The 24-hour endurance challenge was the brainchild of adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA. "The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the USA, while giving the motoring public a glimpse into the thrilling world of endurance racing, unofficially attempting to break a 15-year-old record using just one T9 over 24 hours."

"When the 24-hour endurance challenge idea was pitched, we immediately knew it was a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding reliability and durability of our products," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

He says market research shows car buyers ask four key questions about Chinese vehicles: Are they reliable, are parts supply consistent, how many dealerships support after-sales service, and what trade-in value can you expect when it is time to sell in a few years?

"We've ticked all the boxes after eight years of local trading, building a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, delivering great after-sales service and consistent parts supply to more than 7 000 satisfied customers. This 24-endurance challenge proves JAC Motors' reliability — our vehicles are as tough and reliable as any established brand — and we are here to compete with the best."

The 24-hour endurance challenge, held on 12–13 April, took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops. Four racing drivers, Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa, all of whom are also driving instructors, took on the mammoth task of attempting to break Isuzu's South African 24-endurance record set in 2010.

Isuzu's record attempt, also held at Gerotek, featured its powerful 2.5L and 3.0L turbo-charged KB single-cab bakkies. The goal was to surpass the previous 24-hour endurance record set by the Toyota Hilux in 2003 — 159.1km/h average speed and 3 818 kilometres. Isuzu succeeded, with its KB300 TDi averaging 169.3km/h and covering an impressive 4 063 kilometres in 24 hours.

"Regardless, one thing was certain and as regular as clockwork, the sound of our T9's tyres, powered by its efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, speeding past for over 1 350 laps of the Gerotek track. Demonstrating outstanding reliability and durability, it covered more than 4 000km at full speed, with an impressive average fuel consumption of just 16.5L/100 km."

The JAC T9 2.0L CTi used in the 24-hour endurance challenge is on display at the JAC Motors stand, F2a, at Nampo Park in Bothaville, from 13 to 16 May 2025. Visitors can test-drive the T9 and T8 on the off-road track during the show. The 24-hour endurance challenge will be broadcast on DStv's IgnitionTV, Channel 189, on 19 May, with ten repeat airings through to 25 May.