The South African Cross Country National Series Sun City 400 was held on the 16th – 17th September. The race was based out of Sun City in the world-renowned Pilansberg in the North-West Province.

This race was a mark in the history books for David Huddy and Gerhard Schutte of HUD Racing as this is where the two paired up for the first time a year ago to race in the National Series.

Gerhard was navigating for driver David on the HUD Racing Nissan Navara V6. The duo started in 5th position for the time trial of 60 kilometers and finished the race with the 4th fastest time in class for the main race on Saturday.

Main Race: The dry weather condition with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees saw the Fuchs Lubricants-sponsored vehicle endure lots of dust as it navigated through the thick bush and twisty terrain with a few sections of heavy rocks. Unfortunately, mechanical issues later on in stage two resulted in the team losing position and eventually finishing 3th overall in S class and 12th in production vehicles.

“HUD Racing was thrilled with the overall performance of the vehicle in the treacherous conditions. The well lubricated Fuchs Lubricants Nissan Navara performed faultlessly in exceptionally harsh operating conditions,” said David Huddy, team driver.

“Being 3rd in class means that we still retain 2nd in the championship and have closed the points gap with the leader. This will make for an exciting final race of the season at the Gold 400 in Western Area at the end of October as the championship is far from over and still very much up for grabs,” said David.

In another race, the E Class, Nissan 2.4l Hardbody, Rodney Cook driver and Rikus Hatting navigator started in 7th position overall where they stand in the regional seedings. The pair pushed from the drop of the flag and within 50km of the race had managed to work themselves into 1st position in the overall Regional Race.

However, luck was not on their side as a suspension failure put them out of the race. The pair will be going out to the final race, the Gold 250 and in true HUD Racing style will give it all their best.