Top-class racing, simulators on Killarney menu

WHILE the cancellation of the German Grand Prix – and threats that same fate may befall Italy’s Formula 1 showpiece – have sent shock waves through motorsport circles in Europe, local organisers are making every effort to ensure that Saturday’s South African main circuit championship meeting at Killarney enjoys the widest possible appeal. The Extreme Festival is expected to be easily Killarney’s biggest meeting of the year.

Sponsored by Wingfield Motors, it is made up of a potpourri of static and active motoring aimed at every member of the family.

As far as the racing is concerned, the controllers of the premier Production Car category have centralised the goalposts in the best possible manner by changing the rules to bring the turbocharged Class T cars up to face the previously superior all-wheel- drive entries on level terms.

And it worked well during the first round in Gauteng where Michael van Rooyen’s Chev Cruze turbo won the first race with the class A Audi S4s of Hennie Groenewald and Michael Stephen taking the next two by a narrow margin. But then the Engen Volkswagen Cup tigers have always been competing on level terms – and very often producing some of the closest racing of the day.

While teenage prodigy Sheldon van der Linde will be starting as the favourite in this one, the Cape’s Nian du Toit and Jurie Swart Jnr have a home-turf advantage and could spring a surprise.

With the Formula Ford single-seaters the closest we are going to get to seeing F1 in these parts at any stage in the immediate future, these high-speed events are certain to provide interesting viewing. There are also going to be several races for Power Series cars and motorcycles.

Then with drifting growing in popularity among the younger set, the drifters will be tackling the full circuit – with its four righthand corners and one left-hander – for the first time. Moving at a higher altitude, a display of radio-controlled model planes and helicopters is going to be offering something different.

As far as the static attractions are concerned, the grassed infield area of the centrally situated kart circuit is being converted into exhibition space with a number of racing cars and motorcyles on display. Then a variety of seldom seen classic American hot-rods and muscle cars will be sharing the limelight here.

As far as the kiddies are concerned, the area on the Malmebury side of the clubhouse is being devoted to a children’s playground, complete with child-minders. But the biggest draw for the youngsters is certain to be a pair of Engen Extreme racing simulators at the front of the clubhouse.

Complete racing seats, controls and a viewing screen, aspiring F1 Hamiltons and Vettels will be able to “race” in total safety.

And then for something different, there is going to be live music in the clubhouse in the afternoon, as well as a blind DJ who actually has a fine singing voice.

Those who want move between the various exhibits will be able to take advantage of a free “taxi’’ service in operation all day.