Magazine Archive

ProTour in association with The Citizen
National Regional & Club Championship Racing
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit Midrand
3rd November 2007

Formula Vee
Hollard Shelby Can Am
Investchem Formula Ford
Altech Porsche Challenge
Goldwagen VW Challenge
Altech Kawasaki Masters ZX10 Cup
Lotus Challenge

Welcome to Round 8 of the Pro Tour at Kyalami

Pro Tour extends a warm welcome to all race fans, officials, competitors and sponsors for this, the last race of our inaugrual year of the Pro Tour Circuit Racing Series.

Having grown in stature with each event that has taken place over the past year, the Pro Tour again has jam packed grids for today’s races. With every championship except Formula Ford still to be decided, The Citizen Pro Tour Race Day is set to provide unprecedented action as National, Regional and Club championships go down to the wire today.

The 2007 season has yielded many highlights, with exceptional racing, co-operation and unprecedented dedication to “making things work”, from both officials and competitors alike. Pro Tour, was founded upon the cornerstones of recognizing people, equality, co-operation, good sportsmanship, even handedness, fair compromise and solution finding, which has created a relaxed but competitive atmosphere of fun and excitement. Much of this excitement can be viewed on our comprehensive and hugely popular website www.pro-tour.co.za As a result of the great success of Pro Tour in 2007, a decision has been taken to expand the reach of the tour to include events hosted in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth thus totaling 10 rounds in the 2008 Pro Tour.

The Pro Tour management and officials wish all of our drivers and riders a successful and competitive race day. Our sincere thanks are extended to the category sponsors of Hollard Shelby Can Am, Invest Chem Formula Ford, Altech Porsche Challenge, Goldwagen VW Challenge, Altech Kawasaki ZX10 Masters Cup, Formula Vee’s own Geyser Attorneys, Rigidek, Lasersprint, Office Direct, BJ Pro Welding and Cars.co.za for their tremendous support of the categories through 2007 and The Citizen for sponsoring today’s event.

On behalf of the Pro Tour management team and category representatives, we wish everybody well over the upcoming festive season and look forward to seeing you, our competitors, sponsors, officials and spectators back here at Kyalami early in 2008 for the opening round of next years competition.

With Best Wishes to Everybody ~ Neil Lobb, Lindsay Steyn, Allen Meyer, Ken Rolfe, Francois Pretorius, Louis van Bergen, Jannie Geyser, Kevin Jenkins, Jason Finney, Waldie Meintjes, Sena Liguori, Andrew Eva, Jimi Smith and Steve Miller.

Racecraft... Woodcraft
The Art of being able to produce the finest quality office furniture. The art of being totally at one with the needs and requirements of your customers. Being in touch with the latest developments, how it began, where it is now, and what is likely to happen in the years ahead....
DK Woodcraft Where art and science are in harmony.

visit our website: www.dk-sa.co.za
Cnr Spokeshave Street & Spyker Cresent
Stormill Ext.2, Roodepoort
Tel: 011 474 0338/9

Up to Speed

This year, for the first time since 2001, two national circuit racing championships toured South Africa. The Pro Tour series joined the calendar with the Hollard Shelby Can-Am series as one of the headline categories.

The 2007 Pro Tour was spread over eight rounds with the majority of the races taking place at the Highveld circuits and the remaining event running at the historic East London Grand Prix circuit.
Powered by 3.5 litre Nissan engines and running on massive Goodyear slicks the Shelby Can Ams are the country’s fastest single seaters. Prior to the season opener in February the country’s largest private insurance company, Hollard Insurance, came on board as the naming rights sponsor for the popular Shelby Can Am series. Similarly Goodyear reaffirmed its commitment to the series while Spanjaard Ltd, Execuline, Goodyear, British International and Carrera have also supported the series during 2007.

They will not have been disappointed with their decision thanks to an action packed season of Shelby racing. The Pro Tour debuted at Wesbank Raceway in February with the Hollard Shelby Can Am races taking centre stage. Donavan Roscoe (Stanley Tools) was the quickest man out the blocks but luck was not on his side and former champ Neil Lobb (DK Woodcraft) won both races.
One week later the Shelby brigade headed to Durban to participate in the A1 GP festivities. The Shelby race ran as a support race through the streets of Durban prior to the running of the A1 GP race. Though it was a non-championship event, competitors pulled out all the stops, entertaining the large crowds.

The championship was back underway at Kyalami with reigning champion Ruan Pretorius and the ever determined Darryn Lobb (DK Woodcraft) battling it out for top honors. The pair shared in the day’s victories but it was sadly the last race in which the 2006 champ, Pretorius, would compete.
For round three of the championship the series headed to East London. The famous track provided plenty of action but it was Darryn Lobb who impressed by cementing his championship intentions. He continued the trend at Zwartkops where he dominated ahead of father Neil and rival Roscoe.

The halfway point in the season marked a dramatic twist in the championship. Darryn looked set to secure another clean sweep of wins only to be taken out of contention in the race by his father and teammate. Rui Campos (HUGO Boss) capitalised on the situation and took his first victory of the season.

Darryn retaliated by taking overall victory at Kyalami and Zwartkops and moved within striking distance of his first ever national championship title. With just one round remaining Darryn’s nearest threat comes from Roscoe while former champ Neil Lobb is also mathematically capable of causing an upset.

