Kicking up the dust

The inaugural Kalahari Desert Speedweek got off to a fine start on Saturday. Taking place on the Northern Cape's Hakskeen Pan until this Sunday, more than 200 piston-heads are making the pilgrimage to put their machines to the ultimate test: a flat-out burn down a 5km desert drag strip.

Based on the Bonneville Speedweek that rocks the US every August, this unique event is open to anybody with a car or bike that gets the nod of approval from the event's scrutineers. And so far the starting line has seen a pretty eclectic mix of machinery.

Everything from brand new Lamborghini Aventadors through to homebuilt rat rods pieced together from bits and pieces scavenged from scrapyards are there to kick up the desert dust.

Though the clay surface is a bit on the slow side - no car has yet been able to break the 300km/h mark - the desert scenery and sense of camaraderie help to make this event one of the best on the South African motoring calendar. For more information, check www.speedweeksa.com