VSP Preview – Kyalami 28 February 

More bang for buck
- 18 February 2004

After a three-month break, the Vodacom Sports Prototype season kicks off at Midrand’s famous AA Kyalami circuit.  

Essentially the cars are the same as raced last year and only ardent sports car fans will notice the new two-piece bodywork instead of last year’s one-piece unit. Thanks to airbox and inlet revisions on the bullet-proof Nissan QX 3.5 litre V6 motors, power output has been upped by 30-40 horses which could see the existing lap record shattered if conditions allow. Other aspects of the car remain the same. Fat Goodyear gumballs adorn each corner and keep the cars on the black stuff, if the driver behaves himself. 

The real interest though is in the driver line-up. 

Reigning champion Neil Lobb (DK Woodcraft) will face stiff opposition from regular rivals Francois Gerber (Autohaus), Alan Eve (Shell/Autoquip/SA Gasket) and Dave Beattie.  

Former Formula Ford champion Grant Orbell returns to the fray for a couple of races. Orbel drove for the crack Kremer team at Le Mans a few years ago and could upset the applecart. Another driver capable of mixing it with the best is Gugu Zulu who has raced just about everything including Wesbank V8 and Sascar, so it is safe to assume that he won’t be intimidated by the increased power in the back of a VSP. Driving the car raced by Bernard Tilanus he should be in with a chance of grabbing the glory. 

Another new face is that of Garth Waberski. He grew up in Formula GTI and spent a few seasons plying his trade in the British Formula Three series, a ‘school of hard knocks’ if ever there was one. He’s fast, the right age and has tons of experience. Only a fool would bet against him. 

Clive Kennerley (Standox) is a former VSP race winner and determined to get back to the sharp end of the grid. Terry Voller had a sporadic season last year, but returns with backing from Boltt Transport and Carrera Sunglasses. Donovan Roscoe didn’t do many races last year, but was runner-up in the 2002 championship and is certainly worth putting money on.  

Former 125 GP karter Mike Nel will make his debut in the ex James Kennerley car and further interest comes with the father and son team of Frans and Ruan Pretorius in the John Abbot Motorsport prepared cars. Both have extensive experience in hugely powerful Porsches. 

The regulars from last year, Richard Wood, Colin Frost, Richard Benningfield, Daan Nortje, Harry Roscoe, Gary Green, Trevor Frost, Ben Havenga, Steve Desilla and Alan Green will be anxious to see how the ‘newies’ slot into the pecking order.