While the championship fight has come down to a three-way battle there has been plenty of action right through the ranks this season with a number a new contenders standing out. The ever consistent Brian Algar (Firedart) currently lies in sixth place in the overall standings, in his first full season of Shelby racing.

Chris Hart (Hi-Q Plettenburg Bay) achieved a career best third place at round six of the championship and followed suit with another podium placing at the penultimate race of the season.

Jennifer Murray (Bravo Holdings) joined the series midway through the year and is proving to be more than a match for many of her male counterparts, while Neil Lobb clearly leads the pack in the Masters Championship with his only opposition coming from Colin Frost (Strocam) and Harry Roscoe (Protea Playing Cards).

The advent of the joint Hollard Shelby Can Am / Altech Porsche Unlimited races has also proved to be a revelation. The large field comprising of Porsches, Ferraris and Shelby Can-Am’s certainly got the attention of the crowds and has become a regular fixture at circuits like Kyalami and Phakisa.

For more information on the Hollard Shelby Can Am series visit www.shelbycanam.co.za

Darryn Lobb (DK Woodcraft) looks the favourite to clinch the 2007 Hollard Shelby Can-Am title at Kyalami Grand Prix circuit on Saturday 3 November. Lobb currently heads the championship by 21 points and has proven to be a force to be the pace setter in the Shelby field.

Aiming to upset his championship aspirations will be Donavan Roscoe (Stanley Tools) and Neil Lobb (DK Woodcraft). Should Darryn take the first heat victory then the title will be in the bag, however if Roscoe secures two second place finishes or if Neil takes a full house on the day then Darryn will need to aim for a third place finish to secure the crown.

Teammates Rui Campos (Hugo Boss) and Alan Eve (Hugo Boss) look set to walk away with fourth and fifth place in the championship battle and will be aiming to end the season on a high note at Kyalami. They could face strong opposition from Chris Hart (Hi-Q Plettenburg Bay) who has had two strong outings in a row.

The likes of Sean Greve (Vulcania Reinforcing Company), Craig Shorter (Hollard Insurance) and Brian Algar (Firedart Engineering Underwriters) will battle for points scoring positions with Karl Zachau (Driveline/ Salt), Colin Frost (Strocam) and Dave Beattie (BACE Structural Engineers). Two new faces will appear on the grid for the final race of the season. Darren Nathan (Online Direct) takes over driving duties from Peter Bailey, who is unable to compete due to work commitments. Nathan has one Shelby race under his belt to date and will be looking to further his experience in the series.

Gary Hulme will also join the fray, substituting for JP Bredenhann who broke his ankle in a motor bike accident. If all goes well its likely we could see Hulme returning next season to compete for the Panel Rite team.

Rounding out the field will be Rob Wall (Vered Estates), Trevor Frost (Strocam Mining), Harry Roscoe (Protea Playing Cards) and Richard Wood (Almar Packaging).

With all eyes on the title battle tensions will be at an all time high at Kyalami and there is sure to be plenty of action, after all in motorsport anything can happen and it’s not over until the final flag drops.

1 Darryn Lobb DK Woodcraft 248
2 Donavan Roscoe Stanley Tools 227
3 Neil Lobb DK Woodcraft 216
4 Rui Campos Hugo Boss 190
5 Alan Eve Hugo Boss 138
6 Brian Algar Firedart 117

The Shelby Can Am Racing Association and drivers would like to thank our sponsors for their valued contribution to the success of the Hollard Shelby Can Am Series during the 2007 season....

Revolution Racing Team drivers Neil Lobb, Darryn Lobb and Sean Greve would like to express their thanks to:
Pi Racing
National SIgns
Suburban Panelbeaters
Goodyear

A big thank you to Hollard as our main sponsor, Execuline, Spanjaard, Carrera Sunglasses, British International Removals and Goodyear.

Hugo Boss
Trojan Panelbeaters
Tirepoint
Execuline

Thank you to all spectators, organisers and fellow competitors

Neil and Darryn Lobb express their absolute appreciation for the support, both financial and moral, that they have received over the years from the partners, staff and customers of D.K. Woodcraft. The success they have achieved and the enjoyment derived from participating in the Hollard Shelby Can-Am Series is directly related to the input from this faithful motorsport sponsor.

The hope, today, is that one of these two drivers will be successful in clinching the South African Sports Car title and in so doing justify the continued support and faith placed in their abilities, as well as those of their team, by D.K.Woodcraft. Darryn currently leads the title chase closely pursued by Donovan Roscoe and in third position, after leading the championship for most of the year is Neil. Any one of these three contenders could still take the title but with two D.K.Woodcraft cars competing against the lone Stanley car of Roscoe the odds are certainly in Darryn’s favour.

Racing wouldn't be what it is if everything went according to script, as was seen in the Brazilian Grand Prix , and with Darryn having to compete on “old” tyres while those behind him in the championship are all on new tyres the pressure will certainly be on.
“I will be out there to score only enough points to win this championship for myself and D.K.Woodcraft, and leave the fight for victory in the race to my Dad, Donovan, Rui and the rest of the pack. Unfortunately being in the pack is where things can go wrong so I will have to keep my self out of trouble as well as finish in 5th position or better. In the second heat we combine the Hollard Shelbys with the Altech Porsches and the racing gets even more frantic. I pray that the gaps and opportunities come my way and can’t think of a better way of saying thanks to D.K.Woodcraft than by winning this championship” says Darryn Lobb.

