Toyota South Africa Motors to Power Gravel Burn as a Headline Sponsor
Toyota South Africa Motors to Power Gravel Burn as a Headline Sponsor
Gravel Burn, the 7-day, 850km gravel bike race, proudly announces Toyota South Africa Motors as a founding Headline Sponsor and Official Vehicle Partner. This partnership highlights Toyota’s pioneering spirit and Gravel Burn’s mission to showcase South Africa’s stunning landscapes and thriving cycling culture.
The race begins in Knysna’s lush coastal forests, crosses the vast Great Karoo and concludes at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Gravel Burn combines unmatched adventure and a top-tier full-service experience, welcoming all riders. Whether it’s professional racers competing for a share of the $150,000 prize purse, strong amateurs vying for leader jerseys in their age categories, or weekend warriors ready to conquer a 7-day gravel stage race, Gravel Burn offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Toyota’s support as the Official Vehicle Partner underscores its alignment with Gravel Burn’s values of exploration and excellence. Kevin Vermaak, Gravel Burn Founder, said,
”When we conducted our first Gravel Burn exploration trip to the Karoo, virtually all of the very few vehicles that we passed on these roads to desolation were Toyotas. It was very clear to me then that we simply had to secure Toyota as our vehicle partner. In the words of the local farmers hosting Gravel Burn, ‘This is Toyota Country”
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa, remarked,
"The partnerships we cultivate – as Toyota – are designed to drive our commitment to fostering meaningful connections, celebrate our culture, and elevate events that unite communities. From backing the Toyota Cheetahs and the Comrades Marathon, to supporting cycling through our association with Cape Epic, Wines2Whales and the Toyota Specialized team; we’re proud to help create moments that inspire greatness."
During the event, Toyota will host guests in one of the Burn Camp’s dedicated Lapas (a circle of 20 tents around a campfire – a unique ‘Gravel Burn’ design) providing an immersive experience that reflects the race’s community spirit and adventurous ethos.
Toyota joins the existing sponsors WeWork, Assos, Blaauwater and Shamwari Private Game Reserve in a growing ecosystem of premium partners to the Gravel Burn – with the title sponsor to be announced on 11 February 2025.
