Theuns Beer has been named the new route director for the South African Rally-Raid Championship. As part of his duties, he will design the route for each SARRC round and work alongside race director Evan Hutchison.

Beer fills the void left by Rudi Muller’s passing in January.

“Like many people in motorsport, my journey started with a fascination for the machinery and the thrill of competition,” Beer explained. “But rally raid is something different: it captivates you. Over the years I’ve learned how fragile and complex our rally raid ecosystem can be. Taking on this role is a chance to apply everything I’ve learned about the sport and to step into the big shoes that Rudi left behind.

“Rally raid teaches you respect. First for the terrain, then for the people who take it on, and finally for those who organise it. A route isn’t just a path; it’s a responsibility. The unpredictability of landscapes, the importance of navigation and the logistical complexity behind every kilometre all shape how an event must be designed.”

He is a longtime marshal and operations manager in rally raids around South Africa.

“The route director plays an incredibly important role in rally raid,” SARRC CEO Archie Rutherford offered. “Theuns brings valuable operational experience and a deep respect for the sport, the terrain and the competitors. We are confident he will build on the strong foundation already in place and contribute to the continued growth and professionalism of the championship.”

His hiring last Tuesday comes after SARRC announced earlier in March that electronic roadbooks will be mandatory starting 2026.

Featured image credit: via South African Rally-Raid Championship