Kruger Park News Archive
"Mud, guts and glory!" say the organisers, summing up an event-filled day that transformed 40 shiny 4x4s into a dusty shadow of their former selves after tackling the specially designed course at the seventh annual fundraising 4x4 Family and Fun Day for Summerhill Prep School on May 20, 2006.
Now becoming a regular Hazyview fixture, the popularity of the event was confirmed when all the 4x4 enthusiasts booked their places early for the competition.
Driving techniques provided much amusement for the spectators, and "impromptu mechanics and balancing acts by creative co-drivers" were a highlight.
The lady drivers gave the men something to think about with a demonstration of their skills, "some for the better but most of them for the worst!" When all the dust had settled, the SJW carwash babes were given a chance to return the 4x4s to their former glory and the prizes were handed out.
The overall winner of the 4x4 event was Marius Pretorius. First prize in short-wheelbase went to Martin Lange, while Nico Pretorius scooped the modified short-wheelbase prize.
Martin Berlein and Marius Pretorius came first in long wheel base and modified long wheel base respectively, while Morne Graffet won the special vehicles category. Dave Pemberton was voted the best codriver, while Nicky Consalves outdid herself and won the prize for best ladies obstacle driver.
Lappies Labuschagne won the showstopper prize for the MAN truck pull, with second prize going to Gert van Tonder Once the 4x4 part of the day was over, everyone got settled into other forms of fun on offer, watching muscle men strut their stuff on the Multi Motors TATA show, oohing and aahing over pink and green 4x4s in the cake icing competition, and gasping at the daring of Alfie Cox with his offroad bike stunts.
Rudamans was voted the best exhibitor stand, with their chainsaw demonstration attracting a lot of attention. The latest in motorbikes and quadbikes were also on display.
With a variety of foods on offer to soak up the beer needed after the hard work of tackling or watching other tackle the 4x4 track, the day quickly turn into night, and Dave Watts and the Powerplay Girls provided beat to boogie to. The organisers are thrilled with the success of the day, saying, "Summerhill School would like to thank everyone who contributed to this day's huge success - to all the competitors, exhibitors, sponsors, spectators, organisers, helpers, and parents - THANK YOU!A special thanks to Ferdie Louwrens Electricians for making the lights and music go on for the seventh time, your efforts are really appreciated! It was once again a great event, and we will see you again next year!"
