Get ready for the 2026 Toyota Fortuner Challenge, where South Africa's top athletes from racing, rugby, soccer, and equestrian sports will face off in a thrilling two-day competition to test their skills and resilience.
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The 2026 Toyota Fortuner Challenge powered by Quartz Engine Oil brings together competitors from multiple sporting disciplines to test their skill, adaptability and resilience in a tough physical and mental two day challenge.
This year’s event introduces four new heroes who will be paired with a competitor to see who wins a Toyota Fortuner.
Saood Variawa
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Saood Variawa is one of South Africa’s biggest motorsport talents representing Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa. His progression in motorsport began at the age of five, and he has since developed into a professional competitor with experience at international level.
Variawa recently completed his third Dakar Rally, where he secured another stage victory. This will be his second Fortuner Challenge as a hero so he knows exactly what to expect.
Clayton Blommetjies
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Professional rugby player Clayton Blommetjies makes his Fortuner Challenge debut in 2026. Known for his performances with the Toyota Cheetahs, Blommetjies has built a reputation for pace, agility and situational awareness on the field.
His athletic background has required rapid decision-making and spatial awareness, attributes that will stand him in good stead when the going gets tough.
The transition from rugby to the Fortuner Challenge presents a different test of coordination and focus.
Morgan Gould
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Former professional footballer Morgan Gould will also enter the Fortuner Challenge for the first time. Gould built his career as a defender with Kaizer Chiefs and represented Bafana Bafana at international level.
Known for his leadership and defensive discipline, Gould’s experience in high-pressure competitive environments brings a structured and strategic approach to the challenge. His ability to remain composed and assess dynamic situations will be properly tested.
Tamar Gliksman
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Equestrian competitor Tamar Gliksman completes the line-up of new entrants. As a showjumping athlete, Gliksman competes in a discipline that demands balance, timing and precise control.
Her experience in equestrian sport involves managing speed, trajectory and obstacle negotiation, all of which parallel the technical requirements she will need during the Challenge.
Her participation introduces a competitor with a background in precision-based sport, where consistency and measured control are essential.
The 2026 Fortuner Challenge will be hosted by comedian and presenter Rory Petzer and former professional rugby player Oupa Mohojé.
Rory Petzer
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Petzer brings experience as a presenter and live event host, while Mohojé returns with direct knowledge of the Fortuner Challenge format, having competed in previous editions. Mohojé also represented the Springboks and spent much of his professional career with the Toyota Cheetahs.
Oupa Mohojé
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Their combined experience will provide commentary and analysis throughout the event, offering insight into both the competition structure and the challenges faced by participants.