Only the brave
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The Mercedes Benz Grand Prix circuit in East London is the oldest track in South Africa (parts of it were used in the 1930’s), but more than that, it is also the fastest circuit on the Vodacom Power Tour calendar. Round four of the Vodacom Sports Prototype national championship will be interesting and bound to be full of action. What makes the racing so competitive is the fact that all the cars are identical even down to the Goodyear racing gumballs at each corner. Characterised by a long straight and two balls to the wall sweeps, it is a circuit where the brave are rewarded. The long straight also means the Nissan 3.5 litre V6 engines are given free rein as speeds build up towards the 260 km/h mark. The battle for championship positions is interesting. Currently DK Woodcraft driver Neil Lobb is at the top of the points table with an eight point advantage. Last year’s champion, Bernard Tilanus (Micro Imaging) is second, but 2001 champion, George Ferreira (PAK 2000) is only one point behind the wily veteran. All three have won races so far during the season and are eager to do the same in East London. Francois Gerber (Autohaus Paint & Panel) hasn’t won a race yet, but holds fourth, thanks to consistent finishes. Likewise, fifth placed Alan Eve, in the Odes Autobody car is eager to put his name on the winners list. The only driver to have won more than one race so far is young Melvill Priest who scored dominant back-to-back wins in the sinister black Revlon 24-seven car at the previous round at Port Elizabeth. Seventh is Neville Jordan (082 Vodacom) who has had a good run of consistent finishes. Last season Dave Beattie was challenging at the front, but the Steiner Hygiene backed driver has been left high and dry by Lady Luck this year and is determined to leave East London with a good points haul. Just behind the leading pack, Colin Frost (Strocam Projects), Clive Kennerley (DK Privacy), Richard Wood (Almar Packaging), Mark Attieh (Alcatel), Tervor Frost (Strocam Mining) and Daan Nortje more often than not put up a good show as they fight for the midfield points. Newcomers, Ben Havenga (Panel Rite/Barons), who looks as though he’s just stepped straight off the set of ‘Moby Dick’ and Gary Green (Brad Green Cars) are learning the ropes quickly. Green has been out testing while Havenga’s debut in PE was impressive and he’s out to show it wasn’t a flash in the pan. With a lot at stake as competitors start thinking about the ‘big picture’ the sound of 20 Nissan V6 engines pulling maximum rpm into Potters Pass is bound to excite even the casual enthusiast. Championship points
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