“This is the final event in my career of national championship racing and there is certainly no better way of saying farewell than by winning both of the days races! D.K Woodcraft has been my faithful supporter over the past 6 years in Shelby Can-Am racing, apart from a 1 year sojourn with Caltex Havoline, and I want to thank all of my management team as well as the staff involved over this period for allowing me the luxury of enjoying one of my passions which has led to 2 x S.A. titles and numerous wins plus lap records etc. Hopefully that S.A. title will again find its home with a D.K.Woodcraft car.” commented Neil Lobb recently.

Altech, a member of the Altron group, is a leading South African multi-billion rand high-technology group involved in the design, development, convergence, manufacture, installation and distribution of telecommunications equipment, multimedia systems, IT solutions, electronic components, cellular telephony and industrial electronic products. With a generous contribution to the Porsche Club of South Africa, Altech has afforded itself naming rights to two championships in the national Pro Tour Series, namely the Altech Porsche Unlimited and Altech Porsche 924 Challenge Championships.
 
The Altech Porsche Unlimited class allows sports & GT type cars to partake in the series. The series runs with time based classes which allow Porsches of different eras to compete against each other fairly and competitively. Currently the grid is divided into classes ranging from A to F, and is based wholly on each car’s respective lap times.

Under this formula, it is possible for competitors within each individual class to compete side by side for rank, while at the same time score points in the overall championship tables. This system also allows for a highly skilled driver in a relatively slow car to race a novice driver in a much more powerful machine. The result is constant action on circuit, where it’s not uncommon to see three cars fighting for the same piece of tarmac.

The beauty of this racing structure is being reflected in this year’s championship, where the overall points tables are being topped by drivers with cars of much lower calibre than the hugely powerful machinery seeing the chequered flag first.
The series also allows for exotic cars that don’t necessarily fall under the Porsche nameplate to race amongst them. This year has seen the likes of Ferrari, Lotus and BMW competing with the Porsche brigade, but Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and many others are also welcome.

Undoubtedly 2007 has been a bumper year for the formula and fight for the class honours which was toughly contested. Toby Venter has more often than not spearheaded the Class A way with his guttural sounding Porsche 911 GT2 but sits second in Class A behind Thomas Reib's Porsche 935 K3. Stiff Class A opposition has also come in the form of Vernon Bricknell in a Porsche 993 GT2R and Franz Pretorius' historic Group C Porsche 956.

Andrea Taurino heads up Class B with his well prepared Ferrari 360 Challenge and the C and D honours are currently topped by Izak Coetzee (Porsche 993 Supercup) and Rolf Schlub (Porsche 964 RS) respectively. Dave Fourie (Porsche 911 RSR) heads up Class E and Class F has Kevin Greig's Porsche 911 SCR ranked first.
With every class also scoring points towards the overall championship, finishing each event is key. Dave Fourie has proved the man of the moment and scooped enough points in his Class D 911 RSR to head up the overall title chase.
 
The single make Altech Porsche 924 Challenge series is run under a handicapping formula to give each competitor an equal chance of victory. After all practice and qualifying sessions are completed, drivers are asked to nominate an ideal lap time for themselves and their respective machinery. The races then get underway with drivers who have nominated the slowest lap times starting first and at progressive intervals with the fastest cars starting at the back. Under this theory, if all competitors consistently nail their nominated times for every lap, the entire field should cross the finish line at exactly the same time. Typically, a handicapped race will see action heating up towards the end of each heat, and the Altech Porsche 924 Challenge is no exception.

Although having to cut through from the tail end of the grid in all the 2007 Altech Porsche 924 Challenge events Piet Nortje has proved his consistency with some leading performances. His reward is a reasonably safe lead in the points table. Andrew Culbert and Marius Wait have also been regular point scorers and sit closely together in third and fourth respectively. Avoiding disqualification, which is enforced when a competitor goes faster than his nominated time, is crucial in this racing formula.

For more information on the spectacular Altech Porsche Challenge, for up to date championship points or news from the Porsche Club visit www.porscheclubofsouthafrica.co.za

Altech Porsche Unlimited Championships Down to the Wire at Kyalami


The eighth and final round of the 2007 Altech Porsche Unlimited Championship is about to get underway at Kyalami on November 3. With a points situation reminiscent of this year's F1 Championship, the Class A tallies see a surprise leader going into the last round, and a possible table turning in the overall outcome.

Porsche racing veteran Thomas Reib has beaten the odds to contest the final race at Kyalami with a nine point lead in the premier class over second place Toby Venter. Reib's giant killing performance this year has proved that consistency is key, and with a much less powerful car could pull off an upset in the points tables.

Although out of contention in this year's championship, both Vernon Bricknell and Franz Pretorius will be in attendance to steal the last glory with possible wins. Bricknell's season got off to a bang with a fistful of wins, but recent races have seen early retirements when his 993 GT2R has suffered mechanical difficulties. Vernon will hope to appease the car's demons and put in a pair of final performances at the last event.

Franz Pretorius and his indecently quick Altech Porsche 956 come into the final race fresh off of a win at the previous round held at Zwartkops. It will be interesting to see if he can pull off a repeat performance at Kyalami now that he seems to have finally sorted out his ex-LeMans racer's setup.

