Botterill Returns to Driver Seat for Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Ermelo Rally
BOTTERILL RETURNS TO DRIVER SEAT FOR TGRSA ERMELO RALLY
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is gearing up for a special weekend of rallying, as the team prepares to contest Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2025 South African National Rally Championship (NRC) at the TGRSA Ermelo Rally, set to take place on 29 and 30 August in Mpumalanga province.
This event, proudly sponsored by TGRSA, will see a change in the driving lineup for the weekend. Team Manager Guy Botterill will take the wheel of the team’s Toyota Starlet rally car, with longtime co-driver Simon Vacy-Lyle calling the notes. The duo previously enjoyed immense success together, having won multiple national titles before Botterill stepped away from driving to focus on team management.
With the team working tirelessly throughout the season to refine the Starlet’s setup and improve reliability, Botterill’s decision to race in Ermelo is part of a deliberate effort to assess progress from behind the wheel.
“We’ve made good strides with the car in recent events, and I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat to experience those developments first-hand,”
said Botterill.
“We’re expecting a tough, competitive rally, but it’s a great opportunity to see where we stand.”
The rally, which is based in and around the Mpumalanga town of Ermelo, promises fast gravel stages and technical sections through farmlands and plantations. It will represent a key mid-season test for the TGRSA crew, with stages planned across Friday and Saturday.
Mandla Mdakane, who has piloted the Starlet throughout the season so far, will return to driving duties for the remainder of the championship following this weekend’s outing.
The team is looking forward to an exciting event in Ermelo, with strong local support and the added motivation of racing under the banner of the TGRSA Ermelo Rally.
