Vryheid 400: NWM Ford Rally-Raid team triumphs in challenging weather to take championship lead

The penultimate round of the 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship, the Vryheid 400, proved to be one of the toughest and wettest events on the calendar this season, with a demanding test of endurance, teamwork and precision.

After a drama-filled weekend, Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer of the Castrol NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team managed to secure a vital victory.

“We knew this was going to be a tough race, but it was one we were also looking forward to,” said Neil Woolridge, NWM Ford team principal.

“Gareth and the NWM Ford thrive in this technical type of terrain, and the car performed exactly as expected. We barely had to make any setup changes or mechanical repairs across the entire weekend.

"We knew it would be hard on brakes, so we did a precautionary change during the 30-minute service interval, which really shows the team’s cohesion and skill.”

Strong performance

Pietermaritzburg duo Gareth and Dreyer entered the race just four points adrift of the championship leaders, Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux).

They set the tone early by winning the 17-kilometre Falken Wild Peak Prologue on Friday and maintained that momentum in Stage One to end the first day in the lead.

Saturday brought a much tougher challenge. As the leading crew, Woolridge and Dreyer were tasked with opening the road over two long and technically demanding racing sections, totalling around 350 kilometres.

Race halted

To add to the drama, a massive rainstorm struck during the final stage, prompting organisers to halt the race after 133 kilometres due to worsening conditions. 

Despite suffering a puncture, Woolridge and Dreyer were among the few crews to reach the finish before the stoppage, clinching their second win, just 53 seconds clear of their nearest rivals, Variawa and Cazalet, who chased hard after starting the race on Saturday from sixth place. 

Woolridge and Dreyer now hold a three-point lead over the Toyota pair heading into the final race of the year with everything to play for.

“This was probably the most difficult race I’ve ever done,” Woolridge admitted. “The navigation was extremely tricky, and the physical toll was huge. It was hot, slippery, and we were dehydrated by the end. But to win on home soil and take the championship lead makes it all worth it. As a team, we did our homework, and it paid off.”

Upgrades

With the title at stake as they head to the Northam Platinum Bushveld 400 on November 21 and 22, the three Castrol NWM Fords will be stripped and inspected for signs of wear and telemetry data analysed to identify opportunities for improvement.

They will also prepare a series of upgrades designed to enhance performance and speed.