In the overall Altech Porsche Unlimited points tables, another upset could take place, as Class D's Dave Fourie and Class F's Kevin Greig are positioned at a mere five points of each other. One slip up from Fourie, and Greig is within striking distance for the overall championship honours.

The series organisers have again invited another non-Porsche entry to compete alongside the Porsches. Guest driver Uli Sanne will be racing his BMW 3.0-litre CSL Batmobile and, although his respective class has not yet been verified, will undoubtedly put on a screaming straight six spectacle. And for those Italian fans, Andrea Taurino and Sam Hammond will once again raise the Tifosi flag high with their pair of Ferrari 360 Challenge cars.

Many Thanks to my sponsors for their support and committment during the 2007 racing season
"Behind every champion there is always a support team that deserves rightful credit"

AP Advanced Polymers
PlastiChem
Chemipos
Techno-Plastics

Formula Ford has gone from strength to strength this year and although Jayde Kruger clinched the title at the last round two exciting races at Kyalami (3 November) are predicted.

Leslie Reynolds in the Hydromobile/Investchem Mygale currently lies a comfortable second with Capetonian Craig Allen ( Van Diemen) 22 points adrift.

Although she only recently celebrated her 17th birthday, Midrand schoolgirl Tasmin Pepper (Ford Credit Mygale) is hungry for a good points haul. She has come on strong recently and has her eyes firmly set on third place.

Bloemfontein’s Pieter Norval (Wheels-R-Us Mygale) and Nicholas van Weely (Hyper Construction Van Diemen) are also eyeing third place. Both drivers have shown speed and have had good results during the year and there are only 8 points between Allan and Von Weely who are third and sixth in the points log.

Other drivers in the hunt for points are Mathew Merton (Matsam Mygale,) Gerard Peters (Petro-Oil Zim Van Diemen), Brandon Auby (The Glen Mica Mygale) and a new driver to watch out for is Formula GTI front runner Francois van der Merwe who will be in the Volare backed Mygale. Kyalami marks his third Formula Ford outing and he’s shown good pace so far and will be in the front bunch.

A surprise name in the entry list is that of Iain Pepper (father of Tasmin) who will be behind the wheel of a BMR prepared Van Diemen. He’s one of the country’s most experienced racers having started out in Formula Vee two decades ago and was a front-runner in the heydays of Formula Gti. He also has Formula 3000 experience behind his name and currently leads class T of the Bridgestone Production Car championship.

The Zetec Challenge class for older cars with a heavier weight limit and running on harder compound treaded tyres has also produced good racing this season. Allen Meyer (Les Donnees Mygale) leads this ‘championship within a championship’ from Werner Scholtz (Scholtz Civils Van Diemen).

Andreas Petrou (Investchem Mygale) holds third, but suffered a broken hand in an accident at the last round and is a doubtful starter at Kyalami.

Next year will see the introduction of the new Formula Ford Extreme class, which features a 2 litre motor, sequential gearbox and wings.

Investchem

FORMULA FORD

Formula Ford in South Africa is as strong as ever, and growing. Formula Ford prepares young drivers for the ultra-competitive world of international racing, where the difference between winning and being out of the points is measured in hundredths of a second. The only difference is that what Formula One does in practice, Formula Ford does under full racing conditions. Like the much talked about Kyalami race earlier this year when championship contenders Jayde Kruger and Leslie Reynolds were side by side in a tremendous battle throughout the race.

These diminutive but technically advanced racing cars teach young guns the art of testing their skills, courage and intricacies of setting up yourself and car to gain that vital 100th of a second.

It is here that you learn the race craft that has been seen in aces like Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher and even our own world champion Jody Scheckter. You have simply got to maintain the disciplines of the greats if you want to have any hope of winning and setting your sights on Formula One. This has been seen in the top drivers around the world, where the skills are learnt in this multi-chassis formula. To win in Formula Ford is no easy matter. The wingless, no traction control, narrow-tyred cars are extremely difficult to drive on the limit.

It has been said that if you win in Formula Ford you can drive anything.

The message is clear. If you want to be a winner in motor racing you must first prove yourself in Formula Ford.

Formula Ford in South African is currently divided into two classes, the Ultra 1800 Zetec powered class and the older Classic 1600 class for cars powered by Ford’s legendary Kent engine.

In keeping with the global swing to ‘wings and slick’ formulae, Formula Ford will introduce the Formula Ford Extreme 2000 class next year.

Fitted with 2-litre Duratec motors driving through 6-speed sequential gearboxes, these cars are expected to be the fastest cars on South African race circuits. “They are designed and built in South Africa specifically for the South African market and South African conditions,” says Formula Ford Association chairman Allen Meyer.

“Formula Ford is growing and we now have grids of over 20 cars, but what is the next step for these talented young drivers?

“This is where Formula Ford Extreme 2000 comes in,” explained Meyer

Formula Ford …
“Where Legends are Born”

BUT WHAT DOES ALL THIS COST?

Running a Formula Ford is a lot cheaper than running a car in most other categories and none of them prepare a driver for future escapades like Formula Ford does.

The engines are centrally prepared to ensure equality and owned by the Formula Ford Association. Tyres are imported and allocated by the Association which further helps keep costs down.

For further information please call the Association Office: Kelly Gregory
Tel: (011) 970-1115
Email: kelly@formulaford.co.za

Nineteen-year old Jayde Kruger is the 2007 Investchem Formula Ford champion.

