Jesse Adams piloting our Jaguar XKR-S around the gymkhana course

Today was the first day of the Cannonball Run Africa 2012. Following the organiser’s orders, Jesse Adams and I arrived at the Kyalami Castle (AKA The Facebrick Monstrosity) at around 6:30am. After some tepid coffee and a few mushy fruit sticks we were then told to hop back into our Jaguar XKR-S and mosey on over to the main car park at the Coca-Cola Dome. What for? A little impromptu gymkhana, that’s what.

Yeah, the first challenge of this year’s Cannonball Run would see us squeaking some rather expensive Bridgestone takkie around cones, saplings and other makeshift barriers. The vehicular competition was stiff (Lamborghini Aventadors, Ferrari 360s and loads of Porsche 911s to name but a few) but in the end I think we did quite well. How well? Hmmm, with Adams behind the wheel I rate that we’ll definitely be in the top five despite our horsepower deficit.

After that we had to make for Boksburg for our next checkpoint. Along the way we had to look out for loads of roadside clues; the capturing of which would add to our overall points cache. There were about 20 on the list – I think we got about 16 or so. Anyway, once we got to Boksburg (MF Panelbeaters to be precise) it was my turn to dig into my driving skills. Yep, with the Jaguar now parked my task was to whip a quad bike around yet another gymkhana course. I bungled the start – to be expected – but then redeemed myself by setting a fairly decent time. Maybe tomorrow I’ll get to drive the XKR-S in anger. Here’s hoping.

So what else happened along the way? Well there were a couple more clue sessions followed by an awesome top speed run down the satellite road. Yes, you know the stretch of asphalt I’m talking about – don’t pretend you don’t. After that we headed into Magaliseburg where found out where we’re staying for the duration of the Run. Cue the Mount Grace. Expensive but nice.

There will be much more action tomorrow but in the meantime, here are some pictures from the gymkhana event at the Coca-Cola Dome…