The biggest entry of the season will see 87 cars in action on an event that will also put the finishing touches to some outstanding championship issues. The final entry list sees 45 Special Vehicles, 37 Production Cars and five Special Vehicles competing in the Northern Regions regional championship, set to do battle in the Gauteng metropolitan area.
“It is a fantastic entry,” said chief organiser Willie Prinsloo from the Koepel Club. “We were always hoping the final event of the year, run in a metropolitan area, would attract additional entries but the turnout has taken us by surprise.
“It is, however, indicative of the popularity of off road racing.”
Prinsloo added that with race headquarters at a top class family entertainment centre easily accessible across Gauteng and championship issues to be settled, the Koepel Club was expecting a huge turnout of race enthusiasts. A revised route is spectator friendly with numerous viewing points within easy access of the Carnival City complex.
“The event has a reputation for bringing rain,” said Willie, “but I don’t think that will put a damper on proceedings.”
Among the championship issues to be sorted out over the weekend will be the prestige South African Manufacturers Championship where Toyota lead arch rivals Nissan by just 20 points. Both camps have called up all the troops they can muster, and the championship is set for a tense finish.
The Super Production Class in the Production Vehicle category is also up for grabs with Proudly South African Nissan crew Hannes Grobler and Francois Jordaan tied with Ford Racing Ranger pair Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer. The Nissan pair have already clinched the overall championship.
Titles are also up for grabs in the Special Vehicle category. The Class B championship could be won by any one of four crews, and the driver’s championship in Class S will also be settled with just nine points separating Nic Goslar (Kopanong Hotel Superteam Raceco) and reigning champion Richard Schilling in the Plastotech Aceco.
The event starts with a 70 kilometre prologue, to determine start position for the race proper, from 11:30 on Friday. The main race starts at 08h00 on Saturday and will be run over two loops of approximately 180 kilometres each.
The start/finish and the designated service area are all situated at the Carnival City complex. Come play!