In what can only be described as an almost perfect season, the Edenvale driver wrapped up the title at the penultimate round of the series having taken the Wap/Alto backed Mygale to six race wins. Last year he was runner-up after a mechanical problem on the last lap of the last race robbed him of the championship.

“Sure it was a disappointing end to the season last year, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Winning this year makes up for it and I’d like to thank Brian Kruger and the Racing Factors Team for the great car throughout the year.

“Motorsport is so professional now, the days of a driver preparing a car himself and winning are long gone and a driver has to have a good team behind him,” said Kruger in an interview after taking the title last month

Special thanks go to our loyal sponsors:

Ford Racing
Fuchs Lubricants
GT Engineering
Investchem
Lazer Craft
Wap Alto

Drivers Thanks

Originally based entirely on Volkswagen Beetle components, Formula Vee racing still exists in various forms, all over the world. It all began when Hurbert Brundage conceived the idea of a single seater racing car, powered by a Volkswagen Beetle engine and using a number of other Volkswagen components. The first prototype was built for Hurbert Brundage, by Enrico Nardi and has been lovingly restored by Paul Schiemer, for Herbert's son Jan Brundage. Started forty four years ago, in the United States of America, the category is still active in that country, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Great Britain. With Australia South Africa, Germany and Great Britain, all hosting Fortieth Anniversary events, during the past couple of years. In South Africa, a modern Formula Vee still retains the Volkswagen Beetle double beam front suspension, as well as the Beetle gearbox and drive shafts. The Beetle engine has however been replaced, with a 1400cc Citi Golf motor, running a performance camshaft and twin Weber carburetors. The original Beetle drum brakes have been replaced by Citi Golf disc brakes, mounted on a BMW hub and the Beetle steering box has been replaced by rack and pinion steering mechanisms, from various sources. Shock absorbers are mounted inboard and operated by push or pull rods and the original shock towers, on the Beetle front suspension, are allowed to be removed

Completing its forty second year, in South Africa, Formula Vee runs as a National Championship category, within the Pro Tour series and still attracts good support, with plenty of good close battles raging all the way down the field. Over the years, many drivers have competed in the category, including names like John Love, Dave Charlton, Peter De Klerk, Tony Jefferies, Dave Clapham, Desiree Wilson, Toby Scheckter, Tomas Scheckter, Ettiene Van Der Linde, Basil Mann, Iain Pepper and Wesley Orr. Formula Vee has also produced the first female circuit racing National Champion, in Judy Witter and then the youngest, at that point in time, in Ettiene Van Der Linde. Only one driver has ever succeeded in winning three National Formula Vee Championships in South Africa, with Gawie Gouws achieving that, in three separate decades. Another chapter, in the long and illustrious history of the category in South Africa, should be written at this final Championship race of the year, at Kyalami, with Alan Holm likely to become only the second person in the forty two year history of the category, to win three National Championship titles and the first, to achieve that back to back! Having won the Championship for the first time, in 2005, he repeated the feat in 2006 and although there is still a remote mathematical chance, that he can still be beaten, only a major disaster will prevent him from securing his third consecutive title, at Kyalami today.

Catering for a broad spectrum, Formula Vee has over the years been all things to all people. Some have used it as a stepping stone, to the next levels of motor racing locally and some have even progressed into International competition as well, while some have made it their home and continue to compete in the category and enjoy their chosen sport, over many years. People from all walks of life, including owners of smallish companies, salaried employees, apprentices and students, have all competed in the category and the age group ranges from fifteen to over fifty. Husbands and wives have raced together, brothers have raced together, Basil Mann’s sister Glenda, followed him into the category, sons of ex Formula Vee drivers, have followed their fathers into the category, Johan Gouws being the latest and fathers and sons have even raced together, with Ben and Denver Pienaar and Jannie Geyser and Jannie Geyser Jnr, currently falling into that category.

In recent years, with support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Formula Vee has also played a vital roll in the Motorsport South Africa Development Program. Formula Vee exposes the true potential and ability, of these drivers, as they are competing against seasoned veterans of South African Formula Vee racing, including Champions and ex Champions and the Class of 2007, have been outstanding. Progressing from the Motorsport South Africa Karting Development Program, to the Motorsport South Africa Formula Vee Development Program, at the beginning of the year, sixteen year old Courtney Steenveld has progressed, with every race he has driven and is currently in seventh place, on the Formula Vee National Championship log. Just behind him, in eighth place on the National Championship log, is Durban’s Zaahir Essa who has had no previous racing experience, prior to joining the category at the beginning of the year, supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, as the second driver in the 2007 Motorsport South Africa Development Program. Recently, Azeem Boomberg has made his Formula Vee debut and has already displayed his potential, in the couple of races that he has competed in so far.

