working Group has welcomed the agreement. William Louw, NRCSA Administrator and Clerk of the Course, confirmed that the 2026 season will kick off with a unique all-tar event on 21 March 2026.
“Due to uncertainty around accessing gravel stages as a result of the nationwide Foot and Mouth outbreak, we have opted to stage the opening event entirely on sealed surfaces,” notes Louw.
The rally will consist of six special stages at the Gerotek Testing Facility, followed by a dramatic two-stage finale at Zwartkops Raceway.
The event will be run as a single round of the National Rally Championship, covering approximately 90 km of special stages, with final route details currently being completed by organisers.
The Supplementary Regulations will specify the use of gravel tyres, in accordance with the Standing Supplementary Regulations for Rally, Chapter 908 i) through iv).
Spectators and competitors can expect an action-packed day, with organisers planning one- to two-minute starting intervals between competitors, ensuring continuous rally action throughout the day.
The promoters of the National Rally Championship aim to deliver a safe and successful opening event, while also exploring the possibility of making an all-tar rally a permanent fixture on the championship calendar in future.
Prepared on behalf of African Motorsport Events by Cathy Findley Public Relations
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