In a bold move that transcends the typical customer appreciation gesture, Ingco Tools, the renowned provider of affordable professional tools, recently treated six of its top customers to an unforgettable adventure – a trip to Saudi Arabia to witness the 2024 Dakar Rally up close and personal.

As the main sponsor for Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ingco Tools secured exclusive camping rights in the bivouacs, providing the lucky attendees with a unique behind-the-scenes experience.

The six-member team arrived on the first rest day of the Dakar Rally and embarked on a week-long journey, covering 3 000km across the breath taking landscapes of Northern Saudi Arabia. The trip was a perfect blend of a spiritual and serene holiday, combined with the rush and exhilaration of witnessing the Dakar Rally live – an experience that very few can claim to have had.

MIXED RESULTS FOR TOYOTA
GAZOO RACING

The 2024 edition of the Dakar Rally brought mixed results for Toyota Gazoo Racing, with some of the team’s seasoned professionals facing challenges. However, it was Giniel de Villiers and the two rookie drivers, Guy Botterill and Saood Variawa, who stole the spotlight.

De Villiers holds the amazing record for the most consecutive Dakar Rally finishes – 2024 was his 21st Dakar which he successfully completed with his co-driver, Dennis Murphy. He was hampered by navigational issues during the 2024 event, which cost him significant time early in the race. He also struggled with punctures in the rocky stages and finished in 7th.

Guy Botterill, a multiple-time South African Rally Champion, navigated the challenging race with co-pilot Brett Cummings and secured an impressive 6th place overall, despite limited experience in the dunes. His performance ensured he was also crowned as Leading Rookie for Dakar 2024. At the same time, young Saood Variawa, just 18 years of age, became one of the youngest works drivers in the history of the sport, bringing his GR IMT Hilux T1U home in 17th place overall, with Frenchman Francois Cazalet beside him in the car.

In addition to the three South African drivers, TGR also included two international crews for Dakar 2024. While youngster Seth Quintero, from the USA, has a fair amount of Dakar experience, the other new signing, Lucas Moraes, was himself a rookie at Dakar one year ago.

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