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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
TOYOTA Zimbabwe have taken on the skills of motor rally and superbike ace Phil “Archie” Archenoul and new co-driver Patience Ushewokunze to compete in the production long wheel base class of the annual 4×4 Jamboree at Donnybrook in Harare this weekend.
When contacted for comment yesterday, Archenoul said “this is a by-product of a wonderful safety initiative that Toyota Zimbabwe has partnered us in”.
“Our safe driver training programme at Adrenaline Driving, has an international presentation that targets new drivers at high schools across Zimbabwe. The presentation contains Australian, British and South African driving lecture content, that has been tailored to suit Zimbabwean law and driving conditions.
“Toyota Zimbabwe, Fuchs Silkoline Zimbabwe and Emergency Rooms 24 have come on board as partners, allowing us to travel to various senior schools to present the informative and sometimes very graphic content. We give a small amount of technical advice on the vehicle’s workings, information on correct seating position and posture and seat belts, with some extremely hard hitting videos showing the consequences of texting, drinking or taking drugs whilst driving.
“They are not for the faint-hearted. Emergency Rooms 24 staff also give basic medical advice and information on their experiences in trauma situations. The presentation is about two hours long.”
Toyota then decided to offer a service to their current and perspective customers, of a presentation and hands-on driving experience at Donnybrook Raceway.
This gives customers or their driving staff a chance to put their current knowledge and newly learnt skills into practice in a safe, controlled environment. Emergency Rooms 24 provide medical security with a brand new, state-of-the-art emergency ambulance and its crew.
“Through the presentation and driving experience, I have moved into the world of 4×4 off-road. This might not be at the high speeds of rallying or superbike racing, but I can tell you it has some just as thrilling moments! I cannot believe what this Toyota Hilux is capable of doing, it is just an amazing vehicle. Although Patience and I are new to the game, we are really looking forward to the competition and hope to give a good account of the new team,” Archenoul said.
Archenoul helped his fellow Zimbabwean Jamie Whyte to win back-to-back Africa motor rally titles in 2009 and 2010 before he moved into riding superbikes at Donnybrook in Harare where he is a regular feature in either main circuit racing or in the popular drag racing.
But this weekend will see him going back behind the wheel to compete in this weekend’s 4×4 Jamboree at the same venue.
The two-day 4×4 Jamboree is on this Saturday and Sunday. Spectators can expect two action packed days with full bar and catering and plenty of entertainment for the kids as well.
Online Reporter