Some time back we published a story that outlined the introduction of a new race series in South Africa, known as GTC.
Unfortunately for several reasons that are too long and boring to go into here, the series did not take off in 2014 as initially planned. That’s not to say series organisers have not been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that it will indeed be the new top flight saloon car formula in SA.
Keeping it simple
Much like Nascar or Aussie Touring cars the series aims to keep the class simple by using strict technical regulations. Each car in the class will be near identical, using the same specification powerplant, Dunlop tyres, suspension and transmission. The only real difference will be the bodyshell, which will be specific to each manufacturer/driver’s choice.
Turbo power
Since the initial announcement, the rulemakers have decided to forego the original V8 engine concept. It has been replaced with a turbocharged 2,0-litre inline four, in keeping with manufacturers’ current trend to downsize.
As most automakers already possess such an engine in their respective line-ups it also gives them the chance to use their own engine, as opposed to the control motor supplied by the class, provided it develops a maximum of 330 kW.
Slip and slide
Power will be delivered to the rear axle via a six-speed sequential transmission. Without any form of electronic interference, such as ABS or traction control, or all-wheel drive systems, the new GTC cars should prove to be visually spectacular as they oversteer out of corners.
Multi-tiered
Series frontman Gary Formato says that nine GTC cars will take to the grid at the opening round next year fielded mostly by drivers who were competing in the now defunct Production Car series. Among them are some of SA’s best tin-top racers including reigning champ Hennie Groenewald, multiple title holder Michael Stephen, Michael van Rooyen and well-known TV personality Gary Formato.
Apart from the nine GTC cars the category will also make room for lower level classes: GTC Production and GTC X. The former will accommodate FWD turbocharged (former Class T) hatchbacks while the latter is a class for older production cars.
Manufacturer involvement
GTC gained a major boost earlier this week when Volkswagen announced that it will field two cars in the top flight class. One of those cars will be driven by ex-rally champ Gugu Zulu; his team-mate is yet to be announced. In addition VW will run two GTC Production challengers for development drivers.
According to VW motorsport chief Mike Rowe, VW’s race team will be run as a satellite outfit as the German manufacturer has scaled back its involvement in local motorsport.
Rumour has it that since the clarification of the rules and the even playing field, several other manufacturers have been eyeing the series to return to, or make an SA circuit-racing debut. Could this series perhaps see a rise in popularity of local motorsport? We certainly hope so.