By Peter Palm
If Capetonians want to see some serious off-road racing this weekend to wet your enthusiastic appetite before switching to the F1 season kicking off in Australia on Sunday, then try to take some time off today on Saturday 17 and get along to have a look… This is the first round of South African Off-Road Car Racing Championship sponsored by ABSA vehicle and asset finance. Other sponsors are Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Motorite insurance administrators.
The classes range from A to F in the special vehicle category, while the increasingly popular SP (Super Production) class allows for minimal changes (such as shock absorbers and body and mounting strengthening) to a production vehicle. Even a standard facia must be fitted. Reigning champions in the special vehicle section are Alfie Cox and navigator Hennie Ter Steege in a Motorite BAT.
The BAT company is owned by Brandon Harcus although he will be piloting a Ford Ranger, directionally assisted by Juan Mohr. Last year’s winners of the SP class, Neil Woolridge and navigator Kenny Skjoldhammer are also in a Ford Ranger. The team that won the overall championship in 2006 were Hannes Grobbler and Francois Jordaan in their Nissan Navara.
Spectator guides are available at the Darling country club and viewing spots include Darling, Wylands (off the R304 to Malmsbury), as well as (on Saturday only) the Yzerfontein/Langebaan/Saldanha road (R315). The prologue that will decide starting positions takes place today (Friday 16) at the “dirt and dust park” at Fisantekraal on the R312 while the race proper will start at 8am on Saturday 17 and continue into the afternoon.