Shelby preview Zwartkops
 - 9 March 2011
 
South Africa’s national championship sports car series, Shelby Can-Am received a welcome boost when Hollard was announced as the TV sponsor and Carrera will once again be the official sunglasses sponsor.

More exciting news came when it emerged that fuel sponsor Sunoco has offered the 2011 Shelby champion an all expenses paid trip to the USA for a race. Details have yet to be finalised, but it certainly makes winning the title worthwhile.

After an exciting start to the year last month, round two of the championship takes competitors to Pretoria’s Zwartkops, a circuit known to produce close racing and upset results. It is also a circuit where a good qualifying is more important than at any other track.

Former champion Rui Campos (Hugo Boss) got his campaign off to a consistent start as a good outing last time out at Phakisa netted two second places and the championship lead.

Currently second in the points race is reigning champion Darryn Lobb. but it is unlikely that he will be on the grid as he wasn’t planning on racing this season and only made a guest appearance at Phakisa.

That leaves Hanno Pengilly (Azura Retreats) as the danger man and Campos’ closest challenger. Despite travelling from the United Kingdom for each race, Pengilly won the second heat at Phakisa which, as he said, “made the trip even more worthwhile.”

Brian Algar (Etana) had his hopes dashed in a second race accident, but proved he’s got the pace to challenge for the title and as a previous winner at Zwartkops he starts as one of the favourites.

Alan Eve in the Metal Used Spares entry is one of South Africa’s most experienced competitors and another driver with the chequered flag in his sights.

Durban’s hard trying Andrew Strike (Strike 1 Racing) while Cape Town’s fiery and equally impressive newcomer Greg Walker (Indy Oil/ Sunoco Race Fuel).

Former kart star Justin Allison has opened eyes with some racy performances and will be determined to grab a good points haul in order to attract some funding.

Another youngster starting to make his mark in the series is Cape Town’s Ferdi van Niekerk in the Duo Plus ADSL Modems entry. A new face in the series is Nicholas Walker, son of Greg, who has support from Eco Constructions/Sunoco Race Fuel.

Another new name is former Ferrari racer Gerald Chapman who makes his Shelby Can-Am debut at Zwartkops.

Featuring very robust 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.