George, Western Cape – With the SA Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) making its long-awaited return to the Western Cape this month for the Outeniqua 400, we launch our new series, Driver Diaries: Behind the Helmet, giving fans a personal look at the drivers who bring this sport to life.
First up is Gareth Woolridge, a familiar name in rally-raid circles, who is 31 years old and drives for the Castrol Neil Woolridge Motorsport Ford Rally-Raid Team. Born in Pietermaritzburg, Gareth grew up in a motorsport family. His grandfather and father were both involved in the sport, and his father Neil Woolridge went on to establish the well-known Neil Woolridge Motorsport team.
“I’ve been very lucky to have a dad that loved the sport, believed in us, and helped us get to where we are today,” Gareth reflects.
Gareth began racing competitively from 16 years old, and over the years has won two KZN Championships and one National, which was class as well as overall in 2023. He was also awarded KZN colours as well as Protea national colours for Motorsport. Today, he’s one of the leading contenders in the Championship, heading into George fresh off a strong second-place finish.
“It was a good boost for us coming off the last event,” he says. “We would have loved to be one position higher, but second gave us good points for the championship fight. We’ve also done a huge amount of work on the car – probably the most we’ve done all season in the shortest gap between events – so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it pays off.”
Racing in the Cape will be a first for Woolridge. “I’ve never raced in the Cape at all, so it’s something very new. I’m honestly not sure what to expect, but I’m hoping for sandy tracks, fynbos and nice sweeping terrain.”
On handling unpredictable conditions, Gareth’s approach is steady: “The key is largely just experience and a level head. In our sport, things change all the time – in the last race we even had to stop to open a gate because of livestock. You just need to know the rules, manage what’s in your control and not panic over what isn’t.”
Looking at competition, Gareth is clear: “The Toyota guys are always a big threat – the factory cars and the privateers. They’re quick, the cars are quick, and there are a lot of them, so that’s where the big fight will come from.”
But he’s quick to highlight the team effort. “Without the team in the workshop, the mechanics, and my navigator Boyd, I may as well not start. We all gel really well, and it’s vital to have people around you who share the same drive and competitive edge.”
Off the track, Gareth is engaged and in his spare time enjoys cycling and hunting. “When I’m not in a race car, I love outdoor activities and being out in the countryside. It keeps me balanced.”
And something people might not know about Gareth? Left sock and boot need to be put on first – always!
As for what keeps him motivated year after year, Gareth says, “Winning. That’s what motivates any driver – to keep pushing to be the best and to fight for the championship again. That’s the main thing that keeps us going.”
When it comes to celebrations, Gareth keeps it simple and meaningful. “Usually with the team – a dinner or a braai together. We’re a close bunch, so we do it anyway, but it definitely gets more festive when there’s something to celebrate!”
You can watch Gareth this month at the much-awaited Outeniqua 400. If you’re around that area, this is the race to watch. You can also watch in style – VIP package information: lori@sarallyraid.co.za
If you’re further afield you can catch all the action on the RallySafe App, available free on iStore and Google PlayStore, or via the official social media channels:
• Facebook: @sarallyraidchampionship
• Instagram: @sarallyraidchampionship
• YouTube: @SouthAfricanRallyRaidSARRC
Stay tuned for more Driver Diaries: Behind the Helmet profiles as we bring fans closer to the personalities powering the SARRC.