High-Speed Thrills as Local Teams Shine at the 2025 Potch Plastic 300

The 2025 Potch Plastic 300 brought high-speed excitement and intense competition to Rysmierbult, Potchefstroom, as some of South Africa’s top off-road teams battled it out for championship points in the penultimate round of the national off-road racing season.

Organised by Off Road South Africa in partnership with Potch Plastic Recycling, the event transformed the normally quiet Diggers Inn area into a bustling hub of engines, dust, and adrenaline. Crews worked through the morning to prepare their vehicles before taking on the challenging 300-kilometre route under clear, hot North West skies.

🚘 Tight Finish in the Production Vehicle Category

The Production Vehicle Category produced one of the closest finishes of the season. Jan Rose and Arno Olivier of Team Topcar Panelbeaters took the win in their Ford Ranger, narrowly edging out TG Jansen van Rensburg and Vince van Allemann of LTX Landini Racing by only six seconds after more than three hours of racing.

Both teams displayed precision driving and endurance, crossing the line with times of 3:09:35 and 3:09:41 respectively.Wessel Mostert and first-time navigator Koos Bosman secured third place in their Mosco Class S Toyota Hilux, finishing in 4:21:58 after serving a minor penalty. Alex van Rooyen and Adriaan Labuschagne, competing in a Mitsubishi Pajero, were forced to retire due to mechanical issues.

🏎️ Special Vehicle Category Dominated by Local Crews

The Special Vehicle Category saw local racers deliver strong performances despite a day of mechanical challenges and race penalties.

Brothers Dewald and Seegers du Plessis claimed victory in their Zarco 2006, following a consistent run that kept them clear of trouble. Their father, Gerhard du Plessis, alongside co-driver Ferdie Seegers, initially led the race in their Jimco 2000, but a penalty for cutting a section of the route dropped them to second place.

Third position went to Gideon Jacobs and Junior Vardy in their Chevrolet Porter, who also impressed spectators with their pace. The local favourites thrilled the crowd with spectacular jumps over a series of humps, embodying the fearless spirit of off-road racing.

🏁 One-Second Victory in the Lightweight Vehicle Category

The Lightweight Vehicle Category produced one of the event’s most dramatic moments, as Dominique and Neil du Preez, a mother-and-son team, clinched victory by a single second.

Driving their Can-Am Maverick X3, the pair finished in 3:04:34, narrowly ahead of Liezel Sajaam and Jorina van Staden, who crossed the line at 3:05:59 after maintaining strong pace throughout the race.

A penalty for a missed stop cost Walter du Plessis and Garth Warncke a potential podium, moving them down to third with a time of 3:09:31. Andre du Plessis and Tim van As rounded off the finishers after battling mechanical problems during Lap 2.

🌄 Community, Competition, and Commitment to Sustainability

The Potch Plastic 300 once again underscored the strong off-road culture in the North West, where motorsport, community, and environmental awareness intersect. With support from Potch Plastic Recycling, Twinstar Precast, Doep Civils, Toyota Matjhabeng, and OdorCure, the event promoted responsible waste management alongside high-octane racing action.

Crowds lined the route throughout the day, cheering on drivers and co-drivers who braved rough terrain, dust, and heat to reach the finish. The event also contributed valuable championship points as teams look ahead to the season finale, where titles will be decided.

The 2025 edition of the Potch Plastic 300 not only showcased the skill and endurance of South Africa’s off-road competitors but also highlighted the continued growth of motorsport in the Potchefstroom region, a place where passion for speed and community pride go hand in hand.

All images credit: Off Road North

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