Preparations for the Zwartkops International Raceway’s 31 January “Golden Age Motor Racing”, presented by Ford Performance, Goodyear and Roadway Logistics, are in top gear with no fewer than 25 legendary historic racing cars on the water on their way to the Pretoria West circuit. –
– The international contingent, from Europe and the USA, will be complemented by a sizeable entry from South Africa, ensuring a weekend of nostalgia and speed, spiced with a rock ‘n roll theme from official practice on the Friday (30 January). –
– The Saturday track action comprises 16 back to back races, from 10h00, featuring Historic Touring Cars, Pre 1965 Formula One and Historic Single Seaters, Lotus Challenge, Historic and Classic Motorcycles and Fine Cars. –
– Proceedings conclude late afternoon with the “Red Hot Rock ‘n Roll Party” and prizegiving, to which the public are also invited, especially if you’re wearing something red. Cash prizes for folk who are suitably attired to fit the occasion are on offer. –
– Three Mc Laren’s, Kausen Porsche, Ford GT 40, Ford F3L, 4 Chevrons, three AC Cobra’s, four Ferrari’s, Aston Martin, Jaguar and now the ex North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) 1979 Le Mans Ferrari 512 BB are just part of the attraction. –
– The most fascinating entry is the Frank Sytner Lola T70 Spyder which recently won the fastest race ever at Goodwood. This car is the number one entry in the Goodyear International Sports Prototype event, which will have 25 entries and is likely to be one of the fastest events ever to run at the 2.5km Zwartkops. The Class A leading group will comprise two Lola T70’s, two Chevron B19’s, three Mc Laren’s, two Ferrari’s including the Le Mans Ferrari 512 Bb. Exciting stuff. –
– The Le Mans Sports and GT race is sure to be equally as enthralling, with the Ford GT 40 of Chris Chiles (this car has won just about everything it has entered in Europe over the past two years), plus the South African-entered Peter Bailey Gt40. These Fords are going to be hard pressed by the 7,0 litre AC Cobra of Graham Bryant and John Bendall. –
– Added to this group will be Chris O’Neill’s 5 litre AC Cobra Coupe, last year’s winner Alex Hammond’s very fast Camaro and Mike Knight’s Corvette. Two fascinating entries for the 2 litre class are the screening Dino 246 Ferrari of Peter Ratcliffe and a car which South Africans have not seen for many a year-the Porsche 906 of Wolfgang Schuessler. The Le Mans event is to be run over 60 minutes and boasts a top field of over 30 cars. –
– “Golden Age Motor Racing” also features the Nine Hour Legends Production Cars, headed by Le Mans winner Alan Minshaw in his Ford Mustang and South African Brian Rowlings in his Mustang. They should be chased real hard by a pair of Lotus Cortina’s, a lone Studebaker Golden Hawk, a brace of Mini Cooper’s and Alfa’s. –
– As most of the cars racing on the weekend eminate from the era when rock ‘n roll music was at its heyday, the hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s will fill the air around Zwartkops Raceway, in particular in the family fun areas where loads of entertainment and refreshments will be available for the kids and “oldies”. –
– During the lunch break there will be a few further on-track “antics” in tradionatal South African style – a Ford versus a Chevy versus a ??? driven by well-known personalities, for one. –
– At only R60 per adult the “Golden Age Motor Racing” day at Zwartkops International World of Motoring promises to kick-start the local motorsport season with magical moments and memories. –
– Children under 14 will be admitted free of charge, covered grandstand seating is unreserved (so arrive early) and souvenir event programmes will be on sale at R10 each. Entrance ticket purchases are through Computicket. –
– Corporate hospitality packages are also available at many of Zwartkops’ VIP facilities. Details are available from Isabel van der Westhuizen on 082 451 3034. –
– For further information on the 31 January “Golden Age Motor Racing” call (012) 374 5802, email [email protected] or visit www.zwartkops.co.za.
