A Dazzeling Perception?

I recently read the article published in the 'Classic Car Africa' magazine of September 2007 (Pg 56) duly submitted by Peter du Toit, owner of the Zwartkops raceway in Pretoria West.

Without taking the article to task or discrediting it in any way, let me say that in essence I agree with many of the proposals suggested but sincerely doubt whether it will ultimately be a viable or workable solution within the South African race fraternity. Why do I say that? Well for one, South African motor racing does NOT attract anywhere near 100 entrants in a classic or historic car race where the club has the ability to exclude the bottom seventy entrants and only accept the top thirty race cars and driver entries. In fact on many a race day I have personally seen at more than one particular race venue, entries of far less than even thirty entrants (Classic cars / Historic cars) on the starting grid. The current race categories are I believe sufficient given the race entry numbers in South Africa that we are talking about. Is then adding more race categories a bad thing ? NO, but why then split the current groups even further simply because you CAN when at best of times there are not a large enough number to begin with. (See the last paragraph of 'Project Camaro' written by Michele Lupini which states...."Yes Trans-Am has been a little thin on entries of late, BUT......")

Further mention is also made with regard to the 'Legends of the 9-Hour' and makes for acceptable reading. However the last part of the article is what really peeves me. The last paragraph quotes, "I (Peter du Toit) am hoping to structure some Legends of the 9-Hour days in 2008 around the country however, we will not go anywhere where there is no category compatibility. There is no way that a Cortina Lotus which is correct in terms of its period is going to be beating (sic) up by a Dazzle Datsun with slick tyres and engine and gearbox specs not even dreamed of in its day!"

Excuse me! The rules that govern classic and historic racing in South Africa are duly prescribed and applied by the relevant race track owners and or chairpersons of such committees that host such classic/historic formats of racing. Each car is further scrutinised in accordance to such stipulated MSA GCR rules which may also include such appendices and or dispensations as may be applicable for that race year before being allowed to race. If the governing rules therefore applied allow such changes to include modifications to suspension, gearbox and tyres within such controlled and defined parameters and furthermore, that engine blocks, cylinder heads and camshaft geometry be in accordance with the 'period' of such motor manufacturer, why make the accusation that a Dazzle Datsun should not beat up a Cortina Lotus which is also deemed 'correct in terms of period'. This specific reference in the article sounds more like a personal vendetta rather than either the entrant driver, race car or race category not complying with such duly recognised and applicable rules which govern the specific race category. Should the Datsun vs Cortina Lotus then be in the same race category? Sorry, once again race entrants apply and abide by the applicable rules, not make them.

In conclusion, I sincerely believe it takes a race driver with talent and ability to outperform his or her opposition, irrespective of the vehicle type, whereas a person with loads of money and no talent or ability will usually always complain about being beaten by a poorer or lesser know competitor. Which category do you aspire towards Mr du Toit?

(Italics mine)