Motorsport enthusiasts are preparing for an action-packed weekend as 22 crews gear up for the Shell V-Power Swakop Rally, scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 November 2026 along the Namibian coast.
The highly anticipated rally hosted by Walvis Bay Motor Club in conjunction with the Namibian Motor Sport Federation will feature two days of top-class motorsport competition, with crews tackling 11 stages covering a total distance of 196.71 kilometres, including 110.83 kilometres of special stages.
The event gets underway on Friday, 13 November, with the ceremonial start at Steckel’s Toyota Swakopmund at 18:00. Fans can once again look forward to the popular night stage in the industrial area, which is expected to provide spectacular entertainment under the lights.
Competition resumes on Saturday, 14 November, with crews departing from Steckel’s Toyota Swakopmund at 10:00. The rally is expected to conclude at approximately 17:00 at The Dome.
The final entry list, released on 9 November, confirms 22 driver and co-driver teams representing the Walvis Bay Motor Club (WBMC), Windhoek Motor Club (WMC), Swakopmund Motor Club (SMC) and Tsumeb Motor Club (TMC).
Among the leading entries are Zachary Marltin and Anique Schoeman in a VW Polo 2.0, Roll Pretorius and Katja Pretorius in a Chenowth V8, and Ruaan Viviers and Cecil Koorts in a Century CR6.
Other notable competitors include Donovan Vermaak and Len Folscher in a Toyota Corolla, SJ Schoeman and Chané Havenga in a Toyota Hilux, and Marko Himmel and Francois Schoonbee in a Navara EVO.
The event will also feature several familiar names in Namibian rallying, including members of the Bartsch family, with Wido, Werner and Steian Bartsch all set to compete alongside their respective co-drivers.
Late entries have further boosted the field, with Eugene Swart and Phillip Stoman entering in a Toyota RunX, Issai Nhinda and Dian van der Merwe in a Subaru WRX, Jannie Coetzee and George Coetzee in a Ford Focus, and Oswaldo Mendes and Derek Jacobs in a Ford Courier.
With a mix of experienced competitors, diverse vehicle classes and powerful machinery, rally fans can expect a highly competitive contest throughout the weekend.
Organisers have reminded spectators that motorsport is inherently dangerous and have urged the public to follow the instructions of marshals, remain clear of rally routes, ensure children are kept at a safe distance from competing vehicles, and stay alert whenever rally cars are approaching.
The V-Power Swakop Rally is supported by several sponsors, including Alvis BA, YouTrack, Steckel’s, Ford, Toyota, Sky-Way, Safewear, Core Africa Mining and Hush Tuned.
By Rudi Bowe
