Third time lucky for “Spirit” winners

The top honours went to Hennie Karsten and Maarten Venter from the Western Cape who, in addition to the sought after “Spirit Trophy” also won a trip to the Dakar race, courtesy of sponsors Mitsubishi Motors.

The second place went to Hennie Moller and Frank Scholtz and just 46 points behind them, Adriaan and James Pearson finished in third place.

Karsten who led from the second day said afterwards the experience was exhilarating.

“The event was the most difficult yet. It could have been won by any of the competitors. We all have the necessary driving skills to win this competition, but it came down to a bit of luck. Maarten and I had ‘the luck' from the beginning.”

At the prize-giving, Peter Skei, divisional manager for Mitsubishi Motors in South Africa said the Spirit of Africa Trophy was the most exciting and toughest off-road event in southern Africa.

“All the drivers can be very proud of their achievements. We've put together a very tough competition but the ‘class of 2007' proved their mettle.”

He said Mitsubishi would continue with its sponsorship of the event which is put together annually by South Africa's Mister Motoring, Sarel van der Merwe. The trials are conducted over six weeks in the Kalahari and the finals take place in Namibia.