The Vodacom Sports Prototype championship is unique in that it is South Africa’s only national championship for sports cars and at the same time is a ‘one make championship’.

All cars are identical; from the potent Nissan 3.5 litre V6 motors to the sticky Goodyear racing tyres. “When you win you know your pit crew have done their homework and you have driven at your best,” commented championship leader Garth Waberski after the last race.

With its ultra fast corners and flowing nature, East London’s famous Mercedes Benz Grand Prix circuit is ideally suited to these sports cars and in the past there have been some memorable races at this picturesque venue.

Waberski, in the Dache Imports backed car has tons of racing experience, including two seasons in the British Formula 3 championship and has been bang on pace since the start of the season.  “The cars are not easy to drive on the limit, and we struggled with a few minor problems in the first few races as we battled to sort the car.”

Randburg dentist, Francois Gerber (Autohaus) lost a bit of ground to Waberski at Kyalami, but remains in contention for the title, although he can’t afford to finish any lower than second. At the moment Waberski is 20 points ahead, but seeing as though the same number of points is awarded for a win, the title race is still wide open.

Reigning champion Neil Lobb (DK Woodcraft) is third in the points log following a difficult last outing and needs a win and for his rivals to have a bad day if he is to stay in the title race.

Alan Eve (Powerseal Gaskets) is only three points behind Lobb and has scored well in every race so far, although he has yet to stand on the top podium step this year. He has won before, so don’t rule him out.

Ruan Pretorius (Nusol/John Abbot Motorsport) is the youngest driver in the series and has had a impressive debut season in the series. 

DK Office Furniture driver Alan Green missed a round due to illness and lies sixth. He has been one of the season’s surprises and has had some close battles with Pretorius during the year.

Colin Frost has had some hiccups, during the year, but the Strocam driver has kept smiling and lies seventh.

One driver to watch is Monte Carlo based Jonathan Finch (S21). He has only raced once in the series so far, but has a wealth of experience behind him and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him at the sharp end of the field.

Championship Points

1. Garth waberski       223

2. Francois Gerber      203

3. Neil Lobb                177

4. Alan Eve                 176

5. Ruan Pretorius        133