In 2008, the Pro Tour continues with a full program of ten races, across the country. Formula Vee will once again be incorporated into this exciting series and hopefully the category and the series will continue to grow from strength to strength.
www.formulaveesa.org.sa

2007 Championship to be Confirmed at Kyalami

Formula Vee returns to Kyalami, for the final Pro Tour National Championship event of the year, at The Citizen Kyalami Race Day, on the 3rd November. Although there is a small mathematical chance that he can still lose the title, the expectation is that Alan Holm (No1 Lasersprint Rhema 2) will become the first person in the forty two year history of the category, to win three South African National Formula Vee Championships, back to back. Having secured the title for the first time in 2005, his tenth year in the category, he went on repeat the performance in 2006 and has now all but written his name on the 2007 title as well. Only a major disaster, on the day, will prevent that but the MSA Northern Regions title is another story. After the recent Midvaal event, Dennis Johns (No8 Geyser Attorneys Rhema 2) has closed the gap to six points and with a maximum of thirty one Northern Regions Championship points on offer, at Kyalami, there is a chance that Holm could miss out on the double and take the National Championship title but lose the Northern Regions title to Johns.

They are not the only drivers, capable of wining the Formula Vee race at Kyalami. Peter Hills (No2 Vacuform Rhema 2), took a double win at the previous Pro Tour National Championship event, at Zwartkops, while the 2004 National Champion Symm Grobler (No5 Auto Mecca Rhema 2) has yet to record a win this year but is well capable of doing so. The head of the field is however, no longer the sole preserve of these four National Championship winners. Jaco Schriks (No3 Lasersprint Rhema 2) has won before but is also still looking for his first win in 2007. Development driver Courtney Steenveld (No23 NLDTF Indy Oil Rhema 1) and Trevor Bland (No6 Office Direct Rhema 2) have recently been making their presence felt, in the midst of this elite group, while the likes of Zaahir Essa (No71 NLDTF Rhema 1), Azeem Boomberg (No28 Rhema 1) and Johan Gouws (No27 Computer Assemblies Mantis) have been knocking on the door and looking for a part of the action as well, in recent races.

Apart from the battles raging at the head of the field, there should be plenty more, all the way down the field. Drivers worth watching out for include, Jannie Geyser (No7 Geyser Attorneys Vision), Gareth Jackson (No10 Lasersprint Rhema 2), Bradley Martin (No14 Rhema 2), Doug MacDonald (No18 Fantastic Racing Rhema 1), Bobby Nel (No20 USN Ayanda Solutions Lantis), Nico Blignaut (No26 Gilus IT SAP Rhema 1), Andre Van Tonder (No32 Tasman), Gert Van Den Berg (No40 Rhema 1), Denver Pienaar (No50 Lasersprint Vision), James Leach (No52 Auto Fair Rhema 1), John Lerm (No55 Racing for Wildlife Sting), Jannie Geyser Jnr (No60 Geyser Attorneys Rhema 2) and Ben Pienaar (No101 BJ Pro Welding Rhema 1). Back, after a couple of years absence, will be Tony Beecher (No45 Lazer), while a fifth Vee Champion in the form of Anthony Taylor (Rigidek Rhema 2) could be in the field as well, depending on business pressures.

Other races, making it a day not to be missed, are for Hollard Shelby Can Am Sports Cars, Invest Chem Formula Ford Zetech, Altech Porsche Challenge Unlimited, Altech Porsche 924 Challenge, Altech Kawasaki ZX10 Masters Cup, Goldwagen Volkswagen Challenge and Lotus Challenge. Once again the Hollard Shelby Can Am Sports Cars and the Altech Porsche Challenge Unlimited, will combine for the second heat, pitting the Nissan V6 3.5 Litre Sports Racing Cars against some potent Porsche GT2s, the awesome Frans Pretorius Porsche 956, a Porsche 935 replica and the awesome sounding Ferrari 360 Cup cars. With a field in the region of fifty cars, the Goldwagen Volkswagen Challenge races should provide more than their fair share of action, while
bike fans can sit back and enjoy the two Altech Kawasaki ZX10 Masters Cup races, usually headed by the legendry Greg Dreyer (No59 Altech Kawasaki ZX10).

Geyser Attorneys has been associated with motorsport in South Africa since 1994, and the Brakpan based Law firm isn’t looking to stop the association soon. Motorsport has been in the blood of owner Janie Geyser since he can remember and it typifies what the firm offers their clients: Good Honest, FAST service. If a client is in need of an attorney with fast reaction times, why should they look further than a racing driver?

Geyser Attorneys currently sponsor 3 drivers in the national formula Vee Championship.

No 8. Dennis Johns has been involved with Formula Vee since November 1995 and raced a Lazer (built by Dennis and his Dad Donald) from then to 2002. In that time the Welkom based team grew in stature every year earning Dennis his first win in 1997. Dennis finished 3rd in 1998, second in 1999 and was the first Formula Vee champion of the new Millennium. Dennis decided to put a new car together for the 2003 championship and build his current Rhema 2. That same year he finished a close second after only competing in half of the season. Dennis has been supported by his knowledgeable father Donald from the start and at time of writing Dennis is lying second in the National Formula Vee Championship and is still in with a shot at the championship.

Dennis has a very smooth driving style and has the ability to carry in lots of speed into the apex, managing to maintain that momentum. He is almost unbeatable at his home track at Welkom, relishing in the sweeping nature of the track and is just as fast at Kyalami.

Geyser Racing was formed in 1994 and the distinctive orange white and blue are driven by the two Jannies. The cars are immaculately prepared by the skilled hands of Balie van Vuuren, Mike van Rensburg and given colour through the Spray gun of Robert Holm.

