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Century Racing brings its international experience back to South Africa for a six-car assault on the Century Property Developments – Century Racing 400

When the Century Property Developments – Century Racing 400 gets underway at Louvain Guest Farm this weekend, it will be about much more than another round of the South African Rally-Raid Championship.

For Century Racing, the event marks a significant return to the local championship, with the South African race car manufacturer bringing a six-car line-up to the Garden Route, including international competitors, established Century Racing machinery, emerging local talent and the South African debut of its new CR-X.

It is a reflection of how far the Century Racing programme has evolved – from its South African roots to an increasingly international operation, and now back to home soil.

“It is important for us to have a presence here in South Africa again,” says Julien Hardy, Century Racing CEO and Technical Director. “We have spent a lot of time competing internationally, which has been important for the development of Century Racing. But we are a South African company, and there is a strong rally-raid community here that has supported us from the beginning.”

The return comes shortly after the team’s international campaign in the United States, where Century Racing finished fifth overall in the demanding Vegas to Reno with its CR6-T.

“For us, Vegas to Reno was primarily a learning ground,” says Hardy. “To finish fifth overall was a very proud milestone. The CR6-T ran the whole race without any major issues, and we gained a lot of insight into what was required to compete over there. It was our first race on American soil, so the result gave us confidence that the car was capable of competing at that level.”

That experience will now be brought back into the local championship.

“Racing internationally exposes us to different types of challenges and different approaches to preparation. It also pushes us technically, constantly competing against teams with a lot of resources,” Hardy explains. “We bring that experience back with us, preparing for the next race with the lessons learnt at each event.”

Six cars, six stories

The six Century Racing vehicles represent a mix of the company’s racing portfolio, with the new CR-X lining up alongside two CR6s and three CR7s.

The unusually strong contingent is partly down to the attraction of the Louvain event and the fact that several European clients had their cars in South Africa for rebuilds, while local clients have also entered in support of the event.

“We are continuing to expand our presence not only globally but also with the amount of categories where our products are being raced,” says Hardy. “The CR-X is the latest addition to the family, but we equally want to see CR6s and CR7s competing in races.”

The line-up includes international clients Rick and Michiel, both experienced competitors who bring another dimension to the local field. Rick has previously raced in South Africa but this will be his first outing in almost a year following a back injury sustained in Morocco. For Michiel, it will be his first race on South African soil since Dakar earlier this year.

Then there is the much-anticipated South African debut of the CR-X, with Mark Corbett and his son Max behind the wheel.

“The car will only turn a wheel for the first time this week, so we will treat the event as a full-scale test,” says Hardy.

“From an engineering point of view, it is exciting to see the CR-X being tested in a South African race environment. We have developed the car with a specific purpose, and seeing how it performs against the cars we already know well will give us useful information.”

Young talent meets experience

Among the Century Racing contingent is 22-year-old Jayden Els, who has made significant progress this season.

After a difficult 2025 campaign, Els has finished both races he has contested this year, including a podium at Stella – a run that has transformed his confidence.

“Last year was really difficult for me. I had a lot of DNFs and struggled to get the car to the end of the race. This year has been really great so far,” says Els. “We have had two finishes from two races, including one podium, which is really great for my confidence.”

Despite his age, Els has 14-and-a-half years of racing experience and has his sights firmly set on the future.

“I have a huge drive and passion to win the Dakar one day, and I would not stop until that dream is achieved,” he says. “I will keep working as hard as I can to achieve that goal, and Century Racing has that same goal in mind as well.”

Els believes another podium is within reach at Louvain.

“In the T1+ FIA category, I feel confident. I think the pace we have shown throughout the last two races has proven that we stand a chance of getting another podium, even though the field is very competitive.”

He also relishes the opportunity to race alongside more experienced drivers.

“It is really cool to be driving against drivers who have a lot of experience. As young drivers, we can sometimes be a bit more fearless, whereas experience teaches you that to finish first, you first have to finish.”

A homecoming with a purpose

This is also the first time Century Racing has sponsored a South African Rally-Raid Championship event, extending its involvement beyond putting cars on the grid.

“It gives us the opportunity to be involved in the event from a different side,” says Hardy. “We can support the organisers, bring more of our team and cars to the event and create more opportunities around the race. For us as a team, that involvement is more important than simply having our name on the event.”

The choice of Louvain was an easy one. The event was voted the best on the 2025 championship calendar by competitors and is a race Century Racing itself enjoys.

For Els, having international competitors join the local field adds to the excitement.

“It is great to have two international teammates for this. We have a very competitive championship, and it is also great to see the interest from international competitors wanting to compete in our series,” he says.

With six Century Racing cars on the start line, a brand-new CR-X making its South African debut, international competitors, a young driver chasing another podium and the Corbett father-and-son pairing making its debut, there will be plenty to watch when racing gets underway at Louvain.

And while the team will undoubtedly be competing hard for the results, Hardy says the objective is bigger than any single car.

“Friendly rivalry between drivers is a given – we’re all here to race,” he says. “But we have a different philosophy at Century Racing: whether it’s a factory driver or a client that wins, it’s still a CR win.”

The Century Property Developments – Century Racing 400 takes place on 28 and 29 August at Louvain Guest Farm in the Garden Route.

JACO JONCK

COMPETITOR LIAISON

Jaco Jonck serves as Competitor Relations Officer for SARRC, acting as the primary liaison between competitors, teams, and event officials. With a strong technical background and a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory aspects of motorsport, he supports competitors in navigating event procedures, regulations, and administrative requirements. Jaco plays a key role in ensuring that competitor concerns are addressed promptly and professionally, helping to maintain a positive, well-managed racing environment.

