Sarel “Supervan” van der Merwe, with the support of Megapro Marketing and Wise Media, has launched a benefit project in which his supporters and corporates can effectively say “cheers” to the South African racing champ, before he officially retires from competitive racing at the end of 2002 and, thereafter, focuses on his business, Supervan Racing. –
– The project events include fun track days at 3 of the countries racing circuits (A.A. Kyalami, Aldo Scribante and Killarney), golf days in Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Jo’burg, and a “finale” banquet in Gauteng on 20 November. –
– A highlight of the latter will be the auction of many of Sarel’s motorsport memorabilia collected over his five decades of racing and rallying in South Africa, as well as his successful international exploits, in particular, the victory in the Kreepy Krauly March Porsche at the 1984 Daytona 24 hour race. –
– When asked what he does for a living, Van der Merwe will unashamedly say “golf”. It is, therefore, obvious why his fans who can swing a club (to some extent) will be able to play 18 holes with the legend and enjoy a protracted few hours on the “19th “, in Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg over the next 5 months. –
– Lovers of speed and driving precision will be able to participate in the fun-oriented track days at A.A. Kyalami, Killarney and Aldo Scribante before the end of the year. –
– Off-track fun activities are part of the package, and the ultimate thrill for one or two lucky attendees will be the chance to be “Van’s” passenger at 250Km/ph in his Sasol DualFuel Astra V8 campaigned in the WesBank Samcar Series. –
– Dates, venues and package costs for the activities will soon be released. –
– The Paarl-based silver-haired cat lover is the only South African motor racer to still feature in the annual BMI – Sport Info survey of the top 20 favourite sporting personalities in this country. –
– Often remembered for his perceived “blunt” retorts, few will imagine that he has the proverbial heart of gold, drinks more milk than beer or wine, and listens to classical music when he’s not teeing off, racing, presenting the Topcar Supersport TV Rally show or writing vehicle reviews for a motoring website. –
– In keeping with his humane instincts, part of the proceedings from the Sarel van der Merwe Benefit will be donated to a variety of wildlife and animal organizations/charities. –
– All racing enthusiasts will be able to share in the 16 times S.A. motor racing champion’s memories when a range of memorabilia go on sale at the remaining Vodacom Power Tour and national rally events from August onwards. –
– SAREL VAN DER MERWE BENEFIT ENQUIRIES: –
– EVENTS, SPONSORSHIP AND MARKETING: Megapro Marketing – Glynis Chalmers. Telephone (011) 350 9800/082 878 5120, Fax (011) 784 7010, E-mail – [email protected] –
– BENEFIT CO-ORDINATION AND PROMOTION: Wise Media/Race & Rally – Peter Wise. Telephone (011) 326 1550/082 560 2375, Fax (011) 326 1552, E-mail – [email protected] –
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