Loads of action and fun in store at Koës Pan Rally

Petrolheads, speed freaks and adrenaline junkies are in for a real treat at the 40th edition of the annual Koës Pan Rally.


The inaugural edition of the rally, hosted in Koës (130 km east of Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas Region) and considered one of the oldest off-road races in the country, took place in 1985. According to Dirk Trümer, who has been taking part in the Koës Pan Rally for over 20 years, it’s a fun event. “It’s a beautiful event to be part of. It’s about sportsmanship. We get to socialise with friends we haven’t seen in a while, and there is always good competition. I just love it.”


Excitement building - Rickus Vermeulen, the organiser of the event, confirmed that plans are on track to deliver another memorable Koës Pan Rally over two action-packed days. “Our biggest sponsor is King Price Insurance. The energy and enthusiasm of the spectators and competitors make every Koës Pan Rally unforgettable. We are truly grateful for this support,” said Vermeulen. “The 126 km / 168 km Off-Road Race for cars, bikes and quad bikes takes place on Friday. You can take part in drag racing, do the obstacle course or compete in a dune climbing competition on Saturday. Bring your bakkie and enter on the day – or come along as a spectator if you prefer,” he encouraged. Vermeulen emphasised that no practice laps will be allowed on the main rally track or the mini-rally “Dune” track from Wednesday, 2 July, onwards. “This includes all race cars and bikes. No one will be permitted on the tracks before the official start of the event. We’ve put in a lot of work grading and restoring the tracks. We simply want to give competitors the best-prepared track possible for Friday’s races.”


Loaded with action - Early registration is scheduled from 18:00 to 21:00 on Thursday, 3 July, at the Koës Farmers Association Hall, with the main race event – a 126 km race consisting of three laps of 42 km – taking place on Friday, 4 July. The Junior bikers will start first (09:00), followed by the Senior bikers (10:00), and then the cars at 12:00. The action continues on Saturday, 5 July, with a Fun Day. Toddler and Junior bikers will kick off proceedings at 08:45. This will be followed by a Mini Rally / Gymkhana, Sprints or Drags over a quarter mile, and a Dune Climb event. Registration and scrutineering (07:00 – 08:00), along with driver and rider briefing sessions (08:15 – 08:30), will precede the action on both days. Food and cold drinks will be on sale from various vendors in the pan. Lekker indigenous Southern braai-packs and wood will also be available for those who wish to braai themselves. No alcohol will be sold in the pan. Racing on both days will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony (19:00) at the Koës Farmers Association Hall. This will be followed by the usual Koës Rally after-party, featuring live entertainment.


Cross border action - Previous events have seen drivers and riders from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Angola in attendance. Nico Burger was the fastest Junior biker. Jako Maree won the Open Class with a time of 01:38:16. Emil Duvenhage (South Africa) took first place in the 250cc category (01:53:35) – his fourth time competing in the Koës Pan Rally. “I am happy with the result. It’s my first win here, so I’m grateful for that,” he said. Ricardo Demmel won the Quads category (02:31:56), and Dirk Trümer clinched the Adventure Class (01:36:25). Driver Johannes Grobler won the Special Built Class (01:46:22), Shannon Rowland clinched the Sand Master Class (00:54:46), and Johan Engels took the 4x4 Class (02:09:46).