YOUNG GUNS MOVE TO THE FORE IN SHELBY CAN-AM CHAMPIONSHIP
- 23 June 2006
 

Winds of change are afoot in the country’s fastest single seater championship as the young guns move to the forefront. Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Midrand will play host to rounds 9 and 10 of the Shelby Can-Am Championship on the weekend of 1 July.

The 2006 championship is firmly in the sights of Ruan Pretorius (Castrol). With half the season already run Pretorius holds an 18-point lead over reigning Shelby Can-Am Champion Neil Lobb (Caltex Havoline).

 Lobb has been threatening to mount a challenge on Pretorius but a broken wrist threatens to halt his charge. Lobb injured his wrist in a practice session at Zwartkops Raceway and there is still some doubt as to whether or not the champ will make it to the start line.

Whether he does or not, the objective for Pretorius will be the same – to win and take home a maximum points tally. Hoping to challenge him will be Darryn Lobb in the DK Woodcraft Shelby. Darryn is currently third in the title fight and needs to bring home a maximum points haul if he wants to join in on the battle for championship honours. The Revolution Racing driver is looking forward to spearheading the attack on Pretorius: “We need to start pulling back some major points on Ruan, his consistency is worrying, but we intend to haul him in this weekend,” concluded Lobb.

Also capable of mixing it with the front-runners is Donovan Roscoe (Stanley Tools). Roscoe has over a decade of racing experience and has the skill and wherewithal to hassle the leading pack. Giving him a hard time will be Rui Campos in his Boltt sponsored Shelby though this time he takes to the field without wingman Alan Eve, who will sit out this round of the championship.

Chris Hart (Hi Q Plettenburg Bay), who celebrates his 21^st birthday at Kyalami, enjoyed his debut in the series at Kyalami earlier this year. The day’s events came to an end in the kitty litter on that occasion, however Hart showed clear indications of points scoring pace.

He will have to watch out for the likes of Franz Pretorius (Castrol), JP Bredenhann, (Panel Rite) Colin Frost (Strocam) and 250cc karting ace Karl Zachau (Driveline Technologies). 

Making a welcome return to the Shelby Can-Am series will be Italian entrant Marco Jacoboni (Pablo Clark Racing). Jacoboni made his local racing debut earlier this year at Kyalami and is looking forward to giving the local competitors a run for their money.

Wanting to fly the flag in favour of the rainbow nation will be Peter Bailey (Bailey Edwards), Harry Roscoe (Protea Playing Cards) and be Gary Green (Autozone). Representing the fairer sex will be lady racer Clare Vale (The Truckman) who will be going all out to keep Clive Kennerly (GP Windscreens), Trevor Frost (Strocam Mining) and Richard Wood (Almar Packaging) at bay.

Kyalami marks the halfway point in the Shelby Can-Am Championship and with the biggest entry list thus far in the season there is sure to be plenty of action throughout the field.

Shelby Can-Am Championship Log