Motorsport | Saloon

Gary Formato - Ford © MotorPics

More close action at Zwartkops



Zwartkops has always been the stage for exciting action and dramatic performances from SA's premier motorsport category, the Bridgestone Production Cars. 

Much of the same is expected from this year's spectacle as the country's top drivers take to the circuit on Saturday 11 September.

Class A should be an interesting affair. Anthony Taylor and Afrox BMW 335i team mate Melvill Priest, make extensive use of the circuit for testing purposes and this should give the duo some advantage and keep them at the top of the points standings.

The tight and twisty nature of Zwartkops does however favour the four-wheel-drive cars and previous trends have shown that Dawie Olivier (Timken Subaru WRX) is a crowd favourite. It is anticipated that the Pretoria crowd will extend their enthusiasm to include Hennie Groenewald and Richard Pinard in similar cars, perhaps giving the trio some gain.

Johan Fourie (Indy Oil Audi A4) and Michael Stephen (Engen Audi A4) are back on form and will be looking to continue their Phakisa success. The two drivers are tied for third place in the championship.

Marco da Cunha (Tubular Nissan 350Z) and Reghard Roets (Rough Rider BMW 335i) both had good outings at Phakisa and will be hoping to continue their good form, whilst Tschops Sipuka (Engen Audi A4) will be hoping for a good result.

The VW versus Ford battle continues in Class T and the never-ending feud is sure to keep the crowd entertained.

Leading the six-strong Volkswagen Golf GTI challenge is current championship leader Graeme Nathan (Indy Oil). He is joined by teammates Gennaro Bonafede (Ferodo) and Kieren Quarmby (Interfile). The impressive trio will be trying to outperform the equally successful Nando's Ford Focus ST entries of Gary Formato, Michael van Rooyen and Shaun Duminy.

Adding some spice and looking to topple the GTI/Ford rivalry will be the MFC Mazda 3 MPS team, of Heinz Bose and George Smalberger, and Acc Renault Mégane driver Andre van der Merwe. The final three GTI entries will be those of Curt Alchin (Bodyman), Nieyaaz Modack (Woodmead) and Nizaam Esa (Asrin).

There will be three practice sessions on Friday afternoon, with qualifying and three races on the Saturday.

Shop

Valentino Rossi: Portrait of a Speed God
Charts Valentino Rossi's life from his earliest days, following his graduation through the ranks, winning the 125, 250 and 500 World Championships, to his...
R317.95
Senna Versus Prost
Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One.
R284.95
100 Years of Brooklands: The Birthplace of...
Commissioned by the Brooklands Museum, Brooklands, this book details the history of this motor racing centre. It features photography from the collection of famous...
R421.95


Comments

More expert analysis and opinion from Sport24
The opinions expressed by Sport24 experts and bloggers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily represent those of SuperSport

Live Video Streaming

Sports Talk



Guest Column
The end for Barrichello?
Veteran driver Rubens Barrichello's chances of staying in Formula 1 have been reduced to virtually...

Reuters on Motorsport
Lotus hopes to return to the top
Lotus aims to be back at the top in Formula One within three years, team principal Eric Boullier...