Jannie Geyser has been a motorhead and avid motorsport enthusiast for the last five decades. Not only is he a very effective driver on the track he also displays great organizational talents being involved with various committees and boards within motorsport for the last eleven years
He started racing a Class B Formula M in 1995 and moved up to class A the following year with a beautiful car built by Graham Donker. At the end of 1997 Jannie acquired a Formula sports 2000 car for the 1998 season, and then joined the Formula Vee crowd in 1999, buying Lee Thomson’s old Vision. The car was developed extensively the next six years and Jannie finished seventh in the 2006 Formula Vee Championship.

Jannie is known as a hard racer as many young guns have found out. He has the ability to make his Vision 50% wider than any other car on the track. With that he also has tremendous car control and pushes himself and his car to the edge on every occasion.

Jannie Geyser Jnr started racing before any of his accomplished team mates in 1994 with a Class D Formula M. He raced formula M till 1997, and then raced in the Sports 2000 championship in 1998. After that he took 8 years to reflect on his short lived national career and realized the importance of braking and staying on the road! He started racing again in mid 2007 after his father injured himself, it seems as if he has taken over his father’s Rhema Formula Vee permanently.

Jannie Jnr enjoys a car with a bit of over steer and is effective on short and bumpy circuits.

At the moment the Geyser Racing cars are driven by Volkswagen motors, and the drivers are driven by Christ.

Title chase to go down to the wire
The 8th and final round of the inaugural Pro Tour Series will see the Goldwagen VW Challenge descend on the historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday 3 November.

This popular tin-top formula has consistently produced the biggest fields of all the participating formulas throughout the year. Once again a field of more than 50 entries can be expected between the 4 classes on the day.

The year has been filled with plenty of action so far. This season has also produced some of the tightest and most competitive racing in the 20 plus year history of the series. Thrills and spills have been the order of the day at every race so far this season and this has produced some of the best, if not the best racing in the entire Pro Tour Championship.

The year has also seen some of the biggest accidents ever witnessed in local racing – luckily all without injury. These incidents confirm the high standards of build quality that is put into the cars and the professionalism and pride that the competing drivers take in the preparation of their vehicles.

The class A title has been a year long battle between George Economides (Palian) and Ray Wilford (Fuchs Lubricants). Wilford dominated the early part of the season in his Mark 1 Golf but a change to a Polo Classic after the second race saw him struggling to get back on the pace with his new car. Consistency has seen Wilford remain a title contender. A vast amount of development work by Economides has paid dividends and has seen him at the sharp end of the field for the remainder of the season. Third place man in the championship, Jason Finney (Gallardo IT Enterprises) has returned to the front of the field after a bad start to the year. His return to form has seen him challenging for the lead and has even led to a race win or two in the process. Series stalwart Gavin Ross (Norbrake) and Jurgen Pillhofer (Eternity Manufacturing Jewellers) are in a battle for fourth in the championship but they could be upset by the likes of Edward Rodrigues or Wayne Masters (Jonnesway) who has been in great form as of late.

Class A Standings

1. George Economides – 159 points
2. Ray Wilford – 148 points
3. Jason Finney – 120 points
4. Gavin Ross – 65 points
5. Jurgen Pillhofer – 65 points
6. Wayne Masters – 61 points

The Class B battle has seen some of the closest racing so far this season. Multiple vehicle battles for the lead have been seen on more than one occasion throughout the year. Craig Marais (8 Valve Performance) currently leads the class standings and is almost sure to take the title in his first full season of racing! KZN resident Chad Bartrum (Corporate Office Concepts) is in a relatively safe second position provided that he finishes both heats in the top four at Kyalami. A three way tussle for third place in the class could see any number of drivers finish ahead of their rivals. Rob Preuss (Dent Doctor), Kieran Quarmby (Gallardo IT Enterprises) and Jacques Vermeulen (Crous Racing) are all in with a shot for third place in the class.

Class B Standings

1. Craig Marais – 172 points
2. Chad Bartrum – 107 points
3. Rob Preuss – 82 points
4. Kieran Quarmby – 75 points
5. Jacques Vermeulen – 70 points
6. Peter Thompson – 58 points

The still developing Class C field has looked a bit thin after some accident carnage and mechanical failure earlier in the season. Anything could happen in this class with the up and coming youngsters keen to show up their more experienced opponents. Mark Gregory (Creative Designs) only just leads the class C points table ahead of James Fuller (Benjon Truck & Trailers) with school boy Giles Darroch within striking distance of both of them. A bad result or a non finish for any of these competitors could see a completely different class winner after the final race.

Class C Standings

1. Mark Gregory – 46 points
2. James Fuller – 38 points
3. Jannie van Rooyen Snr. – 38 points
4. Giles Darroch – 37 points
5. Gregory Gosman – 32 points
6. Badresh Lalla – 20 points

The Class P battle for former Polo Cup cars will be closely watched by all. The latter part of the season has seen some real ding dong battles for the lead in this class. The last race at Kyalami saw class leader Waldie Meintjes (Albatross Motors) roll his car out of contention in qualifying with him not scoring any points for that round. Derick Smalberger (Sabertek) and Jakes Jacobs have been the proverbial thorns in Meintjes side over the last couple of races, with the pair proving themselves more than capable of taking a race win.

Clayton Le Roux (Martin Le Roux Motors) has also proved his worth and caught everyone napping last time out at the famous Midrand circuit by taking a win in both heats. Barry Groenewald (Oettinger) is always in with the leading pack and could spring a few surprises as well.

