21st Cannonball Run Africa a roaring success
The bi-annual Roundtable Cannonball Run Africa, hosted by Super Car Lifestyle, saw almost 30 eager teams on a cross-country adventure to help raise funds for the QuadPara Association of South Africa. AutoTrader joined the action, commandeering a new Mercedes-AMG SL63 as the convoy set off for Eswatini.
For many, the name Cannonball Run elicits memories of the 1981 Burt Reynolds film where the all-star cast participated in a cross-country road race to see who could make it from the East Coast of the USA to California in the least amount of time. There were no defined rules; all you had to do was get from point A to point B by road in the least amount of time. Naturally, this resulted in a lot of illegal behaviour! But the film itself was based on an actual race devised by motoring journalist Brock Yates that took place several times in the 70s, drawing on events from the 1979 event.
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Since 2003, the Roundtable Cannonball Run Africa has set off to various destinations, raising money. This year saw the 21st instalment of the run, drawing participants from across the country and even France. The admittedly well-heeled participants dusted off their sports and supercars. They loaded up for a multi-day cryptic clue photo rally, with proceeds going to the QuadPara Association of South Africa. While drivers are encouraged to remain within the law confined to public roads, high-speed sporting activities are arranged each day where the drivers can stretch their chosen machines' legs.
In total, 29 cars participated, and yours truly was joined by colleague Ryno Fourie in one of Mercedes-Benz South Africa's latest offerings, a Mercedes-AMG SL63 4Matic+.
Our Car
Mercedes-Benz South Africa is a proud sponsor of the Cannonball Run Africa and graciously provided not only two crew vehicles for the event but also a participant vehicle. This was the Mercedes-AMG SL63 in question, which Ryno Fourie and I would drive throughout the event.
The 430kW and 800Nm BiTurbo V8 roadster is a fine choice for this event. It makes light work of the fast stuff with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. While not an out-and-out track weapon, the SL63 is a glorious GT car, capable of eating up mile after mile of the adventure.
The Run
Proceedings kicked off with a driver's briefing, registration on Wednesday evening, and the customary decal application. Points are awarded based on various factors over the weekend, whether Cannonball Run spirit, the decal application, or success in the multiple tasks. The theme for this year's run: Law Enforcement. This saw cars decorated with law enforcement-themed liveries, lights, and mascots.
Managing a group of enthusiasts like this also requires a little assistance, and that's where the Cannonball Run Africa's CHiPs come in; Rountable members and friends who oversee the proceedings and issue a variety of 'fines', some valid, others whimsical - with all proceeds going to the charity, of course. It's best to be punctual and respectful on the 'Run, else it could cost you dearly - and whatever you do, guard your car keys with your life!
Thursday Start
We were instructed to meet at Zwarkops Raceway at 7:30 on Thursday, and I was summarily fined 200 CBR Dollars for being early! 7:30 is 7:30, not 7:20. Our first task was a single, timed, flying lap of the Zwartkops circuit, while our co-drivers would need to post an equally impressive time in a go-kart around the karting circuit. The SL63 stepped up to the plate, and despite encountering a little traffic on the timed lap, posted the second fastest lap time, bested only by Pieter in a Porsche GT3. Off to a good start!
We then climbed aboard to make our way down the N4 towards Middelburg, where lunch and a task awaited. With a mushroom tied to a string, we had to knock a ball across the room. It was easier said than done, and points were awarded accordingly.
Dullstroom was our next destination and our first taste of a cryptic clue treasure hunt. Bobbing in and out of Dullstroom's unique and quaint stores in the pouring rain had us scratching our heads and flexing our grey matter. The day was rounded out with live music and a fine meal, with drinks shared as the results were announced and a healthy dose of fines dished out!
Friday Border Crossing
Before heading off to the Ngwenya border post between South Africa and Eswatini, the contestants gathered at the Mbombela stadium, where a course had been laid around the perimeter road. The paving made things more challenging than the circuit the day before. I had to call on the 4Matic+ AWD system in the Mercedes-AMG SL63 to ensure I didn't slide off into the bushes.
More cryptic clues awaited us as we crossed Barberton towards the border. Glorious mountain passes saw us drop down the escarpment and carve our way through to the border before passing into Eswatini. But this was not before having to complete a regulation stage. In a regulation stage, specific instructions are given as to how fast you must drive and for how long. The winner is the team with the distance and time closest to the mark.
Two more challenges lay ahead: drag races on the closed-off and disused roads around a business development, the wonderful tarmac begging to be converted into a street circuit. The SL63 lined up several times, but it was with Ryno behind the wheel that it posted the fastest drag time of the day, scoring the AutoTrader team some valuable points.
The evening was rounded off with a fancy-dress dinner. The teams pulled out all the stops, coming dressed as police, forensic investigators, and even The Men in Black. It was great fun, with laughs, good food and drink, and stories shared about the day.
A Final Chance To Score Points
Saturday started with a return to the closed-off business park for two more sessions. This time it wouldn't just be straight-line activities but rather a set of courses around the disused roads. The wide open expanses allowed for many lines through the course, with each team only being given a slow sighting lap behind a pace car and then a timed run. This is extra challenging because one is going into the corners somewhat blindly. You know where it leads and how open it is, but you have no idea how fast you can take the corner. Here, the SL remained in the Top 5, up against the Ferraris, Porsches, and BMWs that made up some of the field.
Another batch of cryptic clue hunts awaited as we went to the Rider's Ranch, a local spot known for hosting motorcycle and car events. Here, on their open skidpan adjacent to the drag strip, a gymkhana course tested our concentration and ability to change direction quickly. Outright power wouldn't be enough; quick hands and a responsive car were the best tools for this task. The Minis and Civic Type-R did well here, but the Mustangs did slightly less. Again, the Mercedes-AMG SL63 performed well here, posting the third fastest time, losing out on top honours by only 0.06 seconds.
Finally, the group was split into teams, with three cars per team set to tackle a treasure hunt around Eswatini. Some were sent to Manzini, others to Mbabane, but they all had a list of tasks that needed to be completed. These ranged from buying live chickens to having 'speed stripes' shaved into their hair, traditional remedies consumed and iconic monuments visited. All of this had to be done in a certain time frame as well, leading to colluding and some nefarious behaviour in the process!
Crowning a Winner
With all the activities done and dusted, the teams gathered for one final blowout. Over a sumptuous seafood dinner, various items, including racing memorabilia, were auctioned off for the charity. Fines were dished out and winners announced. By a small margin, it was JJ and Riandi Deysel who emerged as the 21st Cannonball Run Africa winners in their Porsche GT3 RS, followed by Dean and Neil in the Ferrari 458. From France, Frenchie and Caleb in a rented VW Golf R! Team AutoTrader managed to place 9th overall, this on our first outing at the event - not too bad!
In total, R458 000 was raised for the QuadPara Association of South Africa, which will allow them to purchase motorized wheelchairs for deserving recipients, giving them back their freedom and mobility.
A big thanks goes to Super Car Lifestyle for allowing us to join in on the fun and mayhem. Friendships were forged, memories made, and all had great times. For more on the Cannonball Run and the SCL events, head on over to Cannonball Run to see how you can join the next adventure!
