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PRESS RELEASE: May 2009 |
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Tin Top
Gladiators
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Saturday 30 May will
see the Goldwagen Challenge brigade assemble at the
historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand for
the third round of the 2009 Pro Tour Road Show.
With more than fifty entries expected, this popular
tin top formula will once again field the largest
entry of all of the participating formulas. If the
racing from the first two events of the year is
anything to go by, one can expect plenty of close
and exciting racing action. With the first two races
of the season a thing of the past, a number of
drivers look set to threaten for the Overall and
individual Class titles. |
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Class A
Lee Thompson (Gallardo IT / Interfile Golf I) has
dominated Class A so far this year. The rest of the
competitors in the class have got some catching up
to do. Wayne Masters (Jonnesway / Elite Autobody
Golf 4) currently lies in second place with George
Economides (Wealth Avenue Golf I) and Ray Wilford
(Fuchs Lubricants Golf II) in third and fourth
respectively. Quentin Thompson (Thompson’s
Volkswagen Golf I) and Waldie Meintjes (Albatros
Motors Polo) have both shown moments of brilliance
and can never be counted out for a podium position.
It is also rumoured that Kieran Quarmby (Gallardo IT
/ Interfile Golf I) will be entering the class A
ranks at this race and if his performance in class B
at the previous race is anything to go by, he too
could be a serious threat at taking a class win.
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Class B
Class B was dominated by Quarmby at the previous
race. The picture could be a lot different this time
around if he does indeed move up to the class A
ranks. Eben Rothman (Freddie’s Autospares / Fram
Golf I) was the only man close enough to challenge
Quarmby at the previous race. He also took both wins
at the opening round in Cape Town. With him
currently leading the points standings he should be
the man to beat, but could have his work cut out for
him if his peers have got their teething problems
sorted out. Quinton Needham (Ultravision /
Thrashcorp Golf I) currently lies in second place in
the championship with Dean Lester (Lester Properties
Golf I) only two points behind him. Greg Gosman
(Marty’s Body & Spray Golf I) and Derek Minnie (Demac
Auto Golf II) have both shown promise this season
and one can never count out the experience of Peter
Thompson (Thompson’s Volkswagen Golf II). |
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Class P
Class P continues to be one of the most closely
contested of the four classes. Jakes Jacobs
(Brooklyn Panelbeaters Polo) was back to his winning
form at the second round, but Ryan Tholet (Prend
Properties Polo Hatch) has announced his intentions
with a brace of pole positions and podium results
and finds himself a mere two points behind the
defending champion. Peet Visagie (Time Mining Polo
Hatch) has also had a great start to the year and
currently lies in third place in the class ahead of
Clayton Le Roux (Martin Le Roux Motors / Paintcor
Polo). Barry Groenewald (Custom Technologies Polo)
and Wouter Roos (Performance Laboratories Polo) have
also put in a few good results and could always
surprise a few of their more fancied rivals. |
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Class C
Class C continues to grow and will be watched with
much interest. Although this is considered the
breeding ground for future motorsport stars, a mix
of youth and experience fills the ranks. To add to
the flavour, a number of female competitors find
themselves going head to head with their male
counterparts. Defending champion Elna Croeser (Giulio
Sabbatini Auto Stylists Golf I) is a solitary point
ahead of Deon van der Watt (Infraset / Truss Pty Ltd
Golf I). Newcomers Charl Smalberger (Golf 1) and
Elvene Coetzee (Accolade / Venditor / MFC Golf I)
find themselves in third and fourth place
respectively. Giles Darroch (Golf I) could upset
this situation if he can get rid of the bad luck
that has plagued him since last year. The return of
Jannie van Rooyen Snr (Goldwagen Roodepoort Golf I)
could also see the usual front runners with a huge
battle on their hands. The addition of Shaun Dodd (Kopanong
Hotel / Millennium Meat Golf II) and Andrew Stevens
(Golf I) is great news for the class as the rumoured
ten entries at the beginning of the year looks like
becoming more of a reality.
Overall
Lee Thompson is now ten points ahead of Rothman in
the Overall Goldwagen Challenge Championship with
Jacobs and Tholet fighting it out for third
position. Masters and Economides are only a few
points behind in fifth and sixth respectively.
Much appreciation needs to be given to our loyal
sponsors - Goldwagen, Wynns, SS Telecoms, Sabertek,
Norbrake, Eduardo Construction, Time Mining, Rapid
Motion, Speed & Sound Magazine and of course the
entire team who have made the Pro Tour the success
that it turned out to be over the last couple of
years.
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Report by Greg Reilly:
greg@vwchallenge.co.za
Pictures courtesy of: Sean Sheppard and Sena
Website:
www.vwchallenge.co.za |
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