Lobb almost there
|
|
Round eight of the Vodacom Shelby Can-Am saw championship
leader Neil Lobb put in another of his customary dominant performances in South Africa’s sports car championship. The Havoline backed former champion won both nine-lap races as his rivals squabbled over the minor placings. Donovan Roscoe’s form continued as he put the Stanley Tools version on pole position and then finished second in the opening race ahead of Darryn Lobb (DK Woodcraft/S21). Their task was made easier after Veron Pappas (Glen Grundy Bearing Man) slid into the barriers as the pack jostled for position through the first turn. “I think it was Campos,” was his answer when asked who tagged him. Rui Campos (Carrera/Boltt) started from sixth and was way down the order after the opening tour, eventually being classified 12th, two laps down. There was a superb drive from Ruan Pretorius in the Biogen entry. The Pretoria student was forced to start from the pitlane and survived a spin as he carved his way up the order to claim fourth ahead of Clive Kennerly (GP Windscreens). Wrapping up the top six was former 250 Superkart racer Karl Zachau (Driveline) while Franz Pretorius (John Abbott Motorsport) won a hectic three-car battle for seventh with Harry Roscoe (Protea Playing Cards) and Gary Green (Autozone). Dave Beattie’s return to the series didn’t last long. On lap two he spun at Clubhouse corner and was solidly T-boned by the unsighted Colin Frost (Strocam), leaving both cars to retire on the spot. While Lobb took another win, race two also had its fair share of drama. This time the opening lap casualties were Kennerley and Zachau, naturally each blamed the other for their demise. Pappas chased Lobb in the early stages, but gearbox problems meant Roscoe kept Lobb honest and he finished just over a second adrift, but well clear of young Pretorius who had his mirrors filled by Pappas and the younger Lobb. It was a good battle with each driver giving room only when absolutely necessary. Campos lost touch with the pack and finished a distant fifth, but well clear of Frost who deserves a medal for doing the impossible and getting his bent car ready for the race. “It wasn’t only me, everybody helped,” he explined. Once again Pretorius, Roscoe and Green had an almighty scrap as they completed the top ten. |