Full fields expected for Power Series
Masters V8s, Classic Cars and Fine Car classes join the party
WITH the powerful Masters V8s, Classic Cars and Fine Cars all due to make their first appearance during the second round of the popular Power Series sponsored by Wingfield Motors at Killarney this Saturday, local fans will get a better indication of what is going to be available to them this season.
Despite that, it’s the start of the first Bold Marine GTi Challenge race that is likely to grab the greatest initial attention. Because the mayhem that occurred after the multiple collision when the lights changed for the same event last month, has seldom been equalled at Killarney. So much so that racing only proceeded in an orderly fashion at the third attempt.
Drivers who avoided the worst of the chaos that day and are likely to shine again on Saturday include Shane and Nian du Toit, Bessie Bester and the promising young Marco Busi. Behind them, reigning champion Paul Simon claimed the Class C honours as he set about retaining his title.
In the Masters events, dominant Silver Class drivers Franco Donadio and British ace Stephen Young have been promoted and could cause a new problem for former South African Superkart champion and multiple Masters titleholder Marcel Angel, in the defense of his Gold Class award. Others worth considering here include the versatile Craig Jarvis, Charles Arton and former Supercar champion Richard Schreuder.
Away from the leaders, the progress of Development rookies Ashraf Fredericks and demure lady driver Nashrene Schloss is going to be monitored with interest in the Makita Formula Supercar class. Fredericks did well to claim the Bronze award during the first round while Schloss was not far behind him.
Expect a genuine German blitzkrieg in the Midas Clubman events where the surprisingly quick Volksies of Clint Rennard and Jesse Huggett are facing up to Andre Johnson’s Audi turbo and a panzer division of Beemers in the hands of Gavin Cerff, dangerous Danie van Niekerk and Nieyaaz Modack (if he enters on time).
A similar situation exists in Class B where Alex Johnson’s Audi Quattro is most likely going to be challenged by Mansoor Parker in his BMW 325.
The Mutlu Batteries Classic Cars are also making their first appearance. Here it is going to be Anton Rollino in his powerful V8 Chev CanAm who will have to fend off the attention he is likely to receive from Richard “Quick” Quixley (Datsun 240Z) and Trevor Momberg (V6 Ford Capri).
The Fine Cars, that enjoy a family relationship with the Classics, have attracted their usual rich variety of entries. These include Clive Spolander’s Jaguar XJS, three MGAs and a MGB and six Porsches. Switching from cars to drivers, spectators will be well advised to watch how well the physically impaired Steve Hallett controls his twitchy Ford Sapphire.
In two-wheeler action, the second round of the 2015 Mike Hopkins Regional Motorcycle Series promises even more intense racing than the season opener just three weeks ago, with 62 entries in seven classes – and one important absence.
With no entry received from Asap World ZX-6R hotshot – and defending 600 Challenge champion – Hayden Jonas, his arch-rival Andre Calvert on the KC Transport ZX-6R will be looking over his shoulder for challenges from the likes of Alex van den Berg (Wicked ZX-6R), David Enticott (Motorwise Daytona 675) and John Oliver on the Glass It Yamaha R6.
With no less than eight entries in Powersport A for modified 650cc twins, there is going to be something of a traffic jam at the front of the field, but the biggest danger to Calberg ER6 star Warren Guantario will come from a veteran riding a bike made before Guantario was born. Danie Maritz and the DMR GSX-R750 Pre-Sling won the 12-lap Powersport/Classics thriller at the season opener by an emphatic nine seconds.
Gates open at 7am with the first of the 18 races on the program due off after the final practce and qualifying sessions at 9.45am.
Admission is R60 for adults and R20 for scholars under 16. There is no charge for kiddies under 12. Tickets are also available from Computicket.