Class P Standings

1. Waldie Meintjes – 162 points
2. Derick Smalberger – 147 points
3. Jakes Jacobs – 113 points
4. Clayton Le Roux – 96 points
5. Barry Groenewald – 95 points
6. Andre Ten Napel – 47 points

One must also not forget that there will be more than just Class titles on the line. The prized and coveted title of being the Overall Goldwagen VW Challenge Championship winner is also up for grabs. Class B leader Marais currently leads the standings ahead of Meintjes with Economides in third. Wilford will need a good result to stay ahead of Smalberger with Finney in with a chance to better his position as well.

The success of this season could not have been made possible without Series sponsors like Goldwagen, Palian, SS Telecoms, Venditor Konica Minolta, Wynns and of course the entire team who have made the Pro Tour the success that it has turned out to be in its inaugural year.

Report by Greg Reilly
Photos by Steve Wicks & Kerry Hughs

A need for speed is definitely a criteria when you participate in the Goldwagen VW Challenge series!

Kieren Quarmby and Jason Finney are fortunate enough to possess this need coupled with great talent!

Jason Finney, who currently races in the class A of the Goldwagen VW Challenge series, started his racing career in Thunder Cars in July 2003. That year was completed with a fantastic 2nd place in class C. He was also awarded “Driver of the year” trophy. In 2005, Finney joined VW Challenge and finished up 6th in class A, his achievements topped with the “ Best prepared car of the year” award. His success continued in 2006 where he finished 6th in class A plus received two “driver of the day” awards.
2007, with the help of Gallardo IT Enterprises sponsorship, has seen him gain a victorious 3rd spot in Class A and 6th overall, again receiving two well deserved “driver of the day” awards. Jason, together with Gallardo, have had a very successful season but not without a few trials to test one’s patience.

Jason’s season got off to a rocky start this year with some teething problems on a new car. Fortunately by mid season the car problems were sorted out and Jason was back on track. Jason is now a continuous front runner and has managed to rack up several overall wins in the Class A. Some of his first place victories this season were at Wesbank Raceway on the 2nd of June, Lichtenburg on the 11th August and Zwartkops on the 29th September.
Keep your eye on this driver; he is destined for great things.

Kieren Quarmby, just 18 years of age, has been driving and racing for just over a year. Kieren, without any previous racing or karting experience has shown remarkable talent in this short period of time.
Recently Kieren clinched a double pole position at the East London round of the Pro Tour series and came away with a second for the day. He is currently in 3rd position in the Class B championship.

Kieren’s talent clearly has a fine-tuned edge. This edge is credited to the fact that he was given an awesome opportunity to participate overseas in the Formula Ford Race Training at Silverstone circuit. This intensive training which took place in May this year, lasted for a period of 5 days.
In a rainy and windswept Silverstone race circuit, Kieren competed against more than 20 other race drivers from countries that included England, Switzerland, Japan and Italy.
He qualified in pole position for race one and went on to take the win. In race two he once again in pole. Leading the race and coming into the last lap he got caught out overtaking a back marker which left him finishing in second. Race three was a closely contested event with Switzerland’s 2006 karting champion narrowly taking the win from Kieren. Kieren came home to SA with a first and two seconds.
Watch out for Kieren in Polo Nationals next year.

* Being a front runner in class A of the VW Challenge as well as class c of the National Production Cars was made possible with the support and endeavours of my sponsors, venditor konica minolta, bizhub and MFC - Ettiene Prinsloo

* As a serious contender in class B of the VW challenge and after an eventful first year in the National Production Car series, the experience I have gained this season has helped me mature as a driver and and athlete, I thank my sponsors for believing in me in my debut season and look forward to growing with them in the future - Ian Prinsloo

* Cutting edge technology and class leading performances is what you expect from my sponsors. My recent performances in the VW challenge and class T of the National Production Car series has reflected this, with many pole positions and class wins. I am proud of my association with them and look forward to being a custodian of their brand in the future - Heinz Bose

Altech Kawasaki ZX10 Masters Cup joins the rest of the Pro Tour brigade for round 8 of the championship at Kyalami on 3 November. While the riders are of the more mature standing you can bet your bottom dollar that they will throw caution to the wind. It’s guaranteed that action will be heated with at least three riders in with a chance of victory.

Altech Kawasaki rider Greg Dreyer took the season opening victory at Kyalami earlier this year, and then followed it up with a double win the second time the debutant series reached the Midrand circuit.

While the safe money is on the former National Superbike star, the risk takers stand a chance if they put their faith in the abilities of Adan du Plessis and Gavin Lightfoot. Both Lighfoot and du Plessis have proved supremely quick of late and show that on their day they can match Dreyer’s pace.

Gerald van Heerden and Johan van Wyk have also impressed and could be in the thick of things and don’t forget the class B Altech Kawasaki ZX10 Masters competitors. With the same technology on board, only age separates the Class B men from the Class A boys so the likes of Louis van Bergen, Armand Claasen and Piet Potgieter could take the flag at the front of the pack.

The championship is all but Dreyer’s, but that doesn’t mean the two-wheeled Altech Kawasaki Masters ZX10 Masters Cup entrants are going to give up. Taking a victory at Kyalami could help the 2008 confidence levels and kick-start the competitors next season. Expect some quick-paced elbow-to-elbow action.

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National Race Day 24 November 2007
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