VSP series heads South
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The Western Cape tranquillity will be shattered on Saturday (15 March) when round two of the Vodacom Sports Prototype series tackles the challenging Killarney circuit near Cape Town. As was the case last year, the VSP series forms part of the popular Vodacom Power Tour, and if round one of the series at AA Kyalami in February was anything to go by, then the enthusiastic Cape fans are in for a real treat. At AA Kyalami, reigning champion, Bernard Tetanus (Micro Imaging) narrowly won the single 15-lap race from Neil Lobb (DK Woodcraft) who snatched second from Francois Gerber in the mad sprint for the line. “I had a better exit speed from the last corner and kept my foot planted,” remarked Lobb afterwards. What makes South Africa’s only national championship sports racing car series so close is the fact that all the chassis are identical and are powered by equally matched 3.5-litre Nissan V6 engines developing around 220 kW. “This puts a lot of pressure on the engineers as car set-up counts such a lot when the rest of the car is the same as your opposition’s – even down to the control Goodyear tyres,” explained VSP Association chairman, Michael Fergusson. Former champion, George Ferreira (PAK 2000) will be determined to make up for a lowly fourth at Kyalami, but at least he scored points. Likewise, Melvill Priest will be out to prove a point. The Caltex Havoline backed charger started from pole position and led at Kyalami before mechanical gremlins forced his retirement. Dave Beattie (db Consultants) was another leader at Kyalami until an intermittent misfire and a bout over exuberance resulted in a spin. Alan Eve (Odes Autobody) was also in the hunt for a top placing, but he spun out of contention as the pack threaded its way around a backmarker. Of course, the form book could be upset if Clive Kennerley’s wife lets him race, but the fact that she gave birth to twins last week, might be a spanner in the works. Another good scrap was fought between the Frost brothers. Colin (Strocam) finally got sixth place from Trevor (Strocam Mining). Vodacom’s Neville Jordan was another who had a good race and will be out to repeat the performance at Killarney. Completing the field are the likes of Mark Attieh (SmartCall), Richard Benningfield and Daan Nortje, all capable of providing close racing. Gary, son of Basil (Perana) Green had a difficult car racing debut at Kyalami, but is looking forward to the challenge of Killarney – a circuit he knows a bit better. Another newcomer is Durbanite, Ben Havenga who will be making his big track debut. For sheer spectacle, there isn’t much to match the sight, and sound of these cars as they thunder away from the start towards the first corner. Ends Issued by MotorMotion on behalf of the VSP Association. For further information, call (012) 460 9999. |