South Africa’s biggest motorsport event happening this weekend – A 24-hour race with R55,000 cars

The third-annual MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is taking place this weekend at Redstar Raceway near Delmas, with the lights going out at 12h15 sharp on Saturday, 28 October.

According to the organisers, the 24 Hours of iLamuna – which is Xhosa for lemon – has grown into the “largest motorsport event in Africa” and is expected to play host to 74 race cars this weekend that all cost under R55,000 total.

“The grid will comprise a huge variety of rust buckets ranging from decommissioned tow trucks, to disgusting Datsuns, to tetanus-filled Totoyas and everything in between,” said the organisers.

“Crews of up to four drivers, with team names such as Boetfighters, Nucking Futs, Sax & Violins, and fan-favourite Princess Asstina the Fifth, will begin the race with a run across the track to their cars in a classic Le Mans-style start at 12h15pm this Saturday, and cross the finish line bruised and battered at the same time on Sunday.”

The participants are allowed to spend the R55,000 in any way they see fit. They can either spend half on a barely-running car and the rest on getting it track ready, or spend it all on the vehicle and pray it doesn’t fall apart.

However, the budget cap does not include the fitment of mandatory safety upgrades such as a roll cage, racing seat, five-point harness, and fire extinguisher. The teams may also spend as much as they want on other safety equipment, brakes, and two spare rims.

Team Princess Asstina the Fifth

Who to keep an eye out for

A standout entry into the 2023 24 Hours of iLamuna is the Pink Arrows team, representing the first-ever, all-female 24-hour endurance team in Africa, who will be competing in an old Mercedes-Benz SLK.

“Racing is traditionally a male-dominated sport but the four of us want to prove to ourselves, and hopefully other women, that we can do the things we sometimes think we can’t,” said team captain BeauAnn Hegyi.

“I hope our iLamuna entry encourages more women to not let stereotypes define them and to enter motorsport. A 24-hour race is certainly a daunting experience, but we’re excited for the challenge.”

Team Pink Arrows

Another notable driver, Nikki Vostanis, will become the youngest-known driver to contest a 24-hour Main Circuit race at just 15 years old.

Vostanis’s track experience began with karting in 2021 and since then he has scored podium placings in the Toyota Academy’s inaugural Yaris Cup, as well as a top-five finish in his Polo Supercup debut.

He forms part of the Asiento Rapido team that has employed their trusty Seat Leon for this year’s race.

Spectators who would like to watch the 24 Hours of iLamuna in action can follow along on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages, said the organisers.