MOTORING NEWS - Many drivers dream of entering cross-country rallies but can't because of high entry fees and vehicle restrictions. If you think you're the next Sebastian Loeb, the South African Gumboot rally is open to all.

The Gumboot Rally will happen in 2013 and is much like any other rally, except it has an accessible entry fee and any road-legal car can be entered.

The annual event will see 150 drivers of varying experience on four or two wheels cover a 3 000km route over five days in SA. The Gumboot Rally will be an endurance event but with a strong emphasis on safety and responsible driving.
While the rally is open to any vehicle, some entries will be restricted to super and classic cars to maintain some form of show and spectacle.

The aim of the rally is to enable anyone to experience the thrill of competing. You can vie for the chequered flag or see it as a great five-day holiday across SA.

Entries will be divided into four categories:

• Supercar class - Super/Hyper/Sports cars
• Classic cars (older than 40 years)
• General class - Everyday vehicles
• Motorcycles

The general class will be open to any legal road-going vehicle with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle.
Each entrant will receive a welcome/info pack ("Goodies Box" to the value of R1 000) delivered to their address after the entry fee has been paid.

There will be six checkpoints (including the start and finish) and driving will only be allowed from 07:00-20:00 but competitors can drive at their own pace and take their own route(s) between checkpoints. According to the Gumboot website: "If you're late for the afternoon events at each checkpoint, don't worry - there is still the party in the main tent."

Breaking traffic laws is not encouraged and receiving a traffic ticket will result in a time penalty or disqualification. Each checkpoint will have some form of event/task to be performed, some in aid of the the Reach for a Dream Foundation. Entertainment will be supplied at each checkpoint for a bit of fun each evening,. According to the organisers, "This will be a rally aimed at having fun while exploring our beautiful country."

Achieving the fastest completion time in each class will win free entry into the next Gumboot Rally (event of their choice as three different events are planned each year). The winner of each class will also receive the "No.1" sticker for the next event.

The entry price is R5 000 per vehicle. For more information go to http://www.gumbootrally.co.za