adminRalph Stead Sports Correspondent
TODAY and tomorrow will see the 20th running of the popular hp lubes Castrol 4×4 Jamboree at Donnybrook, where thousands of local motor racing fans are expected to come and witness this exciting two-day event.
The 4×4 Jamboree was first held at Brondesbury Park Hotel at Juliasdale on February 25-26 1995.
The Linnells of Brondesbury Park Hotel approached the committee of the Land Rover and Off Road Enthusiasts Club (as the 4×4 Jamboree club was then called) to put together an off-road trials type event at the hotel.
The “Enthusiasts” part of the club came to the fore and after some months of planning and a few trips to Brondesbury Park, the event took place.
The inaugural committee was: Tim and Barbrie-Ann Linnell from Brondesbury Park Hotel, Richard Wiley from Barker McCormac Advertising Agency, Jeremy George from Castrol, Don McDevitt from Toyota, while Alan Napier, Ralph Stead, Keith Humphrey and Neil and Flossie Greenway represented the Club.
This first event consisted of only three courses plus a mud run and see-saw trial.
A trail drive was also part of the event — with 68 entries to deal with, half of them took part on the trail drive (+/- 20km through spectacular countryside). Some competitors felt the trail drive had difficult sections than the obstacles!
The winner of this first Jamboree was Dale Kiggen in his Series I Land Rover, and he is still a competitor today.
The only other competitor who was there and still competes today is Jim Perry driving a Ford FI50!
In 1996, Toyota was the Principal sponsor together with Castrol, in 1997 Castrol and Toyota co-sponsored and from 1998 until today, Castrol has been around as Principal Sponsor.
Toyota has also been a partner in this event since its start and these companies must be hailed for their support and involvement over the years.
The year 1996 saw the event again being held at Brondesbury Park Hotel and it was another very successful event indeed, with 68 entries again.
In 1997, the Jamboree moved to Caledonia Farm near Arcturus. The first Jamboree was scheduled for April 5 and 6.
Unfortunately, with a cyclone along the Eastern Border, the excessive rain resulted in a flooded and inaccessible site and the event was called off on the Friday evening as 4x4s were getting stuck along the access road to the site.
A small stream which ran through the centre of the site became a raging torrent, washing away pedestrian bridges that had painstakingly been built over the stream.
A brilliant trail drive was held on the Sunday, with beautiful sunny weather.
Undeterred, the committee put everything back together and the event was held on the weekend of May 31 to June 1 1997. A point of interest is that of the 66 entries, 23 were long wheel base standard four wheel drive vehicles.
1998 and 1999 saw the Jamboree being held at the same venue in Arcturus, with each year witnessing growing support.
With this growing support, it was felt that an event nearer Harare would be a good move and more attractive to spectators.
The Club secured a place at Donnybrook Park and work began on establishing the site that is seen today.
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