The Shelby Can-Am championship is within Darryn Lobb’s grasp and two more wins will virtually secure him the title. But Zwartkops is a circuit known to produce close racing and upset results. A good qualifying is more important than at any other track.  

In what has been a dominant season, the DK Woodcraft backed former champion has won seven of the eight races that made up the first half of the season. The race he didn’t win was at Zwartkops. 

Defending champion Rui Campos (Hugo Boss) has been in the wars this year but had a good outing last time out at Phakisa to come away with two third places. Currently he’s second in the points race. Ten points behind is a fascinating battle for third place where Brian Algar (Thuthuka Welding) is tied on points with Edenvale’s rising star Thomas Reib (CoolstarBeverages) who is the only other driver to have won this year. 

JP Bredenhann (Bigfoot Express/Panel Rite) could upset the plans of the leaders. The former kart star from Durban is three points behind Algar and Reib and is overdue for a win. Although he was second in both races at Kyalami his results have been a bit inconsistent, but his pace is good. 

Alan Eve in the Phakisa entry is only five points behind Bredenhann while former Porsche 924 racer Sean Greve (Vulcania Reinforcing) is just outside the top six despite missing the previous Zwartkops round.   

Bertil Hofmann in the striking Brawn GP liveried GP Energy Drink backed car has had some solid results and holds eighth ahead of Durbsan’s impressive newcomer Andrew Strike (Strike 1 Racing) while Cape Town’s fiery and equally impressive newcomer Greg Walker (Bizfone) completes the top 10.  

Dave Beattie (DURA) is determined to make up ground after bruising outings at Kyalami and Phakisa. Colin Frost (Strocam) is a staunch sportscar supporter and is capable of mixing it in the top ten thanks to a wealth of experience while Durban’s Sun Moodley (Bigfoot Express) has surprised many with his performances in only his second season of racing. 

Craig Shorter (Execuline) has also had to miss a few events, but he could be a good bet for a top six finish. Hanno Pengilly (Azura Retreats) is another driver who missed a round due to business commitments  

Richard Wood and former off-road racer Harry Roscoe have been in the series it was the Opel powered Sports 2000 championship and they are as enthusiastic as ever. 

Featuring very strong space-frame chassis these sleek bodied sportscars are powered by Nissan’s reliable 3.5 litre V6 powerplant. Drive is taken care of via a unique four speed Weisman gearbox which was specially designed for these Carroll Shelby designed cars.