Toyota Gazoo racing SA scoops multiple awards at MSA Awards Evening
Johannesburg South, South Africa, 4 December – Leeroy Poulter entrenched himself as South Africa’s premier racing driver, being awarded not one, but two titles in two different disciplines at the prestigious MSA Gala Awards evening. This remarkable feat has not been achieved on the South African motorsport landscape for close on 30 years.
Garnering championship trophies in the South African Rally and Cross Country championships, Poulter has undoubtedly proven his capability and versatility as a driver. Paired with co-driver Elvene Coetzee, Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Yaris S2000 edged out their competition by a significant margin to claim the title.
In similar fashion, the formidable Dakar-proven combination of Leeroy Poulter and co-driver Rob Howie, etched a solid lead over the rest of the Cross Country field with the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Hilux in association with Total Quartz, racking up a solid lead and supported by teammate Anthony Taylor in a similar vehicle.
In recognition of this accomplishment, Poulter also received a special MSA Achievement award, placing him amongst revered company.
Super Success in S1600
Guy Botterill and navigator Simon Vacy-Lyle took top honours in the S1600 class in the Yato Toyota Etios. Having amassed a solid point’s cache throughout the season, the pairing finished in the number-one position despite experiencing a forced retirement at the penultimate Cape Dealer Rally.
Triple Toyota Triumph
The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team was awarded manufacturer titles in both the Cross Country and Rally championships, with an accompanying win in the S1600 rally class – reinforcing the brand’s attributes of Quality, Reliability and Durability and bearing testament to the stellar performance and capabilities of the entire team.
Team principal Glyn Hall was overjoyed with the combined success of the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA teams, as he accepted both manufacturer trophies.
He went on to share the team’s enthusiasm for the upcoming 2017 Dakar race, highlighting the inclusion of FIA’s number one ranked driver; Nasser Al Attiyah in the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team.
Nasser Al Attiyah and Giniel de Villiers will head up the 2017 Dakar assault, as the team tackles the gruelling South American off-road race in January.
