2004 Mafikeng 500 National Race

It was an adrenaline packed weekend for the Advansoft/Syntech team this weekend at the Mafikeng 500 race.

Gary and Siegfried tested the BAT for the first time on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at a Pastel Corporate day. We understood Gary’s frustrations for the first time, after soaring over brutal terrain in an indefatigable BAT at Samrand. This driving experience conceded us with new aspirations for the next race.

The buildup to race date was immense. We knew we had a 120% reliable vehicle and a good chance to run with the legends due to Gary’s driving competence and Siegfried’s proficient navigational skills. The entire team’s hopes were far from reality, but due to whim filled veins we knew that the Mafikeng race could be the place of veracity.

During Friday’s prologue our nerves were tested when the BAT did not return within the anticipated time slot, but were relieved to eventually find out that the boys got lost and no reliability issues with the car.

Friday night Gary and Siegfried’s strategy was to go out on Saturday and “just” enjoy the race, as winning was impossible starting from 50th on the grid. All these subtle thoughts were abandoned when the Advansoft BAT came flying through spectator point 5 in 7th place overall. Everybody’s heart skipped a beat and the chase from SP to SP increased exponentially to keep up with the “flying software mobile”

After a swift pit stop the BAT was 3rd in class as Atang was delayed due to some fuel problem. The pace picked up another notch when they passed John Weir-Smith on the side of the route with a flat tire. It was now just a matter of kilometers to triumph. Victory was sweet when we finished 1st in Class A, 1st in Special vehicle Class and 4th overall.

All credit to Gary and Siegfried for an unbelievable achievement.
Thanks to Achim and BAT Racing for the great support and effort.

Well done to:
Ernest Corbett Class B BAT 3rd in Class

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