Toyota celebrates 25 years of Rust De Winter
This year’s instalment of the Rust De Winter 4×4 Jamboree held this past weekend, marked 25 years of Toyota’s sponsorship of this iconic event which remains a highlight on the 4×4 calendar.
“Toyota’s commitment to the Rust De Winter Jamboree signifies our appreciation and support for the 4×4 community in South Africa and we believe this event is the perfect showcase to illustrate the Toughness of our products.” says Kerry Roodt, General Manager of Marketing Communication.
Attracting supporters from across the country, the Rust De Winter Jamboree – hosted by the 4×4 ATV Club of South Africa – tests the capability and nerve of man and machine. Day 1 consists of a complex Gymkhana made up of 10 tricky obstacles, which test various aspects of the vehicles.
Mud, ruts and rock were the order of the day as all competitors made their way through the gymkhana course. The undulating terrain and man-made obstacles made for some spectacular photo opportunities, with crests of mud and wheel-up action. The gymkhana course tests wheel articulation and travel, wading depth and all-out traction to earn each competitor bragging rights.
Day 2 turned things up a notch, as participants embarked on the infamous ‘mountain route’ with a 65km trail out-ride.
Toyota SA Motors entered four media teams to duke it out in this year’s Jamboree, competing in all-new Hilux and Fortuner models: Justin Jacobs and Siobhan Strydom from Auto Dealer, Carl Kritzinger from Tygerberg104/Groot FM paired up with Nicol Louw from CAR Magazine as well as Anton and Mary Willemse from SA 4×4 magazine.
After all was said and done, Anton and Mary Willemse emerged as victors amongst the Toyota media team with their Bronze Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Double-cab.
The Toyota flag flew high the entire weekend as Jacobus en Annemarie Swarts driving a Toyota FJ Cruiser, were awarded the overall winner title (685 points). The field consisted of a wide variety of Toyota models, such as Land Cruiser 70 and 80 series, FJ Cruisers and the venerable Hilux in all generations with the Toyota brand accounting for 48% of all entries and making up 6 of the top 10.
The new Hilux and Fortuner traversed the obstacles with ease and once again proved why they have earned legendary status in the South African market.
The Toyota ethos of Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) ensured that all competitors successfully completed the Jamboree, ready to accept the next challenge.
Toyota SA Motors would like to thank the 4×4 ATV Club for hosting another successful Rust De Winter Jamboree and look forward to next year’s one.
