The organisers managed to combine competition and education into a exciting fun filled lifetime experience.

Not only do the competitors compete for the title of 4x4 TRAILMASTER, but all competent competitors are rewarded with a certificate of competence against a relevant registered unit standard, gaining credits on the National Learner Record Database.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE tests the knowledge and skills of driver and navigator. Teams are tested in various routines related to 4x4 & off-road trailing such as navigation, emergency procedures, on and off-road manoeuvres, precision driving, tyre repairs and skid control.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE is unique in the sense that contestants are unable to watch other competitors compete and capitalise from their mistakes. Contestants are judged and tested by qualified assessors.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE manages to keep the competitors competing for the full duration of the event,not having to wait for other competitors to compete.

The challenge is completed in two stages, an elimination stage and a final stage.

The elimination stage is conducted first where competitors compete for the top 5 positions.

The final stage is conducted by the 5 top teams from the elimination stage, from where the SA 4X4 TRAILMASTER 2011 will be announced.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 ELIMINATION CHALLENGE 2011 took place from 16 May 2011 to 5th June 2011

The SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 FINAL CHALLENGE 2011 will take place from 18-22 July 2011

The SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE is aimed at finding the ultimate 4X4 TRAILMASTER and in the process providing competitors for this prestigious title with skills and knowledge to become more efficient 4x4 on and off-road trailsmen.

The SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE took place in the comfortable winter temperatures of the Lowveld just outside Nelspruit in Mpumalanga at BEE EATERS farm where EVENTS EXTREME runs a events facility of note.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 FINAL CHALLENGE 2011 will take place in Mozambique.

SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE is presented by EVENTSXTREME and AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY.

EVENTSXTREME under the management of CEO Johan Grobler.

Johan Grobler a professional teambuilder, Professional 4x4 Trails and Overland Tourist Guide, qualified 4x4 and Defensive Driver Facilitator (instructor) and Assessor approved member of the TETA accredited training provider AFRICAN OFF- ROAD ACADEMY (TETA 09-201)

and its professional team is responsible for making the SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE an unforgettable FUN FILLED EXCITING event.

EVENTSTXTREME and its professional staff provides the contestants, accreditation staff and sponsors with logistical support for the smooth running of the event.

AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY under the management of CEO Tinus Botha.

Tinus Botha Professional 4x4 Trails and Overland Tourist Guide, qualified 4x4 and Defensive driver Facilitator (instructor),Assessor, Moderator and Accredited Training Provider with TETA (TETA 09-201)

AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY and its professional team is responsible for making the SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE an unforgettable LEARNING experience.

AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY and its qualified staff provide the contestants with facilitation and assessments according to SAQA and TETA standards.

THE TEAM

FLTR:Anton Engelbrecht (logistics), Pieter Raath (facilitator), Tinus Botha (Training Provider), Lettie Botha (Secretary), Andries Grobler (Facilitator) Snr, Johan Grobler (event organiser), Rob Ramage (facilitator), Andries Grobler (facilitator), De wet Botha (The Stig) Facilitator.

Without the support of sponsors, events of this kind would just not be feasable. SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE 2011 was sponsored by:

UNION MOTORS NELSPRUIT

UNION MOTORS NELSPRUIT sponsored the 4 Mitsubishi Triton 3.2 DID 4x4 Double cab pick-ups that was used during the stages of the 2011 event. These powerfull brutes proved their stance and impressed many a contestant with its power, space, comfort and superb handling and off-road abillity.

HI-Q TYRES NELSPRUIT

HI-Q TYRES NELSPRUIT sponsored the all terrain tyres that was fitted (Good Year Wrangler 265x75x16 AT) to the vehicles, needless to say, without proper rubber the manoeuvres would not have been as safe and achievable as it was.

BUILDERS WAREHOUSE NELSPRUIT

NEDBANK VEHICLE FINANCE contributed financially to enable television coverage and an exciting final event that will be held in Mozambique.

NKOMAZI FUEL & OIL

NKOMAZI FUEL & OIL sponsored the fuel for the vehicles for the full event.

BEE EATERS FARM

BEE EATERS FARM were responsible for the fuel that drove the competitors to their limits, the food and beverages was provided by BEE EATERS CATERING.

ENHANCED 4WD SUSPENSION AFRICA

ENHANCED 4WD SUSPENSION AFRICA contributed financially to ease the financial responsibilities of the event.

CARTRACK

CARTRACK 

The SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE tests the competitors in 8 different stages.

STAGE 1:

MYSTERY STAGE

The mystery stage tested both driver and navigator's knowledge of road signs, to the amazement of the competitors there was a lot to learn. This stage was presented by Johan Grobler.

STAGE 2:

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

The competitors were evaluated on their on road driving skills and once again in amazement of the amount of bad driving habits we've aquired over time.This stage was presented under the strict eye of Andries Grobler. (The Speedcop)

STAGE 3:

NIGHT DRIVING AND NAVIGATION

After supper on the first evening competitors were evaluated for their navigation skills at night when most of us are disorientated.

This stage was presented by all instructors.

STAGE 4:

SKID CONTROL

Here learners were evaluated and educated on the control of the vehicle in 2x4 and 4x4. Learners had to complete several manoeuvres against time where over steer and under steer situations were executed in a controlled but exciting environment.

This stage was presented with precision by THE STIG himself De Wet Botha.

STAGE 5:

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

During the off-road driving stage driver and navigator had to perform various off-road manoeuvres with precision according to the registered unit standard 254135. Routines such as Hill ascent, Hill descent, side slopes, axle twisting articulations and the ever important Stall start.

This stage was presented by experienced and qualified ever patient Pieter Raath.

STAGE 6

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Unexpected emergency procedures was evaluated such as hostile water crossings combined with a emergency recovery, steep slippery descents, sloped steep rocky ascents, rocky sections requiring serious guidance from navigator and sometimes road building. Simulated brakedowns and vehicle fires were also evaluated under various scenarios.

This stage was entertained and evaluated by the one and only INCREDIBLEBOB Rob Ramage.

STAGE 7:

TYRE EMERGENCY

Certainly the most unpleasant stage most loved by all. Boys and Girls were expected to change, repair, remove and replace a tyre from the rim. All together lessons learned, never again will they suffer out in the bush when tyre repairs are necessitated.

This stage was presented by the ever patient Oom Andries.

STAGE 8:

4X4 KNOWLEDGE

Between practical stages competitors were evaluated for their 4x4 & off-road related knowledge. Subjects such as drive train, critical specifications, tyres, application and the environment were evaluated.

This stage was presented by Tinus Botha.

All competitors were formally assessed on knowledge and skills against US254135 and competent learners were rewarded with a certificate of competence.

Around the campfire learners were able to discuss the day's events, the points gained and lost. At the end of the evening all were in agreement that the SA TRAILMASTERS 4X4 CHALLENGE has no losers only winners. If you don't walk away with the grand prize you have still competed proudly and gained knowledge and skills that can never be taken away, ever.

The competitor groups were mixed, husband & wife teams, ladies friends teams, male buddies teams and father son teams all competing for the prestigeous SA TRAILMASTER 2011 AWARD

And the teams that made it to the finals!!!

From top left to bottom right

Mauritz & Rene' Pienaar (Middelburg), Eduan Erasmus & oops!!(not going) Cornelius De Villiers (PTA), Thinus Griffion & Piet Du Preez (Nelspruit), Thinus Potgieter & Jakkie Drotsky (Nelspruit) & Coen Matthee (Cape Town) & Cassie Kruger (Benoni) 

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE FINALS!!!!

18-22 JULY 2011