Summarize

Red-Lined Motorsport's 2019 South African Cross Country racing adventure steps up to a five car effort as the team heads to its second appointment at an all new venue in the Southern Drakensberg over the 17-18 May weekend. And while Red-Lined remains fully focussed on adventure and enjoyment, the outfit finds four of its cars in the premier FIA class championship top seven heading for the ‘Berg.

The adventure team’s season started on the front foot as rookies Ernest Roberts and Riaan Greyling put their JCP Roofing Red-Lined Navara onto the FIA class podium in Dullstroom’s season opener. “We want more of the same," Ernest explained. “We put it on the podium on our first race together, so I could not have wished for a better result. “Now better knowing the lay of the land, I'll continue to listen to my experienced navigator and expert team — I could not be in better hands!”

Former rally crew, Namibian duo Jaco van Dyk and Michael Rust were likewise thrilled by their debut Cross Country finish in their 24-7 Race Fuels Red-Lined Navara last time out. “We are learning all about racing cross country,” Jaco admitted. “We had a debut finish last time but suffered a few punctures and little rookie issues along the way, so the plan is to iron all that out and bring it home again — what an adventure!”

Another former rally driver, Schalk Burger and champion navigator Elvine Vonk are also keen on a few less problems as they continue to prepare for Dakar 2020 aboard their King Price Extreme Red-Lined Navara. “We had a good start to the season,”  Schalk explained. “There were a few issues and punctures in Dullstroom, so the plan is to avoid those this time around — it's a huge thrill and all part of the learning curve and this new race in the Drakensberg promises to be a cracking adventure!”

The last two Red-Lined entries for the Berg race are quite exciting — Letshego Zulu, late race driver Gugu's widow may never have raced with her husband, but she is champing at the bit to once again ride the hot seat alongside Red-Lined’s Terence Marsh in the Celebrity Navara as he continues do develop the team’s latest Dakar challenger this weekend. “I raced the Gold 400 with Terence last year,” Letshego confirmed. “That was such a thrill that I could not wait to get back in there — I’m an adventure junkie and believe me, this is the ultimate adventure!”

Last but not least, UAE based British duo Thomas Bell and Patrick McMurren return to the SA series hot off an incredible run finishing four of the biggest international cross country races on the trot from Dakar to Morocco to start the 2019 season aboard their Dragon Energy Red-Lined Navara. “We have had a fairytale start to our racing year,” Thomas reflected. “Now we return to the South African series to continue our preparations for the 2020 Dakar — as always, we expect maximum adventure in the mountains!”

The Berg 400 is a brand new event, racing around KwaZulu-Natal's Champagne Valley and the foothills of the Drakensberg near Winterton and Estcourt.