The boys are back in town at Killarney on Saturday
KILLARNEY is due to host a motoring variety show of unequalled quality when the second round of the South African main circuit championship is staged in conjunction with the Extreme Festival sponsored by Wingfield Motors, on Saturday.
Topping the bill, the national Production Cars will be seen here in a virtual one-class format for the first time. This has come about after the Class T entries received more muscle by being allowed additional turbo boost, larger tyres and unrestricted suspension modifications.
That resulted in Michael van Rooyen’s turbocharged Chev Cruze winning the first race at Zwartkops, with Class A Audi S4s in the hands of Hennie Groenewald and Michael Stephan taking the next two.
The superior tyre wear enjoyed by the all-wheel-drive Audis was to their advantage. However, Killarney’s less abrasive surface may provide a plus for the smaller turbocharged Chev and Ford Focus STs.
Brennon Green (Golf 5 GTi) is the Cape’s only representative in a new Production Car category for privateers. His main opposition is likely to come from Freek Burger Jnr and Snr, who were outstanding at Zwartkops in their Mazda 3 MPSs.
The Engen Volkswagen Cup events are always responsible for some of the best racing of the day. The driver to watch here is teenager Sheldon van der Linde. But although Sheldon won the first round at Zwartkops he was closely shadowed by Tasmin Pepper and Shaun la Reservee, with the Cape’s John Craig Jnr, not too far behind them.
With a home track advantage, it is going to be interesting to see how local drivers Nian du Toit and Jurie Swart Jnr, fare in this category.
The sensation in the first Midas Sport Duratec Formula Ford race was the performance of rookie driver and former karter Julian van der Watt, who went on to win from Robert Wolk and Matthew Merton.
Unfortunately Van der Watt’s lack of experience was evident on a wet track in the second race. As a result victory went to Wolk who was followed by Nicholas van Weeley and Dewald Brummer.
Other events during the day include the Crossley and Webb Sports and GT Cars, Midas Sport Clubman Cars and Mike Hopkins Superbikes. There are also going to be combined events for the V8 Masters and Makita Formula Supercars.
While many of the Extreme Festival attractions are walkabout static, they are also going to feature a spectacular display of drifting around every corner of the full circuit, for two laps from 12 noon. Another type of movement not normally seen at Killarney will be supplied by a team of radio controlled model planes and helicopters.
Then the Engen Extreme racing simulators are certain to attract the youngsters. Complete with racing seats, controls and a viewing screen, they can be “driven” in mock racing situations. There is even the promise of a promo reward for those who acquit themselves well enough. A pair of full scale dynamometers will be available to spectators curious about their car’s power output.
The grassed infield section of the centrally situated kart circuit is being converted into an exhibition area for a variety of racing cars and motorcycles as well as classic bikes. For those who love to remember the “good ol’ days,” a number of classic American hotrods and muscle cars will also be on show
The Fan Walk during the lunch break is going to feature the Production Cars (and their drivers) and there will be a display of a different sort by the Jaguar Owners Club outside their clubhouse.
The first race due off at 10.10am. Admission is R90 for adults and R40 for scholars under 16. There is no charge for kiddies under 12. Tickets are also available from Computicket.