Honda Racing Corporation and the Dutch HT Rally Raid have signed a letter of intent to become the official HRC Rally 2 team in the W2RC series. This is a three-year agreement. Good news for Henk and Ties Hellegers of HT Rally Raid. Father and son Hellegers have been running their rally activities from Vorden in Gelderland for many years and are an indispensable part of the world of off-road rallying.
This agreement not only aims to provide technical support, parts supply and maintenance services during the rally, but also support with various procedures for drivers who want to participate in the W2RC series, including the Dakar Rally, so that every driver can perform optimally.
HT Rally Raid and HRC work together to support drivers who participate in the rally, including intangible aspects such as race support. HRC is pleased that HT Rally Raid, with their extensive experience and technical expertise in rallying, is joining HRC as one of the partners.
HT Rally Raid was a key partner during Honda’s return to the Dakar Rally in 2013 and HRC is delighted to continue their partnership with HT Rally Raid. HRC and HT Rally Raid will now prepare for the W2RC races and the Dakar Rally and fully support each rider.
One rider who will definitely benefit from this is Ian Olthof. The Dutchman is in a trajectory with HT Rally Raid that should lead to participation in the Dakar 2026. In the recent Morocco Desert Challenge, Olthof impressed with a stage win, but ended with a painful crash. He has now recovered from three broken ribs and will start the South Africa Safari Rally with HT Rally Raid. This is the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship where qualification for the Dakar rally can be enforced.
Next Tuesday, RT Rally Raid will leave for South Africa, where it has registered four riders. The South Africa Safari Rally will be held from 18 to 25 May. More information can be found at www.ht-rally-raid.com.
