This year Chris and Bernadette will be taking part in the Spirit of Africa run by Mitsubishi Motors and Sarel Van Der Merwe.

AFRICA'S TRUE TEST OF SPIRITED 4 X 4 DRIVING

The Spirit of Africa Trophy is a test of 4x4 driving created for those who want to test their own skills against the toughest African conditions and against other serious 4x4 teams all over Southern Africa. The Spirit of Africa Trophy is a unique and challenging test of 4x4 driving skills for contestants.

The 2009 Elimination round will be held in Northern Kwazulu-Natal. The finalists will compete against one another in Mozambique to see who is the very best 4x4 team in Southern Africa. So if you want to test your 4x4 skills, take on some of the toughest terrain on the planet, spend some time competing and having some fun with SA's best 4x4 teams - then you must enroll soon for the Spirit of Africa Trophy 2009.

CREATED BY THE BEST FOR THE BEST

A team that is widely recognized as the very best 4x4 performers here, and around the world has created the Spirit of Africa Trophy. Sarel van der Merwe, South Africa's legendary motor sport icon has teamed with Mitsubishi Motors (with a record of 12 victories in the Dakar Rally), to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who are serious about getting the most from 4x4 driving.

2 STAGES TO 4X4 GLORY:

Stage 1 - Elimination Event

• Eliminations will take place near Kosi Bay, Northern KwaZulu Natal.
• All teams will use Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 DI-D double cabs during this phase.
• The cost is R5000.00 per team and includes tented accommodation and all meals.
• This event is in itself a challenging drive and contestants are awarded an advanced sand driving certificate by Sarel van der Merwe on completion of the course.
• The elimination phase takes place from 21 May to 20 July 2009

Stage 2 - The Finals

• The top sixteen teams will be invited to attend the final event during August 2009
• All teams will use Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 DI-D double cabs during this phase.
• In addition top sponsors will provide the best equipment for our contestants - as well as fantastic prizes and product giveaways for the finalists.
• One team will be crowned champions and receive the prestigious Spirit of Africa Trophy and R 50 000.00
• The teams that finish second and third will receive R 20 000.00 and R 10 000.00.
• The final phase takes place from 21 August to 29 August 2009