WAMMY HADDAD

TECHNICAL ADVISOR

William “Wammy” Haddad is a long-standing and respected member of the South African rally raid community, bringing decades of hands-on experience in off-road and cross-country motorsport to the South African Rally Raid Championship (SARRC). Renowned for his technical knowledge and practical approach, Wammy supports competitors and officials across events, helping ensure vehicles meet safety and regulatory requirements and that operations run smoothly.

LORI ZAVATTONI

SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

Lori Zavattoni is a key member of the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) team, leading sponsorship management and partner engagement across the championship. In her role, she is responsible for the acquisition, coordination and activation of sponsors, ensuring that commercial partners receive measurable value and high-impact brand exposure at SARRC events.

In addition, Lori oversees VIP hospitality, partner hosting and front-of-house operations, delivering premium experiences for sponsors, stakeholders and invited guests. With strong organisational skills and a commitment to excellence, she plays a vital role in the professional execution of SARRC events and in strengthening long-term sponsor relationships that support the continued growth of rally raid racing in South Africa.

RUDI MULLER

ROUTE DIRECTOR

Rudi Muller is the Route Director for SARRC, responsible for designing and managing the championship’s challenging and iconic courses. With more than a decade of experience navigating South Africa’s diverse and rugged terrain, both as a competitor and route planner, Rudi understands how to create courses that test skill, strategy, and endurance. His meticulous approach ensures that every route is not only thrilling and fair for competitors but also safe and engaging for spectators. Rudi’s passion for off-road motorsport and deep knowledge of the country’s landscapes make him an invaluable part of SARRC’s commitment to world-class rally raid experiences.

CHARMAINE FORTUNE

SECRETARY

Charmaine Fortune is a media and communications professional who has been the long-standing Secretary of the SARRC and an integral pillar of the organisation, having played a key role in its operations and development for more than three decades. Her dedication, expertise, and institutional knowledge make her an indispensable part of SARRC, ensuring that the championship continues to operate at the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and competitive fairness.

Beyond her work with SARRC, Charmaine has been a highly respected figure in South African motorsport administration for many years. Her career includes involvement in some of the country’s most prestigious motorsport events, writing extensively on race outcomes, event previews, competitor profiles, and championship standings, keeping the public and participants informed. Her extensive experience spans race organisation, regulatory compliance, event management, and stakeholder coordination, giving her a uniquely comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run world-class motorsport events.

Charmaine’s tireless commitment to the sport, her meticulous approach to administration, and her deep connections across the motorsport community have been instrumental in growing rally raid in South Africa.

EVAN HUTCHISON

RACE DIRECTOR

Evan Hutchison is a seasoned motorsport professional and the Race Director for SARRC, with extensive experience in rally and off-road racing and multiple national titles. Evan has a deep understanding of race dynamics, route safety, and event logistics. He oversees the planning, execution, and safety of every SARRC event, ensuring compliance with international regulations while delivering a fair, challenging, and thrilling competition for all participants. His hands-on experience and commitment to excellence make him a central figure in upholding the championship’s reputation for world-class rally-raid racing.

SANDRA LABUSCAGE-JONCK

DIRECTOR

Sandra Labuscagne-Jonck is a trailblazer in the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), with a motorsport career that began before the age of 18. She initially competed as a navigator alongside her father, a seasoned rally veteran, gaining invaluable experience in the sport from a young age. Sandra later transitioned to the driver’s seat, making history as the first woman to compete as a driver in the Special Vehicle Category Championship.

A qualified veterinarian by profession, Sandra has successfully balanced a demanding professional career with high-level motorsport competition. She has competed in multiple international rally-raid events, representing South Africa on the global stage, and made history as the first female competitor to receive Protea Colours in Rally Raid, recognising her exceptional sporting achievements.

Beyond competition, Sandra has been actively involved in initiatives such as the FIA Women in Motorsport Development Programme, using her platform to inspire increased female participation in motorsport and to uplift communities through meaningful engagement and development initiatives.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Sandra serves as a Motorsport South Africa (MSA) Board Member and Director, contributing to the strategic governance and long-term development of the sport at a national level.

In her role as Director of the South African Rally-Raid Championship, Sandra brings strategic leadership and decades of hands-on motorsport experience. Her deep involvement in South Africa’s off-road racing landscape—as both a competitor and event organiser—provides her with a unique understanding of the needs of drivers, navigators, teams and stakeholders. She has led key initiatives to professionalise rally raid racing and to broaden participation across the sport.

Sandra’s operational excellence, combined with her passion for motorsport, has been instrumental in positioning SARRC as the benchmark for rally raid racing in South Africa, ensuring that every event is delivered to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and competitive excellence.

ARCHIE RUTHERFORD

CEO

Given the nickname “Ranger Buck” during his university years, Rutherford is a qualified game ranger and FGASA Field Guide who grew up spending time on his family’s game farm bordering Zimbabwe. Naturally he has a passion for African terrain and adventure, which is synonymous with SARRC.

His background also includes a professional engineering qualification and higher diplomas in arbitration and mediation, a varied professional history before focusing on safaris and motorsports.

Archie Rutherford leads the SARRC with a lifelong passion for adventure, motorsport, and the open trails of South Africa. Having competed in off-road racing for over two decades, Archie has firsthand experience of the challenges, thrills, and technical demands of rally raid competition. Under his leadership, SARRC has grown into Africa’s premier rally raid championship, delivering professionally run, world-class events that test skill, endurance, and determination while showcasing South Africa’s rugged landscapes. Archie is widely respected in the motorsport community for his vision, hands-on approach, and commitment to growing the sport locally and internationally.