You Absolute Beauty

This was the official last race of the season for classic cars and I was glad yet also in a way sad as I was just having so much fun and honestly I did not want it to end NOW. Friday's (2nd November) practice was scheduled for 11h45 and I went out and again tried my best realizing that I am now in class D for my last race of the season. To my amazement I managed a 1:32:6 on lap 5 (a class C time) and called it a day. I was astounded not so much with my own improvement but at this Datsun 1400's ability to get down to these times. Oh and believe me, I've still got PLENTY to learn with at least 3 turns still getting the better of me.

Saturday's official qualifying was at 10h00 and lo and behold at 09h00 down came the rain. Fortunately it did eventually stop at about 09h40 which allowed us to at least drive with our 'wets' on without the downpour. I am definitely not an experienced wet weather guy and much prefer the dry and only managed to post a 1:50:0 putting me 21st on the start grid out of 36 entrants and 7th in class D.

Race 1 was off at 14h00 on a rolling start with the sun shinning brightly, a dry race track and my slicks back on. With the red lights going out on the start and my rev-limiter red light coming on I was gone and already gained 3 places by turn 1 . For a while I had a nice dice with Jaco Lambert in his 1600 Escort MK1 but pulled a good gap (2.49 seconds) towards the end. I finished 14th at the finish and won class D comfortably.

Race 2 was the last event on the day at 17h00 and again I had a good rolling start holding Jaco for six laps before my brakes started fading slightly. The race times were still almost 2 seconds off pace (1:34:9) due to a strong wind blowing and track surface conditions and temperature not at there ultimate. My judgment sensed however that he would not get away from me and I eventually allowed him through in turn 1 (rather safe than sorry). Keeping right up his back bumper I stayed with him till the finish with him beating me by 0.4 seconds. Great drive Jaco.

This was still sufficient for me to take 1st overall in class D for the day due to the time difference when combined for the two heats. I had a brilliant day and a fantastic way to end the season on a high. I can't wait for the 2008 season to begin. My last race for the year will be the LUK 3 hour endurance race in Port Elizabeth on the 17th November 2007.

Thanks again to my 'Boet' Martin for preparing a real winning Datsun GX Coupe throughout this season.

Thanx CHAMP