Mileman Media

09/02/2024

Join Ford Performance on an unprecedented journey into the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert with M-Sport & Neil Woolridge Motorsport. Dive into the world of...

05/01/2024

The final gallery ( #9) of the by Mileman Media

Look out for the highlights video which will be posted on Sunday!

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives
Ford Adventure Club
Ford
Great Migration Camps
Serengeti Balloon Safaris

03/01/2024

Gallery 8 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

01/01/2024

Happy New Year! Gallery 7 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

30/12/2023

Gallery 6 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

28/12/2023

Gallery 5 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

26/12/2023

Gallery 4 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

24/12/2023

Gallery 3 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

22/12/2023

Gallery 2 of the by Mileman Media

Red Moon Conferences & Incentives Ford Adventure Club Ford Great Migration Camps

20/12/2023

In September 2023 Mileman Media had the privilege of travelling to the Serengeti in Tanzania to photograph and film the - a truly epic once-in-a-lifetime experience that is breathtaking, mesmerising, awe-inspiring ... You can add an endless list of adjectives and superlatives - words simply don't do it justice.

The event was brilliantly organised (as always) by Gideo Basson from Red Moon Conferences & Incentives / Ford Adventure Club for Ford South Africa.

We were superbly hosted by the amazing team from Great Migration Camps - Carel, Sally and Zebadia. "Highly recommended" is an understatement - if you want to see one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on this planet, look them up!

Here's the first of 9 galleries we will be posting featuring our favourite photos from this amazing adventure. And there's a highlights video coming which shows all the drama, action and beauty of this memorable adventure ...

13/12/2023

An amazing year for an amazing, dedicated and hard-working but incredibly small team that managed to topple the world champions!!

Proud to be associated with Neil Woolridge Motorsport!!

Story and SARRC photos by Mileman Media

Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) has enjoyed its most successful season to date in rally-raid competition, built on the team’s decades of experience in the sport, and the exceptional performance of its latest EcoBoost V6-powered T1+ Ford Ranger.

27/11/2023

Welcome to Behind the Dust - an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of rally-raid racing, with specific emphasis on the South African Rally-Raid Ch...

12/11/2023

What an honour and privilege to work with such a dedicated and professional team/family - Neil Woolridge Motorsport! They put their heart and soul into this sport, and are more than deserving of this hard-earned success - in the process dethroning the Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship winners on home soil! That’s an amazing achievement considering the MASSIVE difference in resources and funding!

Next up, 2024! We will be back you every step of the way NWM, Gareth Woolridge -Athlete and Boyd Dreyer!!

Report and photography by Mileman Media

11/11/2023

Epic and so well deserved the entire Neil Woolridge Motorsport team, Gareth Woolridge -Athlete and Boyd Dreyer, Neil Woolridge, Lance Woolridge, Kenny Gilbert, Ford, Ford Performance South Africa

Proud to be part is this team!! Time to celebrate 🎉 🍾

11/10/2023

Race report and photos by Mileman Media

10/10/2023

04/10/2023

A very sad but humbling day indeed, as I bid farewell to one of the most capable, confidence-inspiring and outright brilliant vehicles I’ve ever had the good fortune of driving over an extended period during the past 10 months, and been hands-on with as a pre-production model since 2018 and launched in 2019.

The breadth of capability of the first-generation Ford Ranger Raptor remains both astounding and unrivalled - ONLY surpassed by the New Ranger Raptor that we launched in February 2023. Yes, the new model comprehensively trounces the original in terms of outright performance, technology, sophistication and an even broader range of talents - both on and off the road. But if it was my money being spent on the purchase and the fuel bills, I would happily live with this exact vehicle forever.

I’ve done many, many thousands of relaxed and also flat-out kilometres in the original Ranger Raptor since we launched it in 2019, having driven it (and been driven on numerous trips/shoots) in the endless dunes of Namibia, the thorny bushveld of Botswana, the stunning mountains of Lesotho and far and wide across South Africa. And it has gone where no other bakkie or pickup-based SUV was capable of reaching on many occasions.

I fell in love with it the first time I drove it, and desperately longed to have one in my garage ever since. I finally had the privilege to spend the last 25 000 km behind the wheel of this wonderful machine - the last of the breed, a striking 2022 Ranger Raptor Special Edition.

I’m not normally one for black vehicles, but this package with the blacked-out detailing, black wheels, red accents, integrated black sports hoop, and that bold F-O-R-D grille framed by distinctive LED daytime running light strips ensure that it assertively stands out from the crowd, and it STILL turns heads wherever it’s seen.

