Toyota committed to Olympics and Paralympics

With a long-standing commitment to sports and a belief that no journey is taken alone, Toyota is once again behind more than 200 Olympic and Paralympic athletes around the world. The global “Start Your Impossible” campaign not only showcases how remarkable these athletes are, but also highlights the power of local communities rallying behind them, from the coaches and teammates to parents and fans.

In the 2024 campaign, Toyota aspires to ignite the spark of endless possibilities within communities all over the globe. Commercials driving the campaign include “Send Off”, which highlights the impact of communities joining together to support their athletes; “Together Wins”, which showcases how, together, we can truly achieve the impossible; and “All For One”, which reminds us that when you have your community’s support, you’re unstoppable.

On a local level, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is collaborating with three exceptional South African sporting heroes to join the Global Team Toyota Athletes Programme – Paralympians Puseletso Mabote and Louzanne Coetzee, along with Olympic swimmer Pieter Coetzé.

Outdoor fun and games for families in August

All roads lead to B’Sorah, Broederstroom, near Hartebeespoort Dam from 16 to 18 August.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an aspiring adventurer, mark your calendar for the Outdoor & Adventure Expo happening this August at the picturesque B’Sorah game and cattle farm in Broederstroom, near Hartebeespoort Dam. This isn't just another 4x4 camping show – it is a revolutionary experience that promises to reset all traditional outdoor shows with its interactive and immersive concept.

It is a family event, including dogs on leashes, with a variety of activities to explore the latest in outdoor and adventure gear. It includes hiking trails (guided and self-hike options), challenging mountain bike trails, spectacular 4x4 Tracks and an 4x4 obstacle course.

The Outdoor & Adventure Expo in Broederstroom is designed to captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the adventure lifestyle. Highlights include outdoor exhibitors featuring the latest in outdoor clothing, hiking and cycling gear, camping equipment, electronic outdoor devices, new vehicles, 4x4s, SUVs, campers, RVs, off-road caravans, trailers and auxiliary 4x4 equipment.

• The Expo Schedule: Friday, 16 August 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday, 17 August 08:00 to 17:00 and Sunday, 18 August 08:00 to 15:00.

• Entry Fees: Adults: Friday R50, Saturday R100, Sunday R60, Pensioners: R50 per day, School Kids: R30 per day, Camping for the weekend: R350 per person (includes expo access), Hiking and Mountain Bike Trails: R70 per person, 4x4 / SUV Drive-Outs: R150 per vehicle (no alcohol allowed) and the 4x4 Obstacle Course: R250 per vehicle for a 1-hour slot (no alcohol allowed).

• Visit www.lrclassic.com for more information and to pre-book tickets and camping slots.

Enthusiast restores Willys Jeep to former glory

The Willys Jeep® cars became iconic almost the moment they started production in the middle of World War II becoming indispensable for the military and then singlehandedly introducing the concept of Sports Utility Vehicles decades before the concept became fashionable.

One South African fan spent his entire life yearning to have his own Willys. Vincent Koekemoer loves the vehicle so much that his wife almost divorced him when she had to count out the money in cash for his second one.

It cost him R21 000, and it was lying in bits on a farm in Patensie in the Eastern Cape.

“When I was growing up, I used to go to auctions all over the Eastern Cape,” he remembers. “The military authorities were selling off their old Willys. I couldn’t afford them and it turned out that no one would even give me a chance to bid.”

Now, three years and about R60 000 later, his first restoration was finished. Every part was original. He had loosened, cleaned, greased and tightened every nut and bolt. If he could not get the parts from America, he had make them himself.

In February, someone offered him R900 000 for it. He has no intention of selling, yet. Instead, he’s now picked up another two Willys, after a farmer from nearby Kirkwood phoned him to tell him he had two wrecks on his farm and asked if he could restore one of them.

Women with Drive – ALIVE!

MasterDrive’s highly anticipated Women with Drive event is returning to the Festival of Motoring for the third time this year. The event on the 29 August will be called Women with Drive – ALIVE! It represents the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of business, which is full of possibility for women in the industry.

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the company is proud to host Women with Drive for the eighth consecutive year. “It was the first event to secure its place on our road safety event calendar, and our initiatives to promote road safety have only grown in prominence and effect since then.

“This year, Women with Drive – ALIVE will shine a light on influential women leading the way within their organisations as they take the next step in their development, promote diversity and uplift other women or those who have led their organisations through several generations.”

The popular panel discussion will again be a feature as well as the highly anticipated lifestyle presentation, which addresses topics important for success in all spheres of life. “The panel discussion, ‘The Ecosystem of Sustainable Mobility: Connecting, Collaborating and Conquering’, will look at the future challenges and opportunities, sustainability and empowerment within the mobility sector, among other important topics.