Rally racers kick up dust in Koës

Roaring engines, speedy machines, and clouds of dust were the order of the day at the Koës Pan Rally, which once again lived up to expectations.


Held in Koës, a village approximately 130 km east of Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas Region, the rally – first hosted in 1985 and considered one of the oldest off-road races in the country – was well attended and delivered a wealth of jaw-dropping action. The event took place over two days, beginning with the 144 km Off-Road Race, which forms part of the Southern Championships on Friday, and concluded with a fun day featuring a mini rally, drag races and a dune-climbing challenge. The track was very demanding. Thirteen of the 64 participants, including 27 bikers, 4 quad bike riders and 15 drivers, did not finish the rally.


What makes the Koës Pan Rally special? - “It’s more than just a rally,” said Wikus du Plessis from Swakopmund, one of many die-hard competitors. “I joined the fun on my Adventure KTM 990 in 2004. The people here are phenomenal and very friendly. I enjoy the open road, pancakes and quality meat. You have to hang on tight when racing – it’s no joke!”


Race day winners - In the car division, a speedy Alwyn Jordaan won the Side-by-Side Class, completing the race in 1:44:11. Willem du Toit from South Africa clocked 1:49:41 to clinch the Special Build Class. Bokkie Duvenhage was the only finisher in the Sandmaster Class with a time of 2:05:06. Johan Engels was the fastest in the Bakkie Class, completing the race in 2:15:55. In the bikers’ division, speedster and defending champion Nico Burger from Kakamas, South Africa, took first place in the 85cc Class with a time of 32:10. “It’s great! I went full speed and enjoyed the fast track. The turns weren’t too sharp. I started riding seven years ago. I enjoy it – it helps me stay calm,” he said. Jako Maree from Swakopmund won the Open Class, completing his 10th rally in 1:40:25, ahead of 12 competitors. Rico Vermeulen won the 350cc Class in 1:46:46, Wehan du Plessis took the 250cc Class in 1:42:25, and Dirk Trümer clocked 1:40:28 to win the Adventure Class. Dihan Blaauw was the fastest biker in the 65cc Class. None of the competitors in the Quads division finished the race.


Fun day winners - Alwyn du Toit emerged as the overall winner in the drivers’ category, followed by Klein Jan Grobler and Willem du Toit in third place. Frans Burger was the fastest biker overall, followed by Wehan du Plessis and Nicol Smith in third.


Gratitude - Event organiser Rickus Vermeulen expressed satisfaction with how the event played out. “We put in a lot of work grading and restoring the tracks. We wanted to give competitors the best-prepared course possible. There were no incidents, and that’s a huge plus. We also cleaned up thoroughly – not a single piece of paper or empty bottle was left behind,” he said. Vermeulen thanked all involved. “All accommodation in the area was fully booked. We appreciate the participants, the spectators who came from afar, and the Koës community for their support. The energy and enthusiasm of everyone make every Koës Pan Rally unforgettable. Our main sponsor, King Price, and various others made this event possible and ensured its success.”