The popular A1 GP will return to Durban South Africa on 25 February to form round 8 of the 2006/2007 A1 GP championship. The event drew over 100 000 spectators in 2006 - and was named A1 GP's "best presented event" of the season - another full house is expected. 

The Hollard Shelby Can-Am series will form part of the support show for this year’s A1 event, and will feature a 22-car entry list. “We are thrilled to be able to be a part of the Durban A1 event,” explains Neil Lobb, chairman of the Shelby Can-Am Association. “It will be our first street race and with a 22-car field it is sure to be a thrilling affair.” 

In other exciting news, Goodyear has once again confirmed its commitment to the Shelby Can-Am series. “Goodyear ha been very good to us in the past,” explains Lobb. “They have supported the series since its inception and we are delighted that they continue to see the potential the series has to offer.” 

The Hollard Shelby Can-Am series is the fastest single seater series in the country. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine these dynamic racers are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 270km/h.  

The Shelby Can-Am series has over the years attracted a number of international competitors. And in the same vein a handful of European competitors will participate in the event, which takes place on 25 February.  

A1 TV presenter Gugu Zulu will add further excitement to the field as he joins the Shelby line-up for the A1 event. Driving for the Pablo Clark racing team, and with assistance by Goodyear, Zulu will be going all out to prove he is just at home on the racetrack as he is on our TV screens.  

The Hollard Shelby Can-Am competitors will take to the track for the first time on Friday 23 February for official practice. Saturday morning features qualifying as well as the first race of the weekend with the final heat taking place on Sunday.   

The tight and twisty Durban street circuit measures 3.283 kilometres in length. It will feature nine corners and five straights - the longest straight being 700 metres - and is situated just 800 metres from Durban's city centre and 300 metres from the city's famous North Beach coastline.  

“It is a very exciting time for the series,” continued Lobb. “We have a new naming rights sponsor on board for 2007 in the form of Hollard Insurance. Hollard has committed to the series for a three-year period.  

“In addition we will be unveiling a new body design during the course of the year. The new body shape requires a new exhaust system, which is being designed by experts to give more power and a better engine note. Early in the season all cars will also be fitted with lightweight racing clutches which will improve acceleration and speed. Currently being tested is a sequential gear-change mechanism, which will be fitted to all cars when testing is complete. 

“The Durban event is set to be the most spectacular Shelby Can-Am race to date. We have a very large field participating as well as a number of overseas entries. As such we intend to put on a spectacular show to entertain the large crowds and show the world just what South African single seater racing is all about.” 

Both of the Hollard Shelby Can-Am heats will be screened on SABC3 as part of the A1 television package. Tickets for the event are on sale at Computicket for individual days including Friday, Saturday and Sunday or as a weekend pass covering all three days.   

  

Should you require further information or high res images for publication please contact Nathalie Jeanmonod on 083 799 6802 or e-mail nathalie@spannerworx.co.za

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