DRIVE TIMES - Posted:06/07/2010
Spectators are going have a chance to be included in the high speed action at Killarney on Saturday when competitors in the Mobil Porsche Club GT Challenge Series act as “taxi” drivers during the lunch break.
That apart, the Mobil Porsche Challenge events have received exciting entries from other centres and these races will undoubtedly feature among the highlights of the mid winter round of the Western Cape Championship. Stars from north of the Hex River include the current Challenge Series championship leader “Rocket Rod” Cole-Edwardes in his 993 GT2, as well as a powerful 997 GT3 Cup car that has been entered by the flamboyant Sun Moodley.
Their opposition is going to include former double South African champion Peter Gough (GT3 RS), regional sports and GT titleholder Cyril Ginsburg (997 GT3) and Jeanne Livingstone -- South Africa’s answer to Danica Patrick – in a GT3 R.
The progress of the experienced Kosie Swanepoel’s seldom seen twin turbo V6 Noble M400 in the Industrial Abrasives Sports and GT events will be monitored, with some actually claiming that he should be able to stay with established front runners like Steve Humble (Opel Mallock Mk14) and Nick Adcock (Lola T86).
Others who will bear watching in this one include Wally Dolinschek (Ford Mustang GT) and Dawie Joubert (Lotus Exige).
With a smaller than usual BMW entry in the Midas Clubman category, it is going to be interesting to see how many other manufacturers can muscle their way onto the podium. Here drivers like Cobus Claasen (Nissan Primera) and Golfers Clint Rennard, Gavin Cerff and Bennie Lodewyk, are likely to welcome a dispute with Beemer bombers Achmat Achmat and Danie van Niekerk.
Behind them the impressive Andre Johnson (class B, Audi ), reigning champion Peter van der Poel (class C, Toyota Conquest RSi) and former top scoring Mark Smith (class C VW Golf), are all aiming for a resurgence after their run of bad luck during recent meetings.
With no entry having been received from recent winner Raymond Johnson when this message was posted, the battle for the sharp end in the VW GTi Challenge could well be fought out between the formidable Levy family --Anwar and Ebrahim – in a pair of identical Polos, Peet van der Walt (Golf 1) and Tertius van Tonder. But while they do that, overall top scorer Jacques Geldenhuys will doubtlessly be adding to his impressive total in his class B, VW Golf.
Members of the public anxious to see the circuit from the inside at racing speed, should report to the documentation room in the pit area during the morning. Only a limited number can be accommodated and this on a strictly “first come, first served” basis. Protective clothing should include closed shoes and items that cover the legs and arms. Crash helmets will be available from the organisers.
Gates open at 07h.00, with the first of the 15 races due off after the final qualifying and warm-up sessions, at 10h.20. Admission is R40 for adults and R10 for scholars under 16. There is no charge for kiddies under 12.
MCFLASH' IS BACK - EXPECT FIREWORKS! - Posted:06/07/2010
Cape Town's motorsport enthusiasts can find a short respite from the world's most hated instrument of ear destruction on the day before the World Cup final as the sound of high-revving engines drowns out the vuvuzelas in the fifth round of the Suzuki South Regional Motorcycle series at Killarney.
And they can expect fireworks at the sharp end because David 'McFlash' McFadden is back to give the litre-class Superbikes a hard time on his Honda CBR600RR.
McFadden missed the previous meeting due to National racing commitments and the Killarney faithful were treated to a superb dice between Malcolm Rapson (Honda CBR1000RR) and Trevor Westman (RST ZX-10R) which went Rapson's way by a narrow margin after a poor tactical call from his rival.
Westman still believes the decision should have gone his way and he'll be out to prove a point on Saturday - but with McFlash in the mix anything could happen.
The 600 challenge is also likely to be a McFadden benefit but don't overlook Aran Van Nierkerk (Yamaha R6) and Warren "Wozza" Guantario (Suzuki GSX-R600) who set the pace in this class at the previous meeting and could do so again.
What's for sure is that there will be some splendid midfield dicing between Van Niekerk, Guantario, Michael Hall (Putoline R6), Ryan Snyman (Yamaha R6) and Tim Clark on a Biketique S1000RR, who was the larger end of a superb David-and-Goliath duel with Snyman at the May meeting.
The exploits this season of Jordan Weaving and Luca Agostinelli on their Honda RS125 GP bikes have sparked fresh interest in these temperamental but incredibly quick little two-strokes.
Now Superbike rider John Pienaar has entered a Honda RS250R in the Powersport class and, if he gets it running anywhere its potential, it'll be hard to catch.
Pienaar's race number is 19; look out for him - the balance of power in Powersport/Classic racing at Killarney may be about to shift.
5 JUNE PREVIEW - Posted:01/06/2010
The renewal of the Execuline Classic Car battle between Martin Richards, at the wheel of the fastest Datsun in Africa, and a more sophisticated Porsche 911 RS driven by Keith Rose, is expected to be one of the highlights of Saturday’s main circuit meeting at Killarney.
Although these two won one each during their hard fought encounters last month, the Richards moustache was bristling at what he considered to be the lack of passing opportunities on the track.
Other potentially quick entries in this category include a pair of near identical rotary engined Mazda Capellas in the hands of Chris Carolin and Alan Dike, while Charles Arton (BMW 530) and Trevor Momberg (Ford Capri V6), could also constitute a threat.
Further down the line in class D, reigning champion Ernie Lightning Leite (Fiat 128 Rally) is going to have to deal with opposition from drivers like Keith Andrews (Alfetta GTV) and Jonathan Bernstein (Alfa Guilia), if he hopes to retain his title.
The GTi Challenge has attracted an excellent entry. Here there seems to be little to choose in class A, between Peet van der Walt in his innocent looking Mk 1 Golf and the evenly matched VW Polos of Farhaad Khan and the Armien and Ebrahim Levy family assault.
Watch out for Jacques Geldenhuys and Jason Thornton in class B, while Peter John van Heerden and Johan Nel should be among the leading challengers in class C.
Well known national Wesbank V8 driver Rui Campos will be making the trip from Mine Dump Country again to compete in the one make V8 Masters Series events. He is not going to find the going particularly easy against the likes of former Superkart champion Marcel Angel, veteran Clive Spolander and the Flying Dutchman Richard Weggelaar.
There are also going to be events for the Simons Outsourcing Fine Car Series. And as these are handicap races they tend to get more exciting as the field closes up towards the end.
Competitors will be well advised to take the weather into account and failing the correct tyres, gentler accelerator pressure may be required. As far as spectators are concerned however, watching racing in the rain is always a hugely rewarding exercise.
Gates open at 07h.30 with the first of the 15 races due to be flagged off after final practice and qualifying at 09h.40. Admission is R40 for adults and R10 for scholars under 16. But there is no charge for anklebiters under 12.
