2025 Tara Rally roars to life
Fast, fun and unforgiving
The Tara isn't just for petrolheads – it's a community spectacle.
As the engines prepare to roar and the dust settles across Namibia’s rugged terrain, all eyes turn to the Shell V-Power Tara Rally.
Organised by the Windhoek Motor Club, this year’s rally promises high-octane thrills, gruelling challenges, and an unforgettable showdown between the country’s finest motorsport competitors.
“This year’s rally is going to be fast, fun and unforgiving,” said Richard Slamet, chairman of the Windhoek Motor Club. Together with route director Clive Strydom and rally veteran Derek Jacobs, they’ve crafted a route that will test even the most experienced teams. “We’ve got some very tough stages lined up. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Slamet said. “Drivers will need to manage their cars wisely if they hope to reach the finish line.”
The route: From speed to strategy
The 2025 Tara Rally kicks off with a bang on Thursday evening at the Tony Rust Raceway, where fans can enjoy the electrifying super special stages – a head-to-head, time-trial showdown that sets the pace for the weekend. On Friday, the race heads south towards Rehoboth, tackling long, demanding sections that will push both machine and driver to their limits. Saturday brings the action back to Windhoek, culminating once again at Tony Rust after midday.
According to Strydom, the weather posed a unique challenge in planning the route. “We had great rains, which we’re thankful for, but it delayed our preparations and left the stages covered in tall grass and thick sand,” he noted. “Competitors will need to drop tyre pressures and come prepared. This isn’t a cruise through the desert.”
Drivers to watch
Among the 17 entries received so far, some big names stand out. Stefanie Botha returns to the driver’s seat after nearly a decade, paired with navigator Mandie Hugo. “We’re excited to be back,” said Hugo. “Stefanie’s been out of the hot seat for 10 years, but our last rally ended in a win, so we’re hoping to keep that momentum.”
Botha’s rally roots run deep, having grown up navigating for her father, a racing legend in his own right. “I got my first subordinate rally car for my 21st birthday. That’s when I started driving,” she recalled. “Now we’re back, and we’re ready to fight for another win.”
Also returning is Cecil Koorts, who will be competing in his 25th Tara Rally – a milestone few in the sport can claim. This year, he trades his usual driver’s seat for the role of navigator, joining forces with driver Ruaan Viviers in a rugged Renault Duster. “I’ve switched between driving and navigating over the years,” said Koorts. “This time, it’s all about finishing. You can’t place if you don’t cross the line.” Viviers echoed the sentiment, adding, “We’re hoping to complete this rally without a misfire. That alone would be a victory.”
Spectators welcome
The Tara Rally isn’t just for petrolheads – it’s a community spectacle. With stages spread across accessible regions and free entry at Tony Rust Raceway, organisers are encouraging fans to come out in full force.
“Spectators can follow the stages around Windhoek on Saturday,” Strydom noted. “These are classic rally routes, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the sport up close.”
With powerful machines, determined drivers, and the rugged Namibian landscape as the backdrop, the 2025 Tara Rally is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions yet. Whether you're a seasoned rally fan or just curious about the roar of engines and the rush of adrenaline, this is a race not to be missed.
Organised by the Windhoek Motor Club, this year’s rally promises high-octane thrills, gruelling challenges, and an unforgettable showdown between the country’s finest motorsport competitors.
“This year’s rally is going to be fast, fun and unforgiving,” said Richard Slamet, chairman of the Windhoek Motor Club. Together with route director Clive Strydom and rally veteran Derek Jacobs, they’ve crafted a route that will test even the most experienced teams. “We’ve got some very tough stages lined up. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Slamet said. “Drivers will need to manage their cars wisely if they hope to reach the finish line.”
The route: From speed to strategy
The 2025 Tara Rally kicks off with a bang on Thursday evening at the Tony Rust Raceway, where fans can enjoy the electrifying super special stages – a head-to-head, time-trial showdown that sets the pace for the weekend. On Friday, the race heads south towards Rehoboth, tackling long, demanding sections that will push both machine and driver to their limits. Saturday brings the action back to Windhoek, culminating once again at Tony Rust after midday.
According to Strydom, the weather posed a unique challenge in planning the route. “We had great rains, which we’re thankful for, but it delayed our preparations and left the stages covered in tall grass and thick sand,” he noted. “Competitors will need to drop tyre pressures and come prepared. This isn’t a cruise through the desert.”
Drivers to watch
Among the 17 entries received so far, some big names stand out. Stefanie Botha returns to the driver’s seat after nearly a decade, paired with navigator Mandie Hugo. “We’re excited to be back,” said Hugo. “Stefanie’s been out of the hot seat for 10 years, but our last rally ended in a win, so we’re hoping to keep that momentum.”
Botha’s rally roots run deep, having grown up navigating for her father, a racing legend in his own right. “I got my first subordinate rally car for my 21st birthday. That’s when I started driving,” she recalled. “Now we’re back, and we’re ready to fight for another win.”
Also returning is Cecil Koorts, who will be competing in his 25th Tara Rally – a milestone few in the sport can claim. This year, he trades his usual driver’s seat for the role of navigator, joining forces with driver Ruaan Viviers in a rugged Renault Duster. “I’ve switched between driving and navigating over the years,” said Koorts. “This time, it’s all about finishing. You can’t place if you don’t cross the line.” Viviers echoed the sentiment, adding, “We’re hoping to complete this rally without a misfire. That alone would be a victory.”
Spectators welcome
The Tara Rally isn’t just for petrolheads – it’s a community spectacle. With stages spread across accessible regions and free entry at Tony Rust Raceway, organisers are encouraging fans to come out in full force.
“Spectators can follow the stages around Windhoek on Saturday,” Strydom noted. “These are classic rally routes, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the sport up close.”
With powerful machines, determined drivers, and the rugged Namibian landscape as the backdrop, the 2025 Tara Rally is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions yet. Whether you're a seasoned rally fan or just curious about the roar of engines and the rush of adrenaline, this is a race not to be missed.
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