Boela Botes

Boela Botes is back in the saddle

No stranger to rally racing, Boela Botes made a welcome return to the sport in 2020 following an 8-year break. But it’s as if he never left. In his first race back (partnering with Jay Pretorius as navigator) he finished fourth in the Ford 400 and first in the TGRSA 400.

Boela’s love affair with the sport began in 2007 when a friend introduced him to rally racing. The 2 raced together until 2012, and then sold their car. But Boela has shown that the dust and grit that comes with racing, never quite leave you.

His partnership with Jay is gaining momentum, with the 2 competing at the Sugarbelt 400 in the second round of this year’s South African National Cross-Country Series (SACCS) that took place outside Pietermaritzburg. Even though conditions were challenging to say the least, given that they were the final pair to take off, they finished third in Class A and sixth overall.

By his own account, competitive racing is an adrenaline rush. But for Boela, it’s more than that. It’s a great way for the family to get involved, not only by showing their support, but also by getting their hands dirty in the pits.

Boela tries not to overthink any race. He just goes with it… A strategy that has helped him highlight his talent in a sport where any mistakes can have potential devastating consequences. And even though he admits he can do more to physically prepare for events, the formula has worked for him so far.

In true South African fashion, he loves to unwind after a race over a braai with family and friends. On the track, however, he’s not as laid-back. In fact, he wants to try and get as many podium finishes as possible (while still having fun, of course). Boela would love to become a champion in the SACCS special class and is certainly grafting hard to achieve that goal.

But for now, he’s enjoying the privilege of being able to drive for Schalk Burger Motorsport and King Price after such a long break.