Obviously it could do with a bit of extra get-up-and-go, but in most situations it’s more than sufficient, and off-road it’s well up to the task - whether crawling over daunting obstacles with ease or thrashing down a gravel track with thrilling moments spent airborne and soaking up seemingly impossible ditches and dongas in its stride, where lesser vehicles would instantly flounder.

Flat-out in Baja Mode the engine and transmission bring a more cheeky, spirited character to the fore, with a more raucous and urgent engine note adding a satisfying edge to the package.

The benefit of the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox is impressive fuel consumption. Around town I got around 11-12.5 l/100 km which is pretty good for a large 4x4 of this size that tips the scales at around 2.3 tons and rolls on fat 285 mm wide tyres. On the open road I’ve often nudged 8 l/100 km and 1 000 km range on a tank with a light foot, and comfortably 9-10 l/100 km and 800 km between fills when hustling a bit.

The cabin is exceptionally comfortable, refined and quiet - even though it’s fundamentally based on the original iteration of this generation Ranger that debuted all the way back in 2010. It’s simply astonishing how you can vigorously exploit this vehicle’s unbridled appetite for the rough stuff, then step onto the tarmac and cruise along in sublime comfort and quietness - with not a squeak or rattle to be found. The Recaro seats are as supportive when bashing broken ground into submission as they are cosseting on the open road - with regular single-day trips of between 1 100 km and 1 500 km completed with ease, and not a single ache or pain.

That the previous-generation Ranger Raptor STILL remains in a class of its own (second only to the new model) more than 5 years after its international debut shows just how far ahead of the game Ford was.

In developing the new Ranger Raptor, the design and engineering team used the exceptional foundation of the original model on one hand, but essentially tore up the rule book and set out to build the “ultimate Ranger Raptor” - and there’s no disputing that they did exactly that.

It’s reassuring that such a hedonistically enthusiast-oriented vehicle that truly thrills all the senses is launched in 2022/3 - and has been exceptionally well received. This in an eco-sensitive politically-correct age when the roaring, exhilarating and spine-tingling world of motoring as we know it appears to be coming to an end in favour of a push towards silent, instantaneous electric power. We won’t mention the endless challenges EVs face in practical terms, or the true environmental impact - both short and long-term. The complex hybrid solutions are much more plausible, but alternative/synthetic/sustainable fuels may be the ultimate solution for the much-loved internal combustion engine - but this is a debate for another day.

As impressive as Ranger Raptor v2 is with its amazing 292 kW 3.0L twin-turbo V6, consider the F-150 Raptor R in the US with its Mustang GT500-sourced supercharged 522 kW 5.0L V8 - vehicles no doubt on the hit list for eco-warriors, but on the last-dash must-have shopping list for petrol heads.

Is it the last of the breed? Most likely, no, considering this niche segment’s rapidly growing popularity - evidenced by the success of the first-gen model and now the sustained high demand for the new Ranger Raptor, despite some quibbling over its asking price. It’s well out of my financial reach, but actually represents really good value considering the performance on offer, the jam-packed list of under-the-skin and customer-facing technologies and features, as well as its astonishing capabilities that far exceed other less capable and enjoyable bakkies costing a lot more.

Some describe the new Ranger Raptor as a performance car - and that alone negates the pricing argument in many ways. Have you seen what the modern premium/hot hatch costs lately? Then compare it against any of the performance SUVs out there and the value proposition ramps up significantly.

There’s been much discussion about the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine’s drinking habits. People complained the original didn’t have enough power from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine - and now the new Ranger Raptor has a LOT more power and performance than anyone expected or predicted. With that kind of power comes a bit of a thirst - you can’t have it both ways. Yet resist the ever-present temptation to engage the sportiest drive modes and have those twin exhausts roaring at every opportunity and it’s not that bad - and better than some other far slower and more agricultural bakkies command even heftier price tags.

It’s predicted that in its first year on the market (2023) the new model will outsell the previous one over the latter’s total four-year lifespan in SA, and there’s no shortage of customers adding their names to already very long waiting lists.

The next of its ilk could well be a hybrid of sorts (just guessing), and with the exponential rate of advancement of mixed-source power units and battery systems there will be no shortage of performance. Let’s just hope that the tangible driving experience, engagement and thrill remains for the enthusiasts amongst us. And that the vehicle’s breadth of capability (and ability to reach remote destinations) isn’t compromised.

But as I reluctantly hand over the keys for this black beast, I feel proud to have been an integral part of this journey with Ford … writing about, photographing and filming this generation of Ranger Raptor from the very start, including its local production at the Silverton Assembly Plant from 2018 (the early pre-production models) right through to the last units coming off the line at the end of 2022.

I’ve interviewed many of the key people who designed, engineered and developed the first and second-generation Ranger Raptors, and their passion for the product bodes well for the future. Special mention goes to Martin Steyn and Justin Capicchiano.

It remains a delight to see the many first-gen Ranger Raptors on the road - easily identified from afar with that distinctive wide F-O-R-D grille, purposeful bash plate, prominent red recovery points (for pulling others out), beefy widened wheelarches and chunky wheel and tyre combo.

This vehicle certainly attracted just as much attention fresh from a full valet and polish as it did when returning from a motorsport event covered in mud … pulling admiring glances from other Raptor owners (old and new models), fellow motorists and casual observers alike.

Could there be a kinship developing amongst original Ranger Raptor owners? At this stage it’s more of a knowing glance and implied respect in passing rather than the well-ingrained friendly wave that’s part and parcel of Land Rover Defender ownership and culture (along with the early Series 1/2/3 models - I’ve proudly owned a S3, and an early Range Rover). But I suspect that it’s just a matter of time before this changes …

I can honestly say that I have never experienced a vehicle that so completely matches my needs, my lifestyle, my enthusiasm and passion for driving (anywhere and everywhere).

Yes, if money was no object I would happily have the mighty new Ranger Raptor. But if the “old” Ranger Raptor was the very last vehicle I could own and drive for the rest of my life, I would be infinitely thrilled and satisfied, and doubt the novelty would ever wear off. True admiration and respect, now and forever ...

Ford Ford Performance

Text and photos by Mileman Media

28/09/2023

Love bite ❤️

Ford Adventure Club Great Migration Camps Nikon South Africa Mileman Media

28/09/2023

So I did a thing … a thing. Nearly two weeks spent in the in Tanzania 🇹🇿 for the !!

What a fantastic experience, and SOOOO good for the soul. Endless unspoilt and truly breathtaking vistas, countless wildlife, epic crossings of Mara River and just serene calmness and beauty (aside from the ferocious red ants and the brutal soldiers 🐜 that caused a bit of havoc at the end).

Sad to be leaving … but so rewarding, and humbling to have had the privilege!!

Thanks Gideo Basson (Red Moon Incentives & Events and Ford Adventure Club) and Eugene Prinsloo (Ford Motor Company SA) for giving me this wonderful opportunity, along with Lee Vorster (Outdoor Medical) and the amazing team at Great Migration Camps (Carel, Sally, Zebidiah, Alex, Martin, Pascal and the rest of the crew) that made us feel so at home in the middle of the bush, and dished up the most remarkable meals each day … and of course the guests (incentive winners from Ford dealers across South Africa) that made it special.

Asante sana.

More musings, photos and videos to follow in due course … Mileman Media

21/08/2023

Report and photos by Mileman Media

07/07/2023

Looking good Neil Woolridge Motorsport and M-Sport - exciting times ahead!!

29/06/2023

27/06/2023

Report by Mileman Media

Photos by Mileman Media and Andre Schoeman Media

25/05/2023

Photography and report by Mileman Media

12/05/2023

Proud to be the featured photographer in the May 2023 newsletter for the Southern African Freelancers Association - Safrea

Go check it out: https://safrea.co.za/newsletters/safrea-newsletter-may-2023

Mileman Media

07/05/2023

The most epic way to conclude the best Simola Hillclimb to date - with a spectacular series of donuts by the brilliant and champion Petter Solberg in the title-winning 2018 Volkswagen Motorsport ZA Polo R WRX Supercar!

A world-class with an amazing team. Well done Ian Shrosbree Geoff Goddard Emma Kilzer and the rest of the crew. Here’s to an even bigger and better 14th edition next year!!

WRC - FIA World Rally Championship World RX - FIA World Rallycross Championship HillClimb Monsters

📹 Mileman Media

23/04/2023

It’s been about 11 years since my first visit to Elephant Sands in Botswana, and it’s great to be back - such a special place.

Hopefully it won’t take that long to get back here again!!

Ford Adventure Club Red Moon Conferences & Incentives

20/04/2023

You just can’t beat an African sunset … especially one on the Chobe River in Botswana 🇧🇼. Or is it Namibia 🇳🇦? Depends how far you are across the river … 🤣

Ford Adventure Club Red Moon Conferences & Incentives

18/04/2023

The picture says it all …

Awesome to be back in the Caprivi Strip, this time with Ford Adventure Club / Red Moon Conferences & Incentives. Standing in Botswana with Namibia just across the Chobe River and Zambia off in the distance.

This I can do … 😎