With spanking new Sasol DualFuel Omegas and only 4 points between, Johan Fourie and Shaun Watson-Smith await the next round of the Vodacom Power Tour, at East London’s Mercedes Benz GP circuit on Saturday (24 May), with much anticipation and careful optimism. –
– The Supervan Racing team, under the guidance of Sarel van der Merwe, recently honoured with the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists “Colin Watling Award” for meritorius service to motorsport, have been finishing off the subtle technical touches to the aggressive-looking Omegas in Port Elizabeth and shaken them down successfully at Aldo Scribante. –
– Fourie, a finalist for the Guild’s Bridgestone/Firestone 2002 Motorsportsmen of the year (MSOY) award, has Watson-Smith (Barnett Autospares Sasol Omega) and, amongst other fast-improving contenders Grant van Schalkwyk (Hi-Q Mustang) to worry about in his WesBank Samcar title defense, but is mentally prepared for the two 8-lap dices on Saturday afternoon. –
– “At this fast circuit, there’s no time for pottering around. Top-end speed and low-gravity grip from the Goodyear tyres are critical,” he says. –
– Watson-Smith is a wiley and wise driver, strong in his total focus and dedication to be “top dog” this year, with no team orders in place. –
– Also looking for a podium finish (or two) is Melvill Priest in his Sasol DualFuel-backed Mad Bull Mustang. The also Vodacom Sports Prototypes front-runner needs a turn of luck and the coast might just provide the correct atmosphere for a deserved personal reward for his natural racing ability, acquired in just 2 short seasons. –
– Phillip Kekana, nicknamed the “Township Tornado”, had the “wind against him” last time out at Aldo Scribante in April when a shoe lace (hooked around the accelerator cable) landed his Sasol DualFuel Polo into the tyre barrier in race one of the Engen Polo Cup, destroying his possible points quest after a fine 11th in qualifying. –
– Now motivated by the recognition received from the Guild as another finalist at MSOY awards, won by his “umhlobo”(friend) and fellow Polo racer, Tschops Sipuka. –
– On his shopping list this weekend, besides strong “duck tape” for those shoe laces are a healthy picking of points to add, to the 2 he has earned to date in his debut season of the super-close one make series. –
– In the Production Car Category, the Sasol DualFuel-supported Ford Racing team of Steve Wyndham (Class A Falcon) and Class D Ikon front-runners Clint Weston and Miguel Pasquali, as well as Citizen Motoring’s Argus Thompson (Motorhouse Golf) should all be points scorers. –
– The same applies to Class C Sabat Honda campaigner, Craig Nicholson, who has a number of top three finishes already this year. –
– For the latest news and inside stories on the Sasol Steam Team go to: www.sasolmotorsport.co.za or www.CarToday.com.
