V8 thunder to hit city track
RACING action kicks into high gear this weekend as the much anticipated V8 Supercars take centre-stage at the East London Grand Prix circuit on Saturday.
The day’s on-track action is set to be one of the biggest highlights on this year’s calendar, with the powerful South African Modified Car club V8s set to thrill fans after a five-year break since they last raced around the iconic track.
“This used to be for the old West Bank Superseries cars and we haven't had them here in the last five years, so it is exciting to get them back down here at the track,” said Border Motorsport PR officer Dave Kirkman.
On the track, defending V8 Supercar champion and well-known racing driver Ben Morgenrood will be in action and he is expected to be one of the frontrunners on the day.
In an exciting twist, Morgenrood’s son Benjamin will be making his V8 Supercar debut this weekend, while another father-son duo in Larry and Terry Wilford will also be racing, making for what should be some absorbing battles as the youngsters look to upstage their experienced fathers.
“It is going to be quite interesting to watch and see how the guys do in the race,” admitted Kirkman.
With the EL race track known as the fastest circuit in the country, speeds of up to 298km/h are expected to be reached through Rifle Bend and with the V8 Supercars currently the fastest racing category in SA, explosive speeds are set to be witnessed.
V8 Supercar lap record holder Mackie Adlem, who set the blistering time of one minute, 17 seconds in 2005 at the EL Grand Prix track, will also be in action and is also expected to be one of the frontrunners.
“It is really really fast. It is going to be exciting and we should be in store for some enthralling racing action,” said Kirkman.
Also on show on the day will be the Dunlop Historic Eastern Cape Regional championship, which will see competitors from East London, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown and Jeffreys Bay battling it out.
Twenty-six modified saloons will be on the grid going all out for the Club championship while Dunlop motorcycles will also be in action, all of which adds up to an actionpacked day of racing entertainment for local supporters.
“We also have round five of the Dunlop historic series, as well as the regional bike racing for the Eastern Cape, and these will complement the V8s perfectly,” claimed Kirkman.
It will be a fantastic day out for the whole family as well, as off the track will be filled with exciting activities for all.
Pre-sold tickets are available from Best Drive in Cambridge street, Vincent Midas, Ian’s Auto Clinic in Devereux Avenue, Spargs in Beacon Bay and the Border Motorsport Club office for R50.
Gate entry on the day is R80 and children under 12 will be free.
“The weather looks good and it is going to be a lot of fun as we haven't seen these loud V8s in a long time,” said Kirkman.
For more information contact Jadia Oelofse on (043) 736-4024 or email