CLASSIC CAR NEWS - Posted:18/12/2008

The CAR Magazine Classic guys, who could possibly be described as the aristocrats of regional motorsport, can justifiably look back on 2008 as having been one of the most competitive since the formation of the category back in 1989.

However, apart from its makeup, where the machinery includes many cars that have achieved a standard high enough to rate an enthusiastic welcome from the Earl of March at one of his Glorious Goodwood, Festival of Speed gigs, the Classic class also has its share of larger than life characters.

And while several younger drivers have been attracted to the class, this doesn’t apply to former double South African champion, Peter Gough, who can hardly be described as an emerging talent. Earlier this month the 70-plus Gough shed the years like excess baggage, during the final leg of the championship when he went out in his Escort and lapped faster than he did when both were in their prime, some 40 odd years ago.

It earned him a place on the front row of the grid alongside Chris Carolin’s rotary powered Mazda Capella and ahead of several more sophisticated Porsches, Beemers and big V8’s.

Unfortunately his effort didn’t last too long and he was eliminated after a head-on with the tearaway Keith Rose whose Porsche 911 had spun and was left facing the oncoming traffic.

Other prominent drivers include the much travelled Fred Phillips who has competed with distinction in Historic and Classic car races on almost every major circuit in Europe and the UK.

Although this urbane collector’s racing stable includes several other rare, but still competitive vehicles, it is his magnificent V8 engined Chev CanAm that invariably attracts the most attention. More impressive and a far better performer now than the day it first left the showroom, there are many who feel it cries out for a protective cocoon to avoid physical contact with any of the less caring, it shares the track with.

Then there’s the super enthusiastic class historian, JB (Jay-Bee) Pretorius, who has been racing the same elderly BMW 2002 since the very first event and who was still able to qualify for yet another award this year.

Even the chairman of the Western Province Motor Club, Brian Smith, is an enthusiastic Alfa propelled Classic car competitor.

And let’s not forget Ian Richards, winner of the 2008 title in his class D, Datsun 1400 GX coupe. Currently based in Johannesburg, Ian commutes to the Cape for every meeting. Fortunately, his car, that has remained trouble free all year, is maintained by Martin’s Auto Repairs in nearby Montague Gardens, where it resides when not in use.

Final 2008 championship positions:
1: Ian Richards (class D, Datsun 1400 GX).
2: Peter Harrison (class F, Renault R10).
3: JB Pretorius (class F, BMW 2002).

Gold Cup
1: Trevor Momberg (Ford Capri).
2: Ferdi van Niekerk jnr. (Alfa Romeo).
3: Chris Carolin (Mazda Capella).

Silver Cup
1: Ian Richards (Datsun 1400 GX)
2: Peter Harrison (Renault R10).
3: JB Pretorius (BMW 2002).

CLASSIC CAR HISTORY

Classic cars are saloon cars manufactured prior to 1977. Quite a large latitude is allowed in the rules for modification however very strict control over the mods are exercised. In short, the cars must retain there original type engines which were 'period' i.e. available in their original format and cannot be substituted e.g. overhead cam technology instead of push-rod technology, or normally asperated instead of fuel-injection and vice-a-versa etc.