Toyota Dealer 400 to be Observed by FIA Cross Country Rally Commission

Off road racing in South African is about to be given the International recognition it so richly deserves.

A South African delegation consisting of MSA Chairman, Roger Pearce, MSA Off Road Car Racing Commission President, Piet Swanepoel and Videosport Television Managing Director, Arthur Abraham made a presentation to the FIA Cross Country Rally Commission in Paris on 2 May with the view to the penultimate round of the Absa Off Road Championship, the Toyota Dealer 400, being observed by the FIA.

"The presentation really did the trick and the FIA Cross Country Rally Commission did not hesitate in agreeing to observe the SAM organised event," said Roger Pearce. "The intention is for the FIA Observer to establish the level of organisation, the diversity of terrain, the standard of accommodation, the marketing and television coverage of the event and the level of competition in the Production and Special Vehicle categories."

"A favourable report from the FIA Observer will more than likely assure South Africa a slot in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies in 2006, which will be a fitting accolade for the MSA Off Road Car Racing Commission and the promotor of the proposed World Championship event, Arthur Abraham."

The 2005 Toyota Dealer 400 will in all likelihood be extended to 800km if foreign entries such as VW, Mitsubishi, BMW, Nissan Dessoude and Jean-Louis Schlesser